Sometime last year, I took up a challenge to make a Fashion Illustration every day for the next 100 days. Now before doing this, the only knowledge I had about Fashion Illustration was roughly manual. I had no idea how to illustrate digitally or even what tools or software to use. But I was determined I was gonna embark on this challenge.

100 Days Of Fashion Illustration is a challenge where you publicly commit to learn/sharpen your illustration skills for a period of 100 days.

Standing out in the Fashion Industry as a Fashion Designer led me into learning one of the most valuable skills in the Fashion industry. Hence, 100 Days Of Fashion Illustration.When I started out, it was really overwhelming. Of course I was excited to be starting something new, but that wasn’t in the absence of doubt, and fear.  Anyway, I used all the learning materials(books, videos, images) at my disposal to get the hang of  it. Had a rough start, but my illustrations progressed with each day, and this reinforced my patience and consistency. Still figuring this sh*t out but boy am I happy with my progress! It only gets better.

As a Fashion Designer or aspiring Fashion designer, it is essential that you know how to illustrate, because it is a critical part of Fashion designing.  Fashion illustrations are the blueprint for a design. It helps communicate the technical elements of a design.

And the good thing about this challenge is that you can do it from the comfort of your home. So if you’re thinking of giving it a shot, I say go for it! it’s a worthwhile experience.

Here are some of the supplies you’d need to kick-start your 100 days of Fashion Illustration challenge

For manual illustration

1. A Fashion sketch pad. Ideally an A4 size book. 
2. HB and 2B pencils for sketching. 4B and 6B pencils for highlighting. Charcoal pencils are not left out either. 
3. Rulers. French curve.
4. Tracing paper (optional)
5. Colour pencils, water colour.
6. Markers and ball point pens.
7. Eraser.

For Digital Illustration

There are so many digital illustration tools out there. You can research to find out one that works best for you..

1. i[Pad & apple penci]: Used/still use this for all my digital sketches. One of the best devices for digital art. Gives you access to a lot of illustration apps.
3. [Adobe creative cloud:] Provides you with all the tools you could ever need.
4. [Surface pro & surface pen] : The newest addition to Microsoft, and a good substitute for iPad.
5. YouTube and Pinterest courses/illustration videos: You’d find both really helpful. You can follow Nick Verreos amongst other Fashion illustration tutors online for your Fashion illustration lessons. His videos are very easy to follow, one of the best you can find online 

My top 5 reading recommendations to help you understand Fashion, art, illustration, and the essence of Fashion Illustration. You can find and download these books online.

100 years of Fashion illustration 

Fashion sketchbook by Bina Abling 

The art of Fashion illustration 

Fashion Illustration Techniques 

Essential Fashion illustration 

A quick rundown of the guidelines

Always have your “why” in mind: One of the things you’d need before you embark on your 100 Days Of Fashion Illustration challenge is your “why”. Why do you want to learn how to illustrate?

It is only when you understand your “why” (or your purpose) that you’ll be more capable of pursuing the things that give you fulfillment.

When tempted, frustrated or overwhelmed, remember the reason you started in the first place. This will give you clarity and keep you going when the going gets tough.

Be flexible: Don’t stick to a particular type of illustration. Be open to different angles of illustration. The beauty lies in the spontaneity/fluidity. Explore!

Go public: Get your art in front of an audience. Share the art you’ve worked so hard on. You can use Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Behance. Join online communities. The reason for this is for support, and accountability. This would boost your learning process a great deal. You can’t do this in secret, and you definitely cannot do it alone.

Take breaks: It’s okay to take breaks, really. Burnout is very real and it sucks! Sometimes, all your brain needs is to chill tf out. But you shouldn’t be away for long though. A day off should do it. The goal is to disconnect to reconnect, and not to disconnect to disappear.

Keep practicing: Don’t stop practicing even when the challenge comes to an end. That in fact, should be when you’re just getting started. Keep going. Keep evolving. Learning never ends.

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #100DaysOfFashionIllustration for all your social media posts.

If you are a newbie, please take it easy on yourself. Don’t beat up yourself on days you fall short. Make your mistakes, learn the lessons and move on. Don’t succumb to pressure. Take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and make sure you have fun while at it. I’m rooting for you!

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Got any questions/suggestions about 100 Days Of Fashion Illustration challenge? Feel free to drop by my slack channel https://viccimahi.slack.com