Introduction

Welcome to Fashion Design Workshop: REMIX—where fashion design, illustration, and creativity intersect with inclusivity, empowerment, and individuality! In this companion to my first book, Fashion Design Workshop (Walter Foster Publishing), we dive deeper into creative expression through learning the art of fashion design, including experimenting with a range fun and engaging techniques across a variety of media, while simultaneously learning to cultivate a uniquely personal style. Fashion Design Workshop: REMIX is a celebration of design and how we express ourselves through fashion regardless of body type, physical ability, or gender.

In this book, aspiring fashion designers, trendsetters, and style gurus are invited to explore a wide variety of tools and materials that can be used to illustrate and design a range of fashions—from fancy dresses and red carpet-worthy looks to sportswear and chic urban outfits. Using graphite pencils, pens, and markers, as well as watercolor paint, metallic paint pens, and even collage, fashionistas of all backgrounds will embrace the creativity that comes with trying different types of mixed media to create fashions that run the range from classic and conventional to wild and whimsical. Try all of the suggested tools to learn what works best for you and your personal style—be it traditional drawing methods or digital illustration tools.

In Chapter 1, you’ll learn everything you need to get started, including how to work with the various featured art tools, as well as basic drawing and sketching techniques. Chapter 2 includes a comprehensive quiz for uncovering your personal style and then goes into greater detail for using myriad art techniques to suit every style and design theme.

In Chapters 3, 4, and 5, you’ll begin putting your knowledge into practice by following step-by-step projects that demonstrate how to create a range of designs inspired by pop culture and contemporary fashion. In Chapter 6, you’ll learn how to create your own uniquely themed fashion line, while the last four pages of the book include templates in varying shapes and sizes, which you can scan or photocopy to use over and over again.

Whether you are an experienced fashionista or just starting out for the first time, you’re sure to find creative design ideas, inspiration, and a plethora of art tips and techniques for taking your fashion illustration game to the next level!