5 Minutes with Cai from Soystreet
Today Mrs Grace interviewed Cai, a super talented international fashion illustrator who has breathed life into some of the biggest known names in fashion and beauty, including Dior, Chanel, Montblanc, Prada and Tiffany and Co. Cai transforms fashion looks fresh from the runway and creates illustrations applying her coveted imperfect lines and smudges. Her artworks often depict models and high profile influencers in a new light and adds layers to their personality.
Q & A WITH CAI
WHO IS CAI, WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I grew up in the Hunter Valley but now I live in Sydney.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I'm a fashion illustrator.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PASSION?
I’ve been drawing for fun based off of magazine pictures since I was a kid but never really pursued drawing until about 3 years ago. I haven’t really chosen it as a profession. I think it chose me.
IF YOU WERE A COLOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Blue like the ocean.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I love cycling and getting outside. I think it keeps me sane and happy.
DESCRIBE YOUR ART IN 3 WORDS
Loud, spontaneous and modern.
WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS AND WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU HAVE DONE?
I have worked with brands including Miu Miu, BVLGARI, Moncler, Prada and more.
The first time I drew looks from the Met Gala event I loved creating artworks of the beautiful haute couture dresses. This was also the first time I was noticed by celebrities and was lucky enough to be reposted by a mega celebrity Kendall Jenner.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS A FASHION ILLUSTRATOR ?
Staying true to my style. Many people question why I do things a certain way. I try my best to capture the standout features and embody them in a way that is flattering but not always perfect. I like leaving my sketches within the final artwork because it is a way to show the viewer my progression and what I saw at first glance at the beginning of the drawing. I see it as perfect imperfection.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP TIP FOR CHILDREN WHO WANT TO BECOME LIKE YOU ONE DAY?
Go to a museum and draw as many paintings in the a museum as you can within an hour. This is how I fell in love with drawing. I also get a lot of joy out of seeing how much time I spend on a drawing, consider timing yourself and setting yourself little challenges to push your skills.
Join an artist’s club and go to as many artists exhibitions as you can. Being amongst other creatives is a great way to find support, hone your skills and also make great networks.
Start doing regular challenges with yourself. Currently I like to set a timer while I draw and push myself to draw faster.
I hope to inspire young artists to follow their dreams! I hope to prove illustration is not a dead art, it is constantly evolving and to keep up with the times we can thank apps like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator Draw.
Thank you so much for introducing yourself to us Cai! If you want to say hi to Cai, you can email her at cai@soystreet.co or see more of her beautiful illustrations below.
• Website: https://www.soystreet.co
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/soystreet
• Ticktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soy.st