Montana Forbes

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Beauty

Editorial

Fashion

Graphic

Line

Medical

People

Molly in SK vintage fashion illustration

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Woman with scars on face and neck in a digital illustration

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Illustration of 'illumination' for Quentin Blake's 90th birthday

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Absolute expression in total reduction

She masters the expression of each figure with simple line and filled color in absolute sophistication.

Light and sensitive line work, subtle colour palettes and an appreciation for pattern and texture are what set London-based fashion illustrator Montana Forbes apart from the rest. Inspired by the psychology of fashion and the narrative of individual style, she’s an expert in the field and is an Association of Illustrators board member, leading masterclasses in fashion illustration at the House of Illustration now known as Quentin Blake Centre For Illustration. Her childhood in the US and Southern Africa has informed her style and sense of colour, she’s inspired by vintage magazines and clothing and an advocate for sustainable fashion. She studied Visual Communication at university, focusing on the history of art, photography and graphic design.

Approach

Researching and collecting visual references of a subject matter is the first part of Montana’s approach. After getting together a pool of ideas she starts doodling and sketching in pencil. Later on, Photoshop is used to develop and tweak the image, and to apply the colour.

Key Software

Photoshop

Style

Montana has a clear, minimal, pared-back style. Her aim is to capture a timeless sensibility in her images, but one that people can easily relate to.

Impressions

Interview

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Interview

Highlights of the last 12 months?Creating my own t-shirts and being asked to participate in an upcoming fashion exhibition in Berlin this summer. Do you have any formal design training? Yes, a BA degree in Visual Communications from AIU (American Intercontinental University). Where do you live now & what drew you there? I live in the north west of London, it is every city rolled into one and personally no other can match its individuality. Where is your studio and can you describe it for me? t’s a converted 2nd bedroom with wooden floors. It has a work-station (computer, printer and scanner), various books/magazines/artwork along one wall and a chaise longue and easel along the opposite wall. Who or What is your biggest inspiration? The female anatomy, fashion and other artists. How do you get your ideas? Browsing through magazines, galleries and taking long walks around London. Do you collect anything? Shoes, books, music, magazines, feathers and leaves in the autumn. Do you keep a scrapbook? Of sorts, in virtual form and tear outs from magazines. Tell us about a favourite project you’ve recently completed. Illustrating current 'fashion icons' (legendary) Iris Apfel and (blogger) Tavi for Hong Kong based Milk-X magazine. What would be your dream job/commission. Working/collaborating with fashion labels and creating some artwork for fashion magazine covers. Who are your art heroes? Kara Walker, Wangechi Mutu, Mark Rothko and Gauguin. Who are your design heroes? Zaha Hadid (architecture) and Stella McCartney (fashion). If you were not an illustrator, what would you be? An art editor for a fashion magazine. How do you think a friend, or professor who knows you well would describe you? Quirky and inquisitive. If you could take a holiday leaving tomorrow, where would you go & what would you do? I would do a mini world tour. Visit friends, explore vintage stores, art galleries and go out dancing.

Favourites

Café: Brunch at Smiths Of Smithfield Gallery: FIG Fashion Illustration Gallery Art Equipment/Tool: HB pencils, charcoal and my Mac Food: Thai Fusion Drink: Coffee and Wine at Borough Market Shop: Vintage from Marshmellow Mountain

Pregnant woman in white underwear holding her belly, side view

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Black women to receive improved healthcare

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Ethereal woman with long flowing braids and colorful orbs

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Portrait of Mariam Naficy CEO by Montana Forbes

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fashion model wearing black striped shirt

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Portrait of Benedict Cumberbatch from Portrait of a Dog by Montana Forbes

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Illustration of Gwenneth Paltrow in a pink gown at Oscars 1999 by Montana Forbes

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Illustration of Lupita Nyong'o in light blue gown by Montana Forbes

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Woman in bathrobe sitting on bathtub with towel on head by palm leaf by Montana Forbes

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portrait of three fashion models illustration

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portrait illustration of couple by Montana Forbes

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Illustration for Harrods sports wear by Montana Forbes

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Woman fashion illustration by Montana Forbes

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Montana Forbes

Selected illustrations

Top view of man with thinning hair and beard illustrated

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Diagram showing facial and neck massage directions on a woman's face

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Diagram showing hair structure and how perming and straightening affect it

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London designer Rejina Pyo's fashion, beauty, and accessories

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Portrait of young woman with brown hair and green headband

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Line drawing of a bearded man in shirt and tie by Montana Forbes

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Cher wearing elaborate black feathered headdress and jewelry, illustration by Montana Forbes

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Illustration of Quvenzhane Wallis holding puppets by Montana Forbes

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Illustration of historian Alastair Hamilton by Montana Forbes

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Ice skaters gliding over decorated ice with bells and baubles by Montana Forbes

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drawing of girl wearing jeans and high heels

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Woman in vintage Moschino jeans pencil made illustration

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Women wearing summer sandals fashion illustration

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Bath tub and plant illustration by Montana Forbes

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Illustration showing makeup guide on female face and eye details

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Diagram of human skin showing layers, hair follicles, and glands

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Naked woman sitting on knees viewed from behind illustration

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Woman with towel and half green facial mask applied

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Diagram showing skin conditions on face and back with labels

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Makeup brush applying product to eyelashes with under-eye patch

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Face with red irritated skin patches on forehead, cheeks, and chin

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Guide to lifelong health and greater well-being

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Diagram illustrating healing stages of eyebrow piercing

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Illustration of diverse feet in stylish shoes with confetti by Montana Forbes

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Book cover of Scholarship between Europe and the Levant by Montana Forbes

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Fashion illustration of Chadwick Boseman at the 2018 Oscars by Montana Forbes

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Illustration of Miyoshi Umeki in a brown floral kimono by Montana Forbes

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Music cover for Norah Jones record store day

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masterclass by Montana Forbes in fashion illustration

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floral marco tozzi long boots illustration

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Lady wearing jacket and woolen hat artwork

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The Water Bearer illustration by Montana Forbes

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Selected Clients

Allergen Plastic Surgeons, BBC TV, Benefits Cosmetics, Elle Magazine, Filofax, Financial Times Newspaper, Gap, Marie Claire Magazine, Random House Publishers, Target, Wella