On Thursday 30 November, Fashion and Textiles students at The Island VI Form were extremely fortunate to be able to take part in an online workshop with renowned Fashion Illustrator, Petra Lunenburg. Petra is a Lecturer at the Academie Vogue in Amsterdam and is currently illustrating for the Dutch Elle magazine, teaching life drawing in her own studio as well as continually being involved in exhibitions and projects. She spoke to students about her education and early work experience, initially as a Graphic Designer, before moving into the world of fashion illustration. She spoke about the importance of developing relationships with clients and team working to ensure success, and also shared examples of her work and projects. Petra explained how the digital elements of her experience as a Graphic Designer combined beautifully with her physical drawing, enabling her to fulfil a wide range of briefs.

Petra has worked with many successful designers and institutions, such as Diana Von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen, Viktor and Rolf, Elle Magazine, G-Star, Dutch Vogue Magazine and Amsterdam Fashion Week, to name just a few.

After a question and answer session, the workshop moved on to the practical element, where Petra shared her extraordinary talent at drawing and demonstrated her tips and techniques for fashion illustration. The students all took part and had a go at creating their own illustrations using pens, pencils, charcoal and ink, which were fabulous.

Fashion and Textiles Teacher, Abby Wilkinson, said “Making connections with professional Designers and Artists currently working, enriches the education experience to a level that cannot be underestimated. This was a truly wonderful experience for the students.”