Fashion Illustration (DST64104)
Contents
TASK 01 - WEEK 01 - WEEK 04
TASK 02 - WEEK 04 - WEEK 06
TASK 03 - WEEK 07 - WEEK 10
FINAL PROJECT - WEEK 11 - WEEK 14
Week 01
Our Fashion Illustration module for Semester 2 began with a briefing on the module information booklet and assignment details. Task 01 required us to explore the ‘Hatching’ technique using black Artline pens (sizes 0.2 to 0.8) on an A3 illustration board, based on a Black & White Avant Garde fashion theme.
Mr. Jr introduced us to the basics of hatching, specifically angled hatch strokes, which not only help in building stability in our pen control but also act as a foundational technique for future illustration experiments using various media. We were instructed to select a fashion editorial reference from Pinterest, and to show Mr. Jr to approve the editorial we were also tasked to practice hatching this was to be done before attempting the illustration, we were to do a try-and-error exercise on normal A3 drawing block paper to understand how to build tones, shadows, and proportions with hatching. Once approved, we moved on to the actual piece on the illustration board.
Task 01 chosen Fashion Editorial
Week 02 & 03:
Week 02 fell on a public holiday, so we didn’t have class. However, I took the opportunity to begin my try-and-error process at home. With my fashion editorial reference and hatching exercises approved the week before, I started by tracing the printed editorial image and slowly began the hatching process. We were told to complete 30% of our hatching exercise during this period.
By Week 03, I encountered challenges—particularly when it came to hatching the hair section. I asked Mr. Jr for help, and he advised me to first complete the dress and body parts, since those involved more detailed and tighter areas. Once those were done, the hair would be easier to manage. He also encouraged me to start working on the final version on the illustration board as the submission was due the following week.
One of the hardest aspects was maintaining consistent hatching direction and avoiding over-shading the highlighted areas. It took focus, precision, and a steady hand.
Week 04:
I committed three full days to completing my final illustration on the A3 board. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to consult Mr. Jr again regarding the hair section, but I managed to finish it to the best of my ability. I faced a bit of a mishap while working on the legs, where I hatched in a wrong direction and slightly lost the proportion, but overall I was able to complete the artwork and submit.
Reflection:
This first task really pushed me to practice discipline, precision, and control—especially in using one direction of hatching to create tone and dimension. I realized how powerful black and white illustrations can be when built thoughtfully. Although I struggled with certain parts like hair and maintaining light and shadows, I learned how important planning and patience are when building up tones through hatching.
This experience also helped me become more aware of fashion proportions, detailing of different elements, and the role of texture in visual storytelling. I’m excited to explore more and to keep improving my personal illustration style.
TASK 02
WEEK 04 - WEEK 06 (13.05.2025 - 27.05.2025)
Week 04: Introduction to Scrubbing Technique Using Colour Pencil
In Week 04, we were introduced to Task 2, which focused on experimentation with dry media, specifically the ‘Scrubbing Technique’ using colour pencils. This technique was new to most of us, and a demonstration video was shown during the lecture session to help us understand how to build texture and layering with pressure and motion.
The task theme was ‘Spring & Summer’, and the final work had to be done on A3 illustration board using colour pencils. For practice, we used A3 size drawing block paper. As part of the preparation, we selected a fashion editorial from Pinterest and printed it out in both A3 black & white and A4 colored versions to use as references.
After the lecture, we headed to print our references and began the try-and-error phase, familiarizing ourselves with the scrubbing method and how to control depth and layering with colour pencils.
Week 05:
Progress during Week 05 was slower for me. I was experimenting with the scrubbing technique but found myself stuck on whether or not I had to include the background of my chosen editorial in the final work. I was unsure how much it would impact the illustration.
After asking Mr. Jr for clarification, he explained that since the background was an important visual element in my editorial reference, it had to be included in the final illustration. This added an extra challenge but also made me rethink my colour layering approach for the entire composition.
Before the class ended, I showed my try-and-error progress to Mr. Jr, and he gave me the approval to start working on the final piece on the illustration board.
Week 06:
Unfortunately, Week 06 was packed with other commitments, especially the Kebaya viewing session, which took up a significant amount of time. Because of this, I wasn’t able to start on the final illustration at an ideal pace and ended up rushing to complete it.
One of my biggest challenges in illustration has always been drawing and coloring faces. Despite dedicating an entire day to just the face portion of my artwork, the outcome wasn’t what I had hoped for. It didn’t turn out the way I envisioned, and I was a little disappointed with the result.
Still, I completed the piece and submitted it on time, reminding myself that part of this learning process is embracing imperfection and continuously improving from each task.
Reflection:
The scrubbing technique was a valuable new skill that taught me the importance of layering, pressure control, and building up colours gradually. Even though I faced challenges—especially with the face and time management—I learned how to push through and complete a project under pressure.
