Fashion illustrator and graphic artist Aileen Holmes can be best described as a “Jill of all trades.” Having an entrepreneurial spirit, Holmes has a wide array of talents ranging from jewelry design to painting. Her whimsical illustrations are easily recognizable as her own. With her feminine aesthetic, Aileen tells us how fashion, vintage patterns, and living in Orange County have inspired her work.

Alisha Domoslai: When and how did you become interested in art and illustration?

Aileen Holmes: I’ve always been interested.  I’ve been artistically inclined from a young age; constantly drawing pictures of the perfect dress, the perfect birthday cake, the perfect house.  I was addicted to the library:  checking out books on how to make books, origami, and make all sorts of random things.  I sewed my own Barbie clothes and later on made my own ‘zine in high school called “Inanimate Object.”  Today I basically do the grown-up version of all the art projects of my youth, except now it pays the rent.

AD: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

AH: Old things fascinate me.  I love going to estate sales to investigate people’s antique treasures and imagine what their lives were like.  There’s always a story – vintage is very voyeuristic!   I’m especially fond of the fashion, ads and advice columns of teen mags from the ‘60s.  I also collect wrapping paper from the ‘60s and ‘70s and vintage fashion from all eras.  I’m especially in love with fashion—it’s a major subject of my art.

AD: I read on your blog that you were working for Mattel, every little girl’s dream, how was that experience?

AH: Yes!  I was lucky enough to work in the Barbie Consumer Products Division as a Senior Designer.  As I mentioned before, I made my own Barbie clothing as a kid to being immersed in Barbie’s rich history was very captivating.  My job was to work on the style guide for licensees and help design graphics, textile prints, product CADs (mostly accessories like jewelry, handbags, socks, shoes, etc), and I also worked on special projects like developing signature product for the Barbie Shanghai store.  I got to work with very passionate, talented people and that was the most fun part of the job.

AD: You dabble in a quite a few mediums (painting, graphic design, drawing, jewelry making, etc.) What is your favorite form of expression?

AH: Drawing is by far my most favorite form of expression—and I do often incorporate illustration into everything I do pretty much.  Actually, a goal of mine is to narrow my focus on more illustration and to broaden its delivery.  My plan is to try out editorial illustration, stationery, and illustrating for books.

AD: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

AH: I’d say it’s very feminine with a bit of sassiness.  I tend to draw lots of flourishes with an organic but heavy line.  Definitely bold and colorful!  There’s a sexy confidence to all my female characters and, of course, fierce and quirky fashion.

AD: Tell us about your Etsy store: what kind of items you sell, etc.

AH: My Etsy store Tangyfruitgirl just launched in November.  It’s new!  So far, I am selling my cute and girly t-shirts, holiday greeting cards, and print reproductions of my colorful artwork.  I have plans to expand and diversify my product line.   To get the scoop on what’s coming up, folks c

an sign up for my newsletter.  Whoever signs up will be mailed a free 2010 Calendar Postcard!  (http://www.aileenholmes.com)

AD: If you could collaborate with any designer/artist on a project who would it be and why?

AH: I’d LOVE to collaborate with Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, or Mary Quant.  They share my feminine vintage love and are known for their boldness.  As far as more accessible fashion, Free People is my all-time favorite line.  Most of what’s in my closet is by Free People!  I’d love to incorporate my artwork into their apparel.  As far as other collaborations, I’d love to work with the stationery line Paperchase, work with Urban Outfitters on their home goods, and generally have my art on everyday goods for every day people to enjoy.

AD: What is the most important thing you have learned about promoting your work?

AH: I always try to be friendly and helpful to everyone I meet.  Your friends are your best advocates!  We share information and promote each other; promotion is very important – people won’t know you exist unless you put yourself out there!

AD: How has living in Orange County influenced your work?

AH: I was born and raised in the OC.  I’d say that the music scene influenced me greatly.  I was exposed to indie music via KUCI 88.9fm in high school and am eternally grateful for how it shaped my tastes.  Also, I’ve been frequenting the LAB in Costa Mesa from its inception and shows at The ARTery often.  OC is home to many creative and friendly people with entrepreneurial spirits.  From the apparel companies to video game companies, there are many creative companies out there doing great work!

AD: On your site you list your monthly goals, what do you hope to accomplish in the new year?

AH: I’ve been so prolific with the creative side of my business this past year that next year I will focus on the left-brain aspects of business.  I’ve always been interested in licensing so I will investigate that.  Also, as I mentioned before, I want to focus on illustration and diversify.  I’d love to do editorial illustrations for local mags like OC Weekly or go national with magazines like Seventeen, BUST, Venus or art mags like Beautiful/Decay.  Also, next year, I’d love to interact directly with my fans and consumers by participating in local craft shows like Patchwork or the Handmade Brigade of Orange County.  I have many more projects in the works—but they will be a surprise!