You’ve probably seen him in some magazines, and many popular sites. Danny Roberts, a very young and talented fashion illustrator/illustrator is making some real noise in the fashion and illustration field. Today, we are so lucky that Danny shares some of his views and technique to us and also some of his fasinating works.
TFS: The Familiar Strangers
DR: Danny Roberts
TFS: Do you have particular goal you want to acheive?
DR: Yes. I grew up as a competitive wrestler, and in wrestling I was taught to set long term goals and short term goals. It’s a little bit different setting goals in art because it’s a little bit more abstract. One of my short term goals is to improve with every picture I do. That is why I created The Character Sketchbook, to monitor improvements. I also would love to have the opportunity to Illustrate a Vogue cover, just because the old illustrated 1920’s Vogue & Harper’s Bazaar covers are some of my favorites pieces of art. I would love to bring that back.
TFS: Are you fulflling your childhood dream as a fashion illustrator?
DR: I’m not sure I could say I’m fulfilling my childhood dream to be a Fashion Illustrator, because I only learned that there was a profession called ” Fashion Illustration” just a few years ago, but I am fulfilling my childhood dream of being a Professional Day Dreamer.
Magazine covers Illustration
TFS: You use multi media for your illustration, but which media and method are you most sticked with?
DR: I’m fascinated by techniques and experimenting, so I really don’t like using the same processes twice. I’m constantly playing around with new ways of coloring and combining them with old ways. I like using just about anything. For example, just about any of my pictures could have pen, ink, Gauche, color pencil, and Pastel in it. I’m teaching myself to oil paint right now,so I plan on combining that in the mixed media pallet soon.
Danny select some bloggers he admire and give them a portrait, cross your fingers!
TFS: What is the different betwee an illustrator and a fashion illustrator?
DR: That’s a good question. I think a Fashion Illustrator’s main emphasis is on clothes and beauty, so I don’t think there is much of a difference.
Illustrations in Danny's Fashion Illustration Book
TFS: Do you use computer to paint or color your work?
DR: Yes, sometimes. Like I said on the question of mix media, I like to experiment on color processes and materials, so if I add digital color, I will combine it with real color. I try not to paint completely with the computer if I can help it. For the most part, I try to have the digital element as an enhancement, not to create.
Illustrations in Danny's Fashion Illustration Book
TFS: What is your normal daily routine?
DR: I am definitely a routine person; it’s more like my daily schedule.
5:30- 6:30 Try to get out of bed
6:30- 8:00 Read and eat breakfast.
8:00- 9:30 Get organized, check email & schedules, work on my Blog
9:30- 12:30 Draw/ Paint/ Illustrate
12:30- 1:00 Lunch
1:00- 6:00 Draw/ Paint/ Illustrate
6:00- 6:30 Dinner
6:30- 8:00 Hang out with family, watch movies.
8:00- 11:00 Play Mario Cart with my brother and/or Draw/ Paint/ Illustrate
Danny working in his studio/room
TFS: What is the meaning of Igor + André?
DR: Ah… I think I’m going to have to hold off on answering that one. I’m really sorry, it is just the meaning of it has to do with a project that won’t be ready for a few years.
Layered Illustration by Danny
TFS: Do you have any stranger side which few people know?
DR: Hahahha. Maybe, I like to write music, but can’t really sing… and once in a while, I will record me singing cover songs and send it to my friends as a joke. They”re terrible… haha.
The World of Alexander McQueen using 3D/2D layered illustration technique
TFS: You started your own clothing company in a very young age at 13! This is pretty awesome right? Can you share some of its experience to us?
I am sure it helps to develop a business mind in an early age and it should be a advantage.
DR: Yes, it was incredible. It opened a lot of doors for me. It also taught me so much at such an early age. For one, I had to fund it all myself, and as a 13 year old, I had no money, so I took a job working cleaning up at construction sites for a summer until I earned enough money to pay for my first order of screen printed clothes. Then, I figured out a way to let the Company sustain itself. I was lucky enough that my best friend/ business partner grew up to be one of the top graduates out of Haas Berkeley Business School, so I got to learn from him on the business side. Then I learned how to manage on the art/design side, all before college. It definitely was a huge advantage.
Eco Citizen Windows Dislay: left: Concept Right: Actual
TFS: You are doing illustrations for a children’s book, Ginger Marmelade Toastmiester. Is it a challenge for you as it is quite far apart from fashion?
DR: Wow, yes! Incredibly difficult. When I took the job, I hadn’t ever drawn animals or illustrated a book, let alone done an illustrated book about animals, so I just researched and practiced non stop. It took me a little while to feel comfortable doing it, but now I feel really comfortable. I really like challenges, and it forced me to grow. I’m scared I’ll get stagnant if I’m doing projects for too long that aren’t challenging.
Illustration for Sophie Ward's first children's book "Ginger Marmelade Toastmiester"
TFS: After the children’s book and The Character Sketchbook, what is the next big project?
DR: There is a long term Collaboration Art project I’ve been putting together over this year through Paper Castle Press. We are hoping to have it done some time next year. Basically, I wrote a story on the spot, as a bedtime story for a friend, and it really turned out quiet nice. At the start of this year, Sophie Ward and I got together and had the idea of trying to bring in different artists with different tool sets to work on making the story come to life. Sophie Ward is going to rewrite it and put her lovely words to it, and Stacy Dupree, brilliant songwriter and singer from the Band Eisley, has also been working on it. We are still pulling together everyone who is going to be involved with it. There is more information about it at www.papercastlepress.com; click on “Future Titles”.
TFS: Any words for the new starter?
DR: I would say, be true to yourself and ENJOY EVERY MOMENT of learning. Also, let art inspire you. I think starting out, it can be hard to stay true to yourself, and it’s easy to look at something you like and copy it. But I would say, the key to staying unique is to be yourself, because we all are made differently, which means if I stay true to myself, I will be unique.
Not enough?
You can find out Danny’s technique and some more interviews in Danny’s Blog.
Danny’s studio is a hive of inspiration. I was immersed in it for 3 days and his energy is palpable! Mario Kart was awesome too (give me 3 more days and I’ll slaughter his yoshi with my peach…) May all the angels be with him.
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[...] Despite his young age, he has been widely known, especially when you consider his publications. Being one of my favorite fashion artist, you can find a more detailed interview we did here. [...]