Working with the public definitely has its high moments and those times when I want to crawl into the fetal position under the desk. Fortunately the good moments exceed the bad and it’s always interesting to meet new people, become engrossed in a conversation, and see where the outcome leads.
I met Nicole Album at my place of work when we started chatting about the New Orleans fashion scene. We kept in touch via e-mail, one thing led to another and a collaboration for a post was born! Nicole is a New Orleans native and a fashion designer and is moving to San Francisco to pursue her MFA in illustration. Even though she is leaving the Big Easy behind Nicole promises to bring a piece of New Orleans with her. She is currently working on a grant proposal with the recent oil spill as her subject matter. Nicole shared with me her inspiration boards and the illustrations that she created from them.
Growing up in New Orleans, the Gulf South holds a special place in my soul. It is very important for me to show illustrations and designs that represent a cause I am passionate about. The future of my design philosophy lies in the expectation of artistic endeavors that are inspired for philanthropic purposes.
My first design line was inspired by the iron-work of New Orleans, aptly named, Tchoupitoulas, and was conceived in an effort to help bring awareness to our beautiful city, in a time post-hurricane Katrina. The line I am currently working on is inspired by the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. It incorporates other elements, such as Neoprene surf-wear and Botticelli-inspired women.
And, as I begin my first semester in a Graduate program for illustration, I hope to master my artistic craft and continue to bring awareness to our majestic city. I feel so lucky to have been brought up in a place filled to the ‘to-go-cup’ brim of culture. I hope one day my efforts to give back will be a part in keeping this city alive.
If you are interested in seeing more of Nicole’s work she has lots of photos and illustrations at Coroflot.
