Unlocking creativity: art direction in the fashion industry

It’s no surprise that the fashion industry is changing. Sustainability, technology, inclusivity and innovation are all increasingly important factors in today’s competitive landscape.

Successful images are essential in the fashion industry to build brands, tell stories, make emotional connections and sell products.

Aspiring art directors must be able to explore, question and communicate fashion concepts and stories effectively through creative image-making.

Our Art Direction For Fashion Short Course offers a practical introduction to art direction for fashion. Students learn how to plan and deliver art direction projects and receive practical guidance along the way.

This week we hear from art director and short course student, Natalia Lareo. Natalia recently took our Art Direction for Fashion Short Course and Fashion Styling Online Short Course to expand her knowledge in this area.

Natalia has always been interested in the relationship between fashion and technology. “One of my hobbies is playing video games and this has helped me develop a clear aesthetic vision,” she explains.

Currently based in Madrid, Natalia works as an art director in the creative design team at Condé Nast. She has more than 6 years of experience in advertising and has worked for several agencies with international clients including Disney+, Huawei and Santander Bank.

“I have a full-time job as an art director, but I like to combine it with different short courses to complement my knowledge,” Natalia tells us. “I believe it is important to continue learning throughout life.”

“Although I have always worked in advertising, my real interest and passion is fashion,” says Natalia, “so I chose these courses as I hoped they could open doors to the fashion world and help me turn my career around.”

“I found both courses really good,” says Natalia. “The art direction tutor, Schelay McCarter, had a lot of knowledge and shared useful references for me to continue learning after the course.”

Students on the Art Direction For Fashion Short Course work on a range of projects and receive personal feedback on how to progress. Natalia found this feedback invaluable. “The feedback I received was well-explained and included references that helped me improve my strengths,” she says.

“Complementing my experience in art direction with the knowledge I gained on the short course has opened doors for me in the fashion world,” says Natalia. “I think that taking the art direction course helped me achieve my current job at Condé Nast.”

Take a look at Natalia’s online portfolio on Bēhance to see some of her brilliant work.

Studying online