I realized that it's okay not to get everything perfect the first time, and that every piece, even with its flaws, is part of my growth as a fashion illustrator. Moving forward, I hope to dedicate more time to practicing facial illustrations and managing my time more effectively when juggling multiple assignments.
TASK 03
WEEK 07 - WEEK 11 (03.06.2025 - 01.07.2025)
Week 07:
This week, we began Task 3, which explored the Overlapping Technique using marker pens—a medium that was completely new to me. The theme for this task was ‘Sport Illustrated’, and our final work would be done on A3 size photocopy paper or marker sketch pad.
To help us get familiar with the marker medium, Mr. Jr gave us a preliminary exercise to practice overlapping strokes and understanding marker layering. I initially struggled with the blending and layering, especially with avoiding harsh streaks and figuring out how to control colour intensity.
After some trial and error, I finally got my exercise approved by Mr. Jr, and we were allowed to move on to the try-and-error stage. At this point, I also selected my fashion editorial reference, aligned with the sporty and dynamic theme.
Week 08:
Week 08 was all about experimentation. I started my try-and-error illustration, but working with markers turned out to be trickier than expected. I accidentally colored out of line into the lighter colour area and I also noticed that my shadowing wasn’t dark enough to show proper contrast.
After showing my progress to Mr. Jr, he surprisingly told me that I could use my try-and-error as the final submission, as it had turned out better than expected despite the mistakes. This feedback gave me some relief, knowing that even with small flaws, the core work was strong enough to pass as a completed piece.
Week 09,10 & 11:
Weeks 09,10 and 11 were incredibly hectic, especially with the Fashion Show preparations and execution taking up most of our energy and time. I wasn’t able to sit down and work on the final illustration during these weeks as planned.
Thankfully, I managed to complete and finalize my illustration over the weekend of Week 11, after the fashion show had ended. It felt a little rushed, but I made sure to apply the techniques we had been taught, especially focusing on layering, clean overlapping, and maintaining colour harmony before submitting.
Working with markers was a completely different experience compared to colour pencils and pens. It demanded quick decisions, a steady hand, and a good sense of light-to-dark layering. One of my biggest takeaways was how important it is to let go of perfection and adapt to each medium's unique challenges.
Reflection:
Though I made mistakes, I also learned that experimentation often leads to unexpected progress. This task taught me how to balance spontaneity with control, and how overlapping can bring energy and movement to fashion illustration—something very fitting for the ‘Sport Illustrated’ theme.
Overall, Task 3 pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop a better understanding of dry media versatility.
FINAL PROJECT
WEEK 12 - WEEK 14 (01.07.2025 - 22.07.2025)
Week 12:
In Week 12, we were briefed on the final assignment for our Fashion Illustration module. This task was closely aligned with our Fashion Project 1 (DST64304) and required us to illustrate our final garment using the Wash & Mixed Media technique. The theme was “Kebaya Reinvented”, which meant our illustrations needed to reflect both the essence of traditional kebaya and our unique reinterpretation of it.
The media allowed for this task included a mix of watercolor, color pencils, pen, and pencil, giving us the freedom to explore various styles and techniques. The final output had to be done on A3 size watercolor paper.
To begin, we had to generate an editorial model using AI tools to serve as the base for our garment layover. This step took longer than expected, as generating the right pose, style, and facial features required multiple attempts and adjustments. However, this process was important as it served as the foundation for our final illustration.
Week 13:
Once I successfully generated an editorial image that fit my garment and mood, I moved on to the try-and-error phase. This week was particularly challenging. I struggled with drawing the face, especially getting the eyes and nose right. Every attempt felt slightly off, and the more I tried to fix it, the messier it got.
Despite the frustration, I focused on experimenting with media layering, testing how watercolor blended with pencil outlines and where color pencils could be used to add texture and depth.
Week 14:
By Week 14, I had to push through and finish the final piece, even though I still wasn’t fully satisfied with the face. It ended up looking a little disoriented, but I decided to accept the imperfections and complete the assignment with the time I had left.
Mixing the right shade of teal for my kebaya garment took some trial and error. Watercolor blending was tricky, especially since it dried differently than expected, and required layering to reach the correct tone. After that, I added color pencil detailing to define the fabric textures and folds.
While I wish I had more time to refine the face and improve the overall finish, I was able to submit the final piece.
Reflection:
This final task pushed my limits creatively and technically. Working with mixed media taught me how to be flexible with tools and problem-solve on the go. Although the facial illustration was the hardest part, I learned that sometimes, it's more important to focus on expressing the concept and mood rather than achieving perfection.
This project also helped me connect my illustration work directly with my fashion design project, reinforcing the importance of strong visual presentation in fashion storytelling. I’ve come a long way from the beginning of the semester, and while there’s still room to grow, I’m proud of what I managed to accomplish under pressure.
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