Where I down tools and teach

I was recently asked by Harriet Posner of Condé Nast College of Fashion, to pop along and give a lecture to her students. Somewhat of a nervous public speaker I decided to say yes and prep for an hour of chat. Luckily, it’s a little easier when the subject is you and your work! I almost had fun looking back of the many years of illustration I have put in, and dug out some star campaigns. The one that kickstarted it for me was FCUK with Rankin. It made the headlines for a while, as the public were up in arms at the nudity of the models! Famous photographer, Rankin, is known for his no holds barred approach and it certainly got viewers attention.

I  used to work as an Illustration Agent when I first started in the industry. It’s why I used a nom de plume, those reading this blog might know my real name is Caz. At the time it really helped to win me jobs based on my illustration merits and not because I was doing the selling! I’ve worked as Jo Bird for so many years now, and answer to both names.

The fashion talk went well, no one fell asleep and I even set the students a  live drawing challenge. When I draw live for clients I usually have 10 mins per person to capture my sitter, so I replicated this pressure for them. The results were great and oh to be student again; lovely campus and super central location and amazingly helpful tutors. Take me back!