BIJOU KARMAN: STRIKINGLY BOLD ILLUSTRATIONS
Illustrating Rihanna for a clothing campaign certainly helped artist Bijou Karman’s name go global thanks to an Instagram post from the R’n’B star, but with her stylish take on the feminine form, we’re certain her STRIKINGLY BOLD ILLUSTRATIONS would have reached the masses pretty quickly regardless.
How did you get started in illustration?
I studied illustration in art school, where they taught us about the professional opportunities for illustrators. I began reaching out to clients towards the end of school, as well as putting my work online and got attention for my work through that. Clients started coming my way, and it has been a natural progression ever since.
Does where you live influence your image making?
Definitely. My city of Los Angeles, and California style in general, directly influence my work. I take pictures around the city of old signs, textures, plants, walls, and colour combinations that inspire me. I then use these directly as references in my paintings.
How has your approach to image making changed over the years?
I’ve started to work more digitally and more directly from reference, which is a result of being able to sketch over images on my iPad.
What is your favourite type of commercial project?
My favourite client projects have been illustrating portraits of musicians, particularly female musicians. They have such a wealth of style, videos, and history I can pull from to create an exciting image.
What tools/materials do you use to create your work?
I use acrylic gouache paint on paper, as well as my iPad Pro.
Which piece of work has given you the most satisfaction in producing?
My zine Where Have All The Flowers Gone, in which I researched and illustrated my favourite women from the early 1960s folk revival movement. I’m so passionate about the music in there, and I learned a lot about these women’s amazing stories through my research.
Who are your heroes?
Joan Baez, Patti Smith, Rei Kawakubo.
If there had to be a soundtrack to your art, what would it be?
1960’s girl groups.
What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?
I love creating beautiful imagery, I don’t think I will ever tire of that. I stay motivated by creating self-initiated projects like zines or making risograph prints, all of which often bring in new clients or inspire me to create a whole other new project.
