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August 06, 2012
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Meet Memphis-native, London-based Fashion Illustrator Kris Keys

Several weeks ago I attended the Brooks Museum screening of Thunder Soul (dubbed "Art and a Movie"). 

Before the movie started, guests created clocks out of vinyl records and a young woman walked around sketching the guests.

(Keys' sketch of me at the event.)

I naturally assumed she was one of the art students from the adjacent Memphis College of Art, but after an introduction I found out that she was actually a fashion illustrator who lived in London! (Which goes to show you, you should never assume.)

Kris Keys in her own words:

I went to The University of Tennessee at where I majored in Fashion Merchandising. In New York took up a Fashion illustration course at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Then I went to American Intercontinental University London and studied womenswear design.
Fashion Illustration gives me a chance to exaggerate and elongate the body or other images, which creates an effect that you can't always get in photography. It's my way of documenting style,the ongoing evolution of fashion, and other things that I see. 

I like to think I was born with this desire to work in fashion. However, my mother's sister went to Fashion school, and I remember sneaking into her portfolio and her wardrobe when she came to visit Memphis as a child. Maybe that sparked an interest.

I knew that I had to get in an environment that will nurture my creativity, and develop my skills if I wanted get into the fashion industry. That's why I moved to New York. As for London, I wanted to get another perspective on fashion design as well as illustration. I've always dreamt of living in Europe as well, so it went hand in hand. 

There's so much that inspires me. I'll list a few in no particular order... People watching, Live Music, Calligraphy, Fashion Editorials, Documentaries, Other Illustrators, Walking the High line in New York City, Photography, Going to Galleries...
It's hard for me to choose a favorite piece, because I'm pretty connected to each of my drawings. I tend to favorite more of the live sketches, because it makes me remember the city, the setting that I did the drawing, or the conversation I had with the subject. It's sort of a way to document my life.

Draw, Draw, Draw! Even if the illustrations suck at first, keep drawing.  Also, surround yourself with things that inspire you. 

My plan is to continue illustrating, collaborating with more brands and magazines, and also to continue perfecting my craft in womenswear design to start a clothing line. 

For information, please visit her website and blog.

by: bealestreetchick 1 Comment -
Filed under: featured fashion illustrator
Tags: kris keys, brooks museum, brooks museum of art
posted by Kris Keys
8/06/12

Thank you Elle for this beautiful feature.


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