Artist Danny Roberts is the creative force behind fashion-orientated painting and illustration blog, Igor + Andre. He has been involved in art and photography projects since the age of 13 and now at 24 he runs a blog that receives an average of
Artist Danny Roberts is the creative force behind fashion-orientated painting and illustration blog, Igor + André, a favourite on AnOther's Reader. He has been involved in art and photography projects since the age of 13 and now at 24 he runs a blog that receives an average of 70,000 visitors per month. For two-and-a-half years, Igor + André has been a platform for Roberts’s beautifully whimsical paintings, and the historical and design points of reference that inspire him. Here, he talks us through his work and some of the major achievements that starting the blog has lead to.
Why is the blog called Igor + André?
Actually, I haven't really said why it's called that yet. It's named after a project I've been planning for a few years, but it's not ready yet. Sorry about that. I can’t wait to share it with everyone though.
How would you describe your blog and its purpose?
My blog for the most part is just an art diary. I post paintings, sketches, videos, or songs that I've written and try to explain them.
Why do you think it became so popular?
I’m not really sure, it came out of nowhere. I mean, my brother talked me into starting a blog – I didn’t even know what one was, let alone that anyone would ever read it. But, little by little, I started receiving emails from people and getting featured in magazines. It’s been so humbling and trippy.
How would you describe your illustration style?
I would describe it as my handwriting. Just like everyone’s handwriting is different, my drawing style is just me trying to draw accurately and it comes out looking like my style.
The illustrations, and the points of reference you mention, are incredibly feminine. Why do you find this niche of art and illustration so compelling?
Well, for the most part I paint things that I am interested in, and women are one of my biggest inspirations. I think that fashion is perfect, because it celebrates women and beauty. I would say that Woman Sitting with Left Leg Drawn Up by Egon Schiele is one of my favorite paintings of a woman. Also La Belle Dame Sans Merci by John William Waterhouse. As for why I paint women, it is simply because they are beautiful.
Is there are particular designer or style you prefer to draw?
Yes, definitely. I usually like to paint things that remind me of dreams. Alexander McQueen was my favorite designer to paint because all of his collections seemed like they were from another world. I am drawn to anything that looks like it is out of a storybook.
How has having the blog lead to other interesting work?
Almost all my jobs have been because of my blog. Thanks to it, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers, Lancôme, and Forever 21. There was a portrait of Lee Alexander McQueen that I posted on my blog as a tribute. A few months later, I was asked by the Sunday Times Magazine in London if they could use it for the cover, which was the honour of a lifetime. I was supposed to fly to New York for Fashion Week the day that he died, but my flight was cancelled due to a massive storm. I was so taken aback by the news of his death, that I painted the portrait as a tribute to him.
Text by Laura Havlin
