When did you first get into drawing?

I've been drawing and colouring from childhood. My grandparents would always have colouring books, markers and pencils on stock for me. My love for art drove me to study graphic design. 

Why did you choose to make fashion part of your inspiration?

During my school days at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I was exposed to many amazing artists in various fields, I was drawn to fashion illustrators such and Danny Roberts. It wasn't until much later during one of my visits to Paris Fashion Week that I decided to move more towards Illustration and fashion as my inspiration. 

What is your particular working day as a creative?

I wake up early, check my emails, work on art and language courses. I set up ideas, mood boards for competitions, open calls and personal projects. In addition, I tend to work activities and during the evening I sketch and illustrate my images. 

What tools do you use when creating your images?

Art Books for inspiration and learning. Pencil and paper, iPad, procreate, MacBook and Adobe Illustrator. 

Who or what has influenced you over the years as an artist?

I've come to realise that my Oma has been a huge influence on me as an artist. From her style to the way she decorated her home filled with patterns. My mom, a creative herself passed on the artistic gene. My favourite artist is Gustav Klimt and I thoroughly enjoy the Wiener 

Werkstätte. I also love the works by Olaf Hajek, Piet Paris and Antonio Lopez. 

What advice do you have for younger artists looking to be part of this industry?

As I am new myself to the industry, I would say community. Find connections through platforms such as FIDA, create work, show your work and improve on your practice. 

What are you drawing today? Music are you listening to? Books that you are reading?

Favourite artist/designer at the moment?

I love colour, print and pattern. I draw custom patterns that I incorporate into my illustrations and I also look for interesting colour and prints from the runways to recreate in my style. 

I am a huge K-pop fan with my favourite group being ATEEZ. Their music and visual work has inspired me a lot, and I'm currently working on a passion project illustrating that inspiration. 

On the book front, The Big Leap by Martina Flor and Patten by Orla Kiely. My favourite artists at the moment are Spiros Halaris and Bijou Karman. My favourite designers are Stella Jean, Dries Van Noten, Rahul Mishra and Virgil Abloh as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's Men's Wear. 

View Cinthia James portfolio