Elyse Blackshaw: My fashion illustration style

Blog by London Fashion Illustrator Elyse Blackshaw

In a world of pixel-perfect visuals and AI-generated imagery, I try to bring something refreshingly real to the table: fashion illustration rooted in expression, texture, and individuality. My unique style aims to capturing fashion’s spirit with instinctive mark-making with a mixed media charm.

Where Art Meets Fashion

I would say my illustration style balances artistic spontaneity with a deep understanding of shape and form. With a background in embroidery and textiles (studying at Manchester School of Art and the Royal College of Art), my work has always rebelled against the technical eye and been driven by an artistic soul. Fluid and free, the lines I create are expressive and fast, reflecting movement as much as they reflect fashion. My work is never static, they’re dynamic, breathing studies of style, emotion, and narrative. When I draw, so much of my emotion gets transferred on to paper and that is why I feel so connected to line work.

Signature Techniques and Mediums

I have always had a love for mixed media. My toolkit includes:

• Posca Pens for vibrancy and unpredictability

• Graphite and pastel for texture and softness

• Overlays that enhance handmade marks

I often let  the media lead the way, choosing the media in the moment. I feel this creates a dialogue between myself and paper that feels spontaneous yet refined.

Fashion Illustration That Feels Human

My fashion figures feel very much alive to me. They are created with little preconception and become their own being with every mark added. Instead of striving for perfection, I really try to embrace individuality and imperfection - something that can be really hard to do as human being. As a result, I hope my illustrations feel approachable and emotive.

Whatever I'm working on, I always bring a distinctive warmth and energy to every line - my personality on a page.

Why I remain hand drawn

In today’s fashion and illustration industries, where digital precision often dominates, I hope to be a work a reminder of why hand drawn art is still important. I get asked a lot if I am afraid or threatened by AI. I always say no...

Drawing my hand is so incredibly personal, as humans I think we will always feel connected to that.

It’s expressive. Being able to capture atmosphere and energy through live drawing is so incredibly unique. An AI interpretation captures such as small moment in time, by the time you've written the detailed instructions, the moment has already gone. Or perhaps you are not even being present in the moment as you are focused on writing the AI prompts. Drawing is instantaneous, capturing so much energy of both the artist and the subject, the sounds and the atmosphere. I do think AI has amazing potential to help an artist like myself develop concepts and ideas.

It connects. I never feel more present than when I am hand drawing on paper. Using oil pastels is such an amazing physical experience.

My illustrations celebrate the human touch and I hope mt style isn’t just seen, but felt.

Want to Collaborate?

Whether you're a brand, publication, or fellow creative, my illustration style can bring your story to life with bold lines, expressive color, and honest artistry.

See more at elyseblackshaw.com

Inquiries & collaborations: info@elyseblackshaw.com