DESIGNER PROFILE – Emil Alvarez
What should everyone know about you?
EA: For over fifteen years illustrating has really allowed me to diversify and expand as an artist/designer whether it is translating the current trends in streetstyle, textile prints or simply creating concepts that are in tandem with a brand’s DNA .
How would you describe what you do?
EA: I call it “styllustration” ( Style + Illustration)
Why did you choose to be a designer?
EA: I was always inclined to art at a very early age and then in high school I took art as a major and then I knew that it was going to be a way of life for me.
What steps did you take to become a designer?
EA: With the encouragement of my peers and family, I attended both art and design school. Had participated in many competitions such as “Dare to Design Your Future” where I received First Place in women’s wear illustration/design. Immediately upon graduation I was offered an internship. I have been able to work in many small and large projects that challenged me as an illustrator/designer and every experience was a stepping stone.
Best/Most Challenging part of your job?
EA: Learning that every project was different in nature so being flexible with styles was important. Having versatility is very vital!
If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
EA: I might have been a tour guide. I enjoy narrating and giving people an incredible experience to remember.
How did you get started in design?
EA: I think it was an organic succession of events. I knew that I was into art and it just opened up its own path and kind of lead the way to it.
What do you like about what you do?
EA: Working with concepts, textures and colors; Creating a story with my work that in the end will be commercially feasible.
What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
EA: That artists are moody. I would rather say artists are people that are inspired by their surroundings. I cannot afford to be confined in a boring space or time!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
EA: Bringing my art to tailor houses, designers, streetstyle brands, because I believe that designing should start on paper and not in a computer necessarily.
What sparked your interest in design?
EA: There are so many things that come to mind but I would emphasize having the ability to sketch and convert an idea into a wearable product.
How has your work evolved since you began your career?
EA: Since graduating fashion school. I have seen much improvement in my own style of work, work ethic and being able to communicate across the facets of apparel design. I also am more versed to the technical aspects of production.
Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
EA: I personally stay away from overprinted or over-monogramed items.
What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
EA: Streetstyle is definitely my current genre of clothing to look at for inspiration. I like the mix of high and low and looking at unexpected details in the garments or styling.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
EA: No matter the nature of the project, put your best foot forward and others will value your time and talents!
What advice would you give to young designers?
EA: Be open to doing everything. It helps to be multi-faceted.
What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
EA: Working on building a full illustration and design service that will attract emerging brands, designers and trend forecasting services that require this in full-scale.
Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?
EA: Not superstitious but I do believe that honesty is a great trait to take with you everywhere. The best teams need honest team members.
What’s your motto?
EA: Don’t take yourself too seriously and enjoy the learning process.
Creative professional with studies in both Fine Art and Fashion Design with extensive experience working as an illustrator for several apparel companies in the south Florida area, styling for television production, costume and active wear design to name a few. Specialties include design and illustration of both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, knowledge of draping and flat pattern-making, creation of placement and repeat prints for textile, flat sketch and spec work and other key technical support art-work for apparel production. His approach to design is by analyzing brand identity and consumer taste, extensive trend research and being able to bring concepts, colors, textures and silhouettes through fashion illustration that best reflect and embody the target customer.
Learn more about Emil:
StylePortfolios: www.styleportfolios.com/portfolio/Emiles1978/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilio_by_emil/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emilalvarez/