This post is part of a series in which we interview successful makers on how they built their business. Today we are interviewing Fashion Illustrator, Mats Meyers.
Mats Meyer. Born in Belgium, raised in Spain, Mats Meyer is a Brooklyn-based illustrator. A proud lawyer-turned-artist, Mats’ smarts shine through on her sophisticated oeuvre. With a talent to embrace femininity, her creations are often full of texture, grace and subtle sensuality presented on crisp backdrops to highlight the elegant minimalism for which she has become known for.
Did you always know you would be a professional illustrator? What inspired you to start this career?
I actually started my out career in law. It wasn’t until I moved to New York City that I felt inspired to leave my corporate days behind and embrace the full beauty of being a professional artist.
What about fashion inspired you most?
Fashion is not what you wear, it’s who you are. It is a way to express your own individuality, and as such, to me it’s one of life’s most vivid and pure art forms.
How did you start your fashion illustration career?
I started gaining clients as soon as I started posting my work on Instagram. We live in a digital age, and it is very important — especially as a visual artist — to use the available social media tools to our advantage.
How do you monetize your fashion illustration skills?
I have found that the bigger your social media following, the more clients consider hiring you. More following equals more exposure for your client’s as well. It’s not only about how good you are as an artist, it is also extremely important — if not even more so — that you know how to market yourself and that you create your own brand.
How did you find your first few clients?
They found me! My first client was Rodial Cosmetics. They found my website through my Instagram account.
Mats Meyers will be presenting during our live online workshop, The Business of Fashion Illustration on November 11th.
What advice do you have for artists interested in fashion illustration?
Market yourself, create a brand, choose quality above quantity and use social media to your advantage.
Who are three artists/illustrators or fashion designers that inspire you?
Hands down, David Downton is my biggest inspiration. Though personally, I’m making somewhat of an artistic shift into a more minimalistic sphere of illustrating, Mr. Downton, to me, is still one of the best illustrator’s out there.
What do you hope the not-too-distant future holds for your illustration career; Do you have any exciting, upcoming plans that you would like to share with us?
I have been extremely blessed when it comes to my career in illustration, so far. Currently I’m planning a series of live illustration sessions for different beauty brands here in NYC that I’ll make sure to keep you updated on!
Are you interested in fashion illustration? Mats will be presenting during our live online workshop, The Business of Fashion Illustration.
Everyone who signs up will get access to (3) hour-long sessions, daily email lessons and a Facebook group where you can connect with other creatives.
The live program starts October 11th. Don’t worry if you are unable to join live. All of the sessions are recorded, and you will get lifetime access to the content.
See the full schedule and reserve your spot here.
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