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A couple of months ago I was commissioned to produce illustration for Fashion Africa, a beautiful new book about African Fashion Design by designer, blogger and founder of the Africa Fashion Guide, Jacqueline Shaw.
I was thrilled! Apart from being such a wonderful project, the designs I was asked to illustrate were the most colorful and charismatic pieces I have seen in a long time. An absolute joy to draw!
The book launch is on Friday, 9th September, in London. I can’t post the full drawings yet, but here are some sneaky peeks:
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go to London for the book launch. It’s a shame, as I would LOVE to attend and do some live illustration on the spot (like I did for the launch of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration. It was amazing!).
I can’t wait to see the book, though. I am expecting some very bright and colorful pages.
For more details about the launch, the book and its author, visit the African Fashion Guide website here.
Lots of love from Lisbon.
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♥ Just the other day I found this incredible collection of photographs called “A Soldier’s Farewell”, by Alfred Eisenstaedt. They were taken at Pennsylvania station in 1943 and I find them unbelievably moving.
We are so distant from the reality depicted in those images that for me, they almost look like stills from old movies. It’s weird to think that this actually happened. They are sad pictures of course, but also so full of love and elegance, I can’t help finding them inspiring and beautiful.
Eisenstaedt was a true genius and amazing at capturing people. Look at some of his work here.
♥ New Paris-inspired Illustration
I am very excited about the new piece I am working on at the moment.
I can’t reveal too much about it just yet. All I can say is that it’s girlie, pink and French! Here is a little sneaky peek of the work in progress:
I can’t wait to finish it! I will blog it as soon as it’s done.
Wishing everyone a warm and beautiful weekend.
Lots of love from Lisbon.
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This week has been crazy. In between doing advertising and illustration, I have hardly had time to do anything else.
I am currently developing more Willow Magic fashion illustrations for Wardrobe Mistress, which is such a great project! I am also illustrating two children’s books and a book of short stories, which are amazing projects too and VERY demanding. I am so glad Friday is finally here! Though I know the next 2 days won’t be enough for me to do everything I want to do:
♥ I want to draw loads, but I also want to go out and enjoy the weather (preferably without the pollen allergies)
Black markers on recycled paper
♥ I want to finish the books I am reading
Just a quick note on this last beauty: Le journal du petit poucet or “The diaries of Tom Thumb“ is a French children’s book. It is so adorable and funny, I’m completely obsessed. Every page is stunning to look at. The illustrations are by Rebecca Dautremer, who is one of my favourite artists (I’ve talked about her before here) and it was written by Philippe Lechermeier. Unfortunately it is not available in English yet (I have it in Portuguese) but it should be very soon.
I usually read about 4-5 books at the same time, which is very chaotic but it’s how I like it. From trashy novels (love them!) to classics (love them too!), it takes me ages to read them, but in my defense, I always finish every single one.
♥ I want to take pictures
Source: Unknown, but if anyone knows, please tell me.
♥ I want to see something pretty
Source: Me! (and my camera).
♥ I want to hear something magical
Hello lover…the one and only Mr. Bowie. Photographed by David Wedgbury
♥ I want to taste something wonderful
Source: Amazing Swedish photographer Maria Kallin. Go check her work!
♥ And finally, I want to sleep and sleep and sleep…
Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t love this film? Is there?
How about you? What do you want to do this weekend? :)
Lots of love from Lisbon
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// I was thrilled when I found out that I was featured in London-based Fashion Designer Lira Leirner’s blog, The Portmanteau. She is so talented and so sweet, it was a great surprise.
I also loved what she wrote about me:
“Portmanteau stumbles: Joana Faria Illustration
Yes, this blog gears itself towards fashion, however, I stumbled across Joana Faria, a fashion illustrator which I simply must share with you. Her illustration style evokes a sense of Chanel-ian frenchness, overstylization to perfection and a strong, sexy yet girly gothic style with humour intrinsically incorporated into its shapes and interpretation and a gorgeous balance between modern illustration and vintage inspired details. And then there’s the eye lashes, flowing from the figurines like feathers from a jungle bird.
It does help that not only does Joana speak Portuguese (like me) as well as loves travelling, she’s into all the same cultural references I’m into. Same architects, same songs, same quotes… how can I not love her?”
Aw… Isn’t she the best? :)
Lira’s designs are fresh, memorable and she has an amazing eye for quirky patterns and beautiful prints. Her dresses in particular, are so special. They are girlie but they also have personality and a sense of humor. Check out my two favorite pieces:
Images from www.liraleirner.com.
How cute are they? I could definitely see myself wearing them in Lisbon. Pure Love.
For more pretty things, check out her website and online shop: www.liraleirner.com
// I am currently illustrating a children’s book written by a friend. It’s a fairy tale and we are dying to get it published.
I haven’t done a lot of children’s illustrations before, so when I started out with the book, I did a couple of searches on the internet and the amazing talent I found took my breath away.
Meet Rebecca Dautremer. She is French and one of the most amazing artists I’ve ever seen. Just look at these:
Her style fascinates me. Her way with color, the details she adds to enrich her composition, her obsession with the color red. I am in love with her work.
Our book is still in its very early stages, but as soon as it’s more advanced, I’ll start posting some images here.
// And finally:
Via The Cool Hunter. :)
Have a beautiful and inspiring weekend. Make sure you do something creative.
And to all my friends in London, happy Fashion Week! – Can’t say I’m not jealous though. I am. Just a little.
Lots of love from Lisbon.
♥♥♥
A few weeks ago I was invited to take part in a very special event.
Poster from How Bazaar’s website.
How Bazaar is an arts and crafts fair that will be taking place this spring in the UK. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend (God knows I would love to), but I was asked to donate an art piece for an Illustration Auction that will happen on the day. All profits will go straight to Large Ride Down, a team of fundraisers in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. - It’s an amazing cause and such an honor to be asked, I didn’t hesitate!
This is the piece I donated:
And here’s me and my piece in London on the way to meet Jessica Stokes, an amazing illustrator and one of the event’s coordinators.
If you live in the UK, make sure you don’t miss this event. With stall holders selling art, handmade items and vintage treasures, it’s going to be irresistible.
For more information, check out How Bazaar’s blog and facebook page.
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