On The Street, Tokyo... Yuko X Rachel Wilkinson Illustration

Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford
- Samuel Johnson


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Illustration by Rachel Wilkinson

Rachel, you're a student of the London College of Fashion, is that right?

I graduated from LCF with a BA in Fashion Illustration last summer. Now I work for Illustrated People, a clothing and print company based on Brick Lane.

How have you come to be so involved with illustration - when did it all start?

I'm from a fine art and textiles background. I did my foundation at Chelsea school of art, where my tutor suggested I try fashion Illustration as a mix of the two. That's when I fell in love with illustration.

Looking across your portfolio, it seems your style has a focus on sketched lines and key colours. Is that how you see it or how you want to define it?

I think thats a good representation. I would say my work is very pencil heavy, with a strong focus on detail. I love colour and experimenting with traditional techniques such as etching and letterpress printing.

Are there any illustrators that you identify with in particular? Maybe David Downton or Kenneth Paul Block perhaps?

My favourite is Laura Laine. I love her tone and line and she's unique.

What are some illustrations or projects that you've completed that you're particularly happy with?

My final major project for my degree was challenging but in the end I was happy with the outcome and pleased with the progress I had made from pushing myself, so that is up there.

Finally, is there a quote or saying that really defines who you are or what you do?

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.

by Rachel Wilkinson
Portfolio at www.rewilkinson.com
Contact at rewilkinson@me.com