This month, we are going to learn more about our Dublin-based fashion artist, Sheilagh Tighe.
Can you tell us about your background and journey as a fashion artist? What led you to pursue a career in this field?
Sheilagh: As a young girl, I had a passion for fashion and would spend hours drawing outfits inspired by music videos, proudly displaying them on my bedroom wall. Vogue magazine, a constant presence in my home thanks to my mother, greatly influenced my artistic journey.
Although I took a break from drawing for a while, my love for it was reignited when I pursued a degree in Fashion Design. Rediscovering my passion, I fell in love with fashion art all over again. Intrigued by the world of design, I decided to further my knowledge by studying Graphic Design, focusing on colour, layout, and design principles. It was during this time that I realized my true calling was in illustration, particularly in the realm of fashion.
How would you describe your artistic style? What influences and inspirations contribute to your unique creative vision?
Sheilagh: I have a hand-drawn style that is both detailed and fun. I am passionate about colour and patterns, and I draw inspiration from street style trends and runway shows. My work is heavily influenced by the fashion magazines and the fashion, art, illustration, and design books that I collect. I absolutely adore fashion and the way people express themselves through their style, and I strive to capture that essence in my sketches.
Sheilagh's unique artistic flair involves hand-drawn designs influenced by street fashion and the latest runway looks.
Walk us through your creative process. How do you approach a new project or assignment? How do you translate ideas and concepts into visual representations?
Sheilagh: I find great pleasure in conducting research. To ignite my creativity, I often create word maps or brainstorm sessions. Afterwards, I compile visual collages that symbolize these ideas. I utilize Adobe InDesign for digital collages, but I also maintain a scrapbook where I collect magazine cutouts and arrange them on themed pages. Once I'm ready, I start sketching and contemplating suitable colour palettes for the project. When satisfied with the sketch, I scan it into my computer and proceed to work digitally.
Sheilagh's scrapbook is a compilation of magazine cutouts that she meticulously arranges on pages based on different themes.
What is your experience working with different medium, and how do you choose the right ones for a particular project?
Sheilagh: I usually use a pencil and sketchbook for my work, and then I scan my drawings into Photoshop or Illustrator. Sometimes, I prefer to work exclusively in Illustrator to create vector illustrations. If I have extra time, I might experiment with watercolours, markers, or coloured pencils, but I always begin with a pencil sketch. The choice of medium depends on the project or brief, and I select what would be most appropriate.
Sheilagh usually begins a pencil sketch for her artwork, before proceeding to scan her creations into either Photoshop or Illustrator.
Are there any specific techniques, mediums, or software that you specialize in or prefer to work with? How do these tools enhance your artistic process?
Sheilagh: I typically rely on the Adobe Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, to bring my sketches to life. Occasionally, I also utilize Procreate. This software provides an abundance of fantastic colour palettes and make editing work a breeze. Moreover, many clients prefer digital copies of their projects in various sizes, and these programs make it effortless to fulfil their requests.
Have you ever had to make sacrifices in your creative vision to meet a client's needs? If so, how did you navigate that situation?
Sheilagh: I briefly worked as a Graphic Designer, so I understand the importance of keeping the client happy while staying true to yourself. Being open and honest about your artistic style and capabilities, as well as understanding the client's needs, is key to a successful outcome.
Fashion Artist Sheilagh Tighe
How do you stay current with emerging fashion trends and styles while also maintaining your own signature aesthetic?
Sheilagh: I dedicate a significant amount of time to Instagram and Pinterest, as well as reading and collecting fashion magazines to stay current. It's crucial to cultivate a personal style that brings you joy and excitement, all while staying informed about the latest trends.
What do you hope to achieve in your career as a fashion artist, and how do you plan to continue growing and evolving creatively in the years to come?
Sheilagh: I really enjoy working as a Fashion Artist and look forward to dedicating more time to creative endeavours, collaborating with new clients, and growing as an artist. I aim to push myself further, explore various mediums and techniques, and savour every step of the creative journey.
Sheilagh Tighe is a talented fashion illustrator based in Dublin, Ireland. With a background in both fashion design and graphic design, Sheilagh has always been fascinated by fashion and design, drawing inspiration from street style, fashion designers, and runway shows. She finds trends in colour, pattern, silhouette, and detail to be particularly inspiring, and loves to explore how people express themselves through fashion.
Sheilagh's artwork is a beautiful blend of traditional and digital media, often beginning with sketches on paper and then moving to digital tools to refine and add detail to her work. Her illustrations are known for their attention to detail and the way they capture the essence of fashion trends and styles.