Work from reference images or real-life examples of fabric whenever possible. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of how materials behave and interact with light. Try timed gesture drawing sessions, where you draw a series of poses within a set time limit (e.g., 30 seconds or 1 minute per pose). This will help you develop your speed and accuracy in capturing movement. In fashion illustration, the figure you’re drawing is usually divided up according to the size of the head. “The total height of an adult human being is anywhere from 7 to 8 head lengths, on average. Fashion models are, on average, 8 to 9 heads tall. Fashion figure illustrations exaggerate that further, using 9 to 10 heads, even going up to 11 heads for very exaggerated styles,” says Hong. In the history of fashion, the 10-head figure has been the standard elongated proportion for female figures. But Hong confirms there’s also room to break with tradition: “We are definitely starting to embrace different body types. The 8½-head proportion is a more realistic length of body and is much more modern-looking these days.” Study the textures of real-life fabrics and materials to improve your understanding and ability to depict them accurately in your fashion illustrations.

Fashion illustration can’t be retouched and there is certainly an appeal in that,” says Brett Croft, head of the Vogue House archive. “There is definitely a younger generation of illustrator coming through,” he adds. “It’s to do with Edward of course, but it’s also part of a movement towards more simple artforms which was very obvious at Frieze this year. Last year was all about video and this year there seemed to be a reaction away from that. I think there is an appeal in the fact it can’t be hyper real. It just is what it is - there’s a simplicity to it that is refreshing.” Don't be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone and try new techniques or media. This can help you develop a more versatile and unique illustration style.Identify the elements and techniques that are consistent in your illustration for fashion work, and continue to develop and refine these aspects to create a strong design signature. Learn about the fibers used in various fabrics, as this can affect their texture and behavior. For instance, natural fibers like cotton and wool behave differently from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. seven heads tall, whereas a fashion figure is eight or even nine heads tall, with most of that additional length being taken up in the legs. This is often In fashion sketches, the human body is not drawn the way you have learned to draw in the art and craft class. The proportions are exaggerated and stylized. Use a soft pencil or a medium that allows for easy erasing, like charcoal or a digital drawing tool. This will enable you to make adjustments and corrections as you refine your drawing.

Practice drawing the human figure from life or using photographs. This will help you develop a strong sense of proportions and improve your ability to accurately represent the human form in your fashion illustrations. Remember, the 9-head rule is a guideline, not a strict rule. Feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your style or the specific look you're trying to achieve. But drawing skill is a boon in fashion designing. Drawing as said is a skill and not necessarily a talent. Skill can always be improved upon. Anyone can learn to draw with proper practice and diligent hard work. So not knowing drawing should not be an excuse not to pursue your dreams.Photography has long been considered superior to illustration when it comes to selling magazines” says Downton. “But it’s like asking what an apple can do that a banana can’t. I think they have a symbiotic relationship. Illustration changes the pace of a magazine as you read it; and you project your own finish onto the story which gives a different sense of satisfaction to the reader.”

Look for inspiration in various sources, such as fashion magazines, runway shows, street style, and even nature or architecture. Inspiration can come from anywhere, so keep your eyes open and always be ready to capture ideas. Undoubtedly it's harder to project our own identity onto a famous supermodel draped across a staircase, or align one’s own reality with the digitally enhanced, perceived perfection of a fashion shoot. An illustration is more translatable - it allows for a different daydream. And in a world where reality is often all too stark, and fashion can be somewhat daunting, it's not surprising that our artistic tastes are erring on the side of a little escapism. Be patient and give yourself time to develop your unique style. It's a process that evolves over time as you gain experience and grow as an artist.Lastly, always remember that practice makes perfect. The more you draw, the better you'll become at mastering proportions in your illustration for fashion.