10 Questions with Carlotta Hey

Al-Tiba9 Art Magazine ISSUE17 | FRONT COVER Artist

Australian-based creative Carlotta Hey has had a long and extensive career in the fashion industry. Originally from Germany with a background in fashion design, Hey spent the last two decades designing for the fashion industry until venturing out into her own creative label.

Her artworks are a representation of her interest in the human and feminine form. She tries to capture the presence of her subjects and entices you into their world.

Currently, she is focusing primarily on fashion illustrations, where she views clothing as a deeply personal form of self-expression. In her work, the human body adorned in garments becomes a powerful vehicle for communication. 

Hey aspires to take her fashion illustration background to a larger format, blurring the lines between traditional Fashion Illustration and Fine Art. This ambition opens new horizons for her creative expression, allowing her to experiment with different mediums and concepts.

Hey has since exhibited in several shows and garnered international acclaim, with pieces sold throughout Europe and Australia.

carlottahey.com.au | @carlottahey

ARTIST STATEMENT

Fashion is not merely about fabric and form; it is an intricate dialogue of tactile sensations and visual experiences. Through my illustrations, I aim to translate this dialogue into a visual language that emphasizes the beauty of texture while maintaining a harmonious simplicity.

By working with a limited color palette, I shift the viewer's focus to the interplay of light and shadow, the contours and folds, and the tactile qualities of the materials. This approach not only enhances the visual impact of my illustrations but also encourages a deeper contemplation of the designs themselves. Each hue is thoughtfully chosen to complement the textures, creating a cohesive and striking visual narrative that resonates on both aesthetic and emotional levels.

In a world often overwhelmed by color and pattern, my illustrations offer a moment of pause—a chance to appreciate the artistry behind each garment. 

I believe that fashion is a form of storytelling, and through the lens of texture and a refined color palette, I aim to narrate a story that is both intimate and universal.

AL-TIBA9 ART MAGAZINE ISSUE17

INTERVIEW

Let's talk about your background. You started as a fashion designer before turning to art and illustration. What motivated this shift, and how has it shaped your artistic approach?

The decision to move from a structured fashion design career to freelancing was largely influenced by personal matters that required me to travel frequently from Australia to Europe. This change in my life provided me with the flexibility to explore different avenues within the creative field. During this time, I began to reflect on what truly inspired me and what I wanted to pursue.
Art and illustration had always been my first love, long before I delved into fashion design. As a child, I would spend hours sketching and creating characters and stories and that passion never really left me. With the travel and the newfound time on my hands, I was able to reconnect with my artistic roots. Turning to fashion illustration has enabled me to merge my background in fashion design with my passion for art. 

How does your fashion background help you in your current artistic practice? Are there any valuable lessons you learned while working as a designer that you deem fundamental for your current practice? 

As a fashion designer, I gained a deep understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, and how clothing interacts with the human form. This knowledge is invaluable in my illustrations, as it allows me to accurately depict themovement, drape, and fit of any garment. My ability to visualize how fabrics behave helps me create more dynamic and realistic fashion illustrations, adding depth and authenticity to my work.
Attention to detail is also crucial in fashion design, where even the smallest elements can make a significant impact on a garment's overall look and feel. I think this meticulousness carries over into my illustration practice. Whether it's capturing intricate patterns, textures, or facial expressions, my background has instilled in me the importance of precision and care in every piece I create.

As someone with an extensive background in fashion design, how does your understanding of garment construction influence your artistic process nowadays?

Having a solid grasp of garment construction allows me to accurately represent the fit and form of clothing in my illustrations. I understand how different fabrics drape and behave, which enables me to depict garments in a way that feels realistic and true to life. This insight influences my illustrations as I can suggest textures and patterns that reflect the qualities of different materials. Whether it's the softness of silk, the structure of denim, or the fluidity of chiffon, my knowledge allows me to convey these attributes visually, enhancing the overall aesthetic of my work.

Your focus on the human and feminine form is central to your work, as you mention in your statement. Can you share how these themes evolved in your creative journey?

The focus on the human and feminine form has been a central theme in my artistic journey, evolving organically as I've grown both as an artist and as an individual. As I delved into fashion illustration, I recognised that the human form is not just a physical entity but also a canvas of identity and expression. The way individuals carry themselves, their posture, and the clothing they choose to wear, all communicate something about who they are and how they feel. 
I aim to create a sense of intimacy and connection, allowing the audience to engage with the emotions and stories that each figure embodies. This focus on presence is essential, as I believe it opens a dialogue between the artwork and the viewer, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.

You also mention clothing as a deeply personal form of self-expression. How do you approach capturing this individuality in your illustrations?

