Seams Like Art

Eleen Tan, a fashion illustrator and art lecturer, talks about finding success and fulfilment in the fast-paced fashion industry without sewing a single stitch

- Kiran Pillay

Dressed entirely in black, Eleen Tan’s monochromatic wardrobe stands in sharp contrast to the vibrant artwork surrounding her. A fashion illustrator and art lecturer at First City University College, Tan admits that her family wasn’t initially supportive of her decision to major in illustration. They were concerned she would end up drawing portraits for strangers as a street artist just to make ends meet. “I managed to persuade them after receiving a full scholarship from The Star Education Fund, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have turned my passion into a career,” Tan says.

Fashion illustrators are visual artists that create stylised sketches for clients. Through vibrant illustrations, they convey the mood of a garment, object or accessory through colour and proportions, offering a sense of its movement or presence in the world. Through this, consumers and buyers can grasp a visual explanation of the product, fostering trust in abstract ideas. In this way, fashion illustrators serve an important function in bridging dreams with reality. With the advent of digital media, illustrations are also widely used in marketing and branding, helping brands stand out effortlessly with distinctive visuals.

It was the “fluidity of the body and garments” that captivated Tan. “I’ve always focused my work primarily on women, drawing inspiration from their femininity, beauty, confidence, and elegance. This focus taught me to celebrate the unique qualities that make each individual special while also fuelling my creativity.”