When did you first get into drawing?

I grew up around artists, both my Mother and Grandmother are/were artists . My mum, a traditional graphic designer/illustrator and my grandmother, a painter and I was constantly inspired by their work.

I live in the North of Scotland and growing up here there seemed to be a great many artists, painters and sculptors living and working nearby. I was certainly encouraged to use art as a means of expression from an early age.

Why did you choose to make fashion part of your inspiration?

From my early teenage years, I was drawn by the lure and excitement of the fashion world, which seemed like a far away place from where I was growing up. I loved to buy Vogue or Harper’s Bazarre with my pocket money and Vivienne Westwood was my favourite designer. At University while studying textiles, I learnt about fabrics, drapery and gained a deeper understanding of the human form through life drawing.

Fast forward a few years, various jobs and a family, my love of fashion alongside drawing remains true.

Although 2020 was a difficult year, it was also the year my artwork was refocused.

What is your particular working day as a creative?
I spend the first part of the day beginning with a warm up or two in my sketchbook

(I bought a new watercolour moleskin this year which I love and has become a great ongoing tool for developing my practice). If I loosen up at the start of my day, I find I'm more productive. Afterwards, I’ll spend the rest of the day working on any commissions or projects I have on the go.

What tools do you use when creating your images?

This year, I gave myself a focus to develop my skills and technique in watercolours and pencils. I’ve always liked working in pencils and I like the way watercolour encourages a certain amount of the unexpected, so I’m continuing to develop my technique in these mediums. I use my stack of magazines I’ve collected over the years, often Pinterest and websites as references or ideas for my illustrations.

"I grew up around artists, both my Mother and Grandmother are/were artists . My mum, a traditional graphic designer/illustrator and my grandmother, a painter and I was constantly inspired by their work.

I live in the North of Scotland and growing up here there seemed to be a great many artists, painters and sculptors living and working nearby. I was certainly encouraged to use art as a means of expression from an early age."

M.Alexander

 What advice do you have for younger artists looking to be part of this industry?
I would encourage young artists to draw everyday. Even when time is limited, spend some time sketching in your sketchbook. Practice things you find hard, persevere and the rewards are worth it. I would advice any budding fashion illustrator to do regular life drawing sessions. Having not done a class in almost ten years and then getting back to it in lockdown, my confidence in my work has grown greatly and I’m enjoying tackling the things I used to shy away from.

What are you drawing today? Music are you listening to? Books that your are reading? Favourite artist/designer at the moment?

I’m working on a Bulgari illustration, a project in collaboration with Fida.
I usually listen to music in the morning, anything from classical music to favourite movie soundtracks, depending on my mood. I love to listen to a good drama or play in the afternoon, it’s total escapism for a few hours. I can often recall what I listened to when creating a particular piece of work! Favourite designer just now has to be Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli! If ever I have a creative block, I peruse the extravagant collections of Schiaparelli and I'm cured!