The way a person dresses can evoke specific emotions and moods, and I strive to capture this in my illustrations. I consider how clothing can influence the way a subject carries themselves—whether it's the confidence inspired by a tailored suit or the comfort of an oversized sweater. By portraying the emotional resonance of clothing, I can communicate deeper aspects of individuality, inviting the viewer to connect with the subject on an emotional level.
I often think about the stories behind a person's clothing choices. Each piece of clothing can carry memories, aspirations, or cultural significance.

Your limited colour palette highlights texture and light. How did this minimalist style develop, and what challenges does it present when conveying intricate designs?

As I transitioned from fashion design to illustration, I began to recognise the importance of texture and structure in conveying the character of garments. A minimalist color palette allows me to highlight these elements, drawing attention to the interplay of light and shadow, the intricacies of fabric, and the silhouette of the figure. By limiting the colours, I can create a more striking visual impact that showcases the artistry of the design.
I also found that a limited colour palette can evoke strong emotional responses. Different shades can convey various moods, and by choosing a few key colors, I can create a cohesive atmosphere in my illustrations. In my opinion thisemotional resonance is often more powerful than a busy and colourful composition. In a world filled with visual noise, I believe simplicity can bring clarity. One of the primary challenges is effectively portraying intricate designs and details without relying on a rich colour palette. To overcome this, I emphasize lines, textures, and shading techniques to convey complexity. I focus on the subtleties of fabric, such as the way light reflects off satin versus matte finishes, to communicate depth and intricacy.

Your artist statement describes fashion as a dialogue of sensations and experiences. How do you translate this into a visual language that resonates universally?

While fashion can be complex, I strive for clarity in my visual language. By using a minimalist approach and a limited color palette, I can distill the essence of my subjects and their clothing. This simplicity helps viewers focus on the emotional and sensory aspects of the illustration, making it more accessible and relatable. 
Fashion is not just about aesthetics; it also involves tactile sensations. I translate this into my visual language by emphasising texture and form in my illustrations. Through careful rendering of different fabrics and materials—such as the softness of silk, the rigidity of denim, or the fluidity of chiffon—I invite viewers to imagine the tactile experience of wearing those garments. This sensory engagement helps create a deeper connection between the viewer and the artwork.
I also focus on capturing emotional expressions and body language in my illustrations. The way a figure poses, the subtleties of their facial expressions, and the movement of their body can convey feelings such as confidence, joy, vulnerability, or introspection. By prioritizing these elements, I aim to evoke emotions that viewers can relate to, regardless of their personal experiences or cultural backgrounds.

Fashion illustration is often seen as a niche within the arts. How do you see it expanding into larger formats and being recognized as Fine Art?

The lines between fashion and fine art have been increasingly blurred in recent years, with many artists and designers collaborating across disciplines. Fashion illustrations are being showcased in galleries and museums, emphasising the artistic merit of the medium and allowing viewers to engage with the work in a fine art context. This cross-pollination allows fashion illustration to be appreciated not just for its commercial value but for its aesthetic and conceptual depth, fostering a greater understanding of its artistic significance.
Social media has revolutionized the way artists share their work and connect with audiences. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok enable fashion illustrators to showcase their portfolios, engage with followers, and participate in trends that amplify their visibility. This democratization of exposure allows illustrators to reach global audiences, attracting attention from collectors, galleries, and fashion enthusiasts and being shared across various platforms.
Organizations like FIDA provide invaluable support and resources for fashion illustrators worldwide. By offering a platform for networking, showcasing work, and facilitating collaborations, FIDA helps illustrators gain visibility and recognition in the art community. Events, competitions, and exhibitions organized by such associations not only highlight the talent of individual illustrators but also contribute to the broader acceptance of fashion illustration as a significant artistic discipline.
As these factors continue to shape the landscape of fashion illustration, I am optimistic about its future and the potential for it to be celebrated as a vital and dynamic form of artistic expression.

Your work has gained international acclaim, with pieces sold across Europe and Australia. How has this global recognition impacted your artistic direction?

Receiving recognition on a global scale has definitely boosted my confidence in my artistic abilities. Knowing that my work resonates with people from different backgrounds reinforces my belief in the value of my artistic expression. This newfound confidence encourages me to take creative risks, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of my work while still maintaining my unique voice.
I very much look forward to exploring new creative horizons and connecting with audiences around the world through my art.

Lastly, what's next for you as an artist? Are there specific mediums, projects, or collaborations you are excited to explore in the future?

While I have a strong foundation in traditional illustration techniques, I'm keen to experiment with new mediums. For example, I'm interested in incorporating mixed media or collages into my work. This blend could allow for more dynamic textures and layers, enhancing the depth of my illustrations.
Collaboration has always been a huge source of inspiration for me, and I'm eager to seek out partnerships with artists from different disciplines. Whether it's working with fine artists, photographers, or textile designers, these collaborations can lead to innovative outcomes that challenge traditional boundaries.
In conclusion, I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. I hope to continue growing as an artist and making a meaningful impact through my work. The journey of artistic discovery is ever-evolving, and I look forward to where it will lead me next.