From my high school portfolio,
Jackie Kennedy influence 1962-63
I wanted to be a Fashion Designer. When I got to
The Philadelphia Museum College of Art, they
canceled that major. Without a thought about the
life long consequences, I changed to Fashion
Illustration, which was also canceled the
following year. And the school became the
Philadelphia College of Art.
college work, pen and ink and film color overlay 1967-68
Undeterred, I switched again, to major in
Illustration. The Illustration department
had a proud history, having been started by
Thornton Oakley, who had studied with Howard
Pyle at his renowned Brandywine School in
Chadds Ford, PA.
decorative costumes, pen and ink and color 1966-67ish
As part of my student aid, I worked after school
in the office of the Evening Division Director.
The result of another snap decision, having been
offered either that, or work in the college store
between classes. I had no idea that Jane Flory,
the night school Director was also a published
children's book author and illustrator. (See my
November 25, 2008 post) Jane became my great
friend, Mentor and collaborator.
my first fashion illustration job for a newspaper ad 1968ish
Two days after graduation I got my first freelance job,
neither fashion nor children's books. Fire engines and
a picnic ground full of people in 2 colors.
Four months later I was drawing shirts, skirts,
dresses, shorts and slacks in pen and ink for the
salesmen's catalogues at Villager/ Ladybug, the well
known (at the time) women's clothing company.
Meanwhile, the Art Director of Villager's advertising
company, gave me my first fashion illustration
assignment (above) for a newspaper ad.
kid's fashion portfolio sample, early professional portfolio, pen & ink and watercolor 1969-70ish
For a while I had two portfolios. One for fashion.
The other with samples for book publishers.
These are all wonderful! I'm so glad you posted them. The last one looks very 'modern day', like you did the patterns with Photoshop almost (I didn't mean that as an insult - just that you were ahead of your time, clearly.)
ReplyDeleteI found your post while searching for Ladybug & Villager. Loved reading your journey! Myom used to work for Ladybug as a sales girl & I've always loved their clothing and ads. I'm trying to locate some pieces or ads by the label, but it hasn't been easy!
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