Fashion Illustrator Carries on Family Legacy by Championing Diversity
Muse of the Week Interview
It’s 2019, isn’t everyone embracing diversity by now? Ok ok, so we’re fishing here, while we wish the answer to this was a resounding yes, we know there is still a long long way to go in many societies and for many individuals. Fortunately, we have people like our Muse of the Week, setting an example for all of us, by not only embracing diversity but championing it through their work.
We recently had the privilege of interviewing fashion illustrator, VGOURDIN!* We got to talk with them about their body of work, the lessons learned through exploring mediums, and how their family helped them recognize the power of diversity in representation. Read more below!
*MuserID — username on Muses On Demand (MOD.)

How would you explain your work/what you do?
I capture what is interesting to me by focusing on interesting angles, a unique gaze, something or someone that conveys a unique quality or viewpoint.
How did you determine that you wanted to focus on fashion illustration and graphic design?
Originally I wanted to design clothing however it seemed so challenging to me that I found I derived more satisfaction in drawing the clothing on the model rather than attempting to construct it. Graphic design? I felt I needed it to support the illustration. Balance, colour and type treatment.

Tell us a little bit about your creative process. What does a day in the life of VGOURDIN look like?
I’m a dabbler by nature…by that I mean that I have had enough of a creative life/experience to have been able to do other things, such as lampworking, instructional design, sewing, crochet and needlework, sculpture, and jewelry making.
“By trying my hand at these different disciplines I learned how to think in terms of process rather than outcomes.”
For instance, when you are lampworking you are concentrating on the flame, the hot glass and constantly turning the mandrel to achieve uniformity and perfection in the glass. I learned how to translate that concentration into my drawings. I also learned that perfection is an elusive if not unattainable thing.
I love that, process over outcomes! Would you encourage all creatives to continuously try new mediums or do you think it was only beneficial for you because it came naturally?
I think creativity needs an outlet. I was trying other mediums to see what I might find interesting or a possible new direction. I wasn’t adept at any of these things at first but I was willing to try. It’s like taking a different route to work…you might see something new.

You mention in your portfolio that diversity is key to your work. Why is that important to you?
Diversity in representation is EVERYTHING! My grandfather was the first African American District Court judge in Massachusetts. My mother was a classical pianist who studied in Paris on a Fulbright scholarship. If I didn’t learn about their accomplishments I may not have envisioned my own potential. Children of colour need to see themselves represented in their heroes and everyday leaders…Remember that little boy touching Barack Obama’s hair? Especially in the fashion arena, more designers are becoming more inclusive, Marc Jacobs is a special favorite.
Wow, that’s quite the family tree. YES, I remember that! What do you think has spurred designers to become more inclusive recently?
Designers should understand their audiences are diverse. When they ignore that simple fact people call them out.
Have you ever gotten stuck in a creative rut? If so, what did you do to get out of it? If not, how do you keep the creativity flowing?
Every creative gets stuck in a rut. When that happens to me I know I’m running on empty. Lately, I’ve been camping out at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. I’m especially interested in book illustration so I’m loving Kay Nielsen whose exhibition I visited at least three times while it was displayed! Illustration is all about the “usual” and rendering it in an interpretive, imaginative way. Seeing great art, experiencing great art keeps my mind and heart filled with possibilities.
“Sometimes a rut is a precursor to your next big thing.”

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Each piece of advice is a gem, usually fitting the space where you need it most. Right now the advice I’m following is based upon a recent quote by Valerie Jarrett,
“Sometimes the shortest distance to a goal is the longest way around.”
My best piece of advice for other creatives? Avoid rushing to post work to please followers. Avoid comparing your own work to other creatives. Never avoid the difficult thing. That’s where the best growth takes place.
Muses On Demand (MOD) is an inclusive networking platform all about showcasing creative’s visual portfolios and forming authentic connections.
Get in touch and keep up with VGOURDIN’ s inspiring projects HERE or download MOD’s iOS App & search MuserID: VGOURDIN!
*This interview has been edited and condensed
