Illustrator Helen Hird…
At Bounce Magazine we love celebrating our local area and the people in it, especially our skilful and talented creatives!
Helen Hird is a fashion and bridal illustrator; among her clients are Lyst.com, Vogue UK & Glamour magazine, Harpers Bazaar, Jessica Bennett Bespoke Bride and most recently Bounce Magazine’s editor, Rachel.
Her bridal work ranges from turning a brides perfect dress or bridesmaid dresses from a vision to a bespoke illustration fit for the dressmaker.
Alternatively, her wedding illustrations are a great keepsake of the most important garment you will ever wear, or as a personalised gift for the Bride, Bride and Groom, or Bridesmaids as a memento of the big day.
Helen’s work is designed on a high quality card and finished completely by hand with water colour and textured paint in a classic style. We speak to Helen about her passion for illustrating.
When did you realise you had a passion for weddings?
I have been borderline obsessed with weddings and wedding dresses from quite an early age.
I used to dress my Barbie’s up for their big day at least once a week, conduct ceremonies in the school playground and keep an in-depth diary of every tiny detail for my own future wedding.
I knew everything that I wanted, from the length of my train to the shade of champagne dress I would wear. I have, however, ditched the three 3ft diamond-encrusted tiara and first dance to S Club 7.
How did you discover illustration?
I went to college to study fashion and textiles, I became really interested in illustration, doodling my trademark little ladies at every opportunity.
I’d come home at the end of the college day and instead of demolishing a packet of crisps and putting on ‘Friends’ (like I did in my school days) I’d get my water colours back out. I’d been doing it all day, but I wasn’t tired of it. I kept going, as a hobby, until one day someone approached me with a question: “My friend has just got married, can you paint her in her dress?”
A light bulb went off, just like in a cartoon, and I realised my passion could possibly become more than just a hobby. This was over 4 years ago now and I’ve never looked back.
Do you put yourself under pressure when capturing someone’s image?
Sometimes it’s hard work being a one woman band.
There have been ups and downs. I’ve had many a sleepless night, paint spillage and so much to learn that I’ve felt like my brain is too small to cope.
On the flipside, I’ve had a double-page spread in Vogue, the honour to capture one of the most special days in people’s lives and occupy a tiny bit of wall space in homes up and down the country.
What would your younger self say to you now?
I think the 7 year old Helen, wearing a pillowcase as a veil, would be proud!
See more at www.helenhird.co.uk
