Summer Fashion Arts Festival Talk Series: Dasha S

From Finance to Fashion – Dasha 's Journey into Illustration and the Rise of the Live Event Artist

In a heartfelt and insightful conversation at the Summer Fashion Art Festival, fashion illustrator Dasha shared the story of her unconventional path into the creative industry – one that began not in an art school, but in the world of finance.

Like many creatives of her generation, Dasha didn’t start out as an artist. It was only after becoming a mother that she began to reconnect with her creative instincts, trading spreadsheets for sketchbooks. This transition wasn’t easy, but it was intentional. Determined to develop her skills, Dasha committed to a daily live drawing practice, using sketching not only as a tool for improvement, but as a form of visual storytelling. Her discipline and clarity of vision quickly paid off.

Today, Dasha collaborates with luxury brands like Tiffany and Gucci, where her fluid, elegant lines and observational precision have become part of the customer experience. Her illustrations are not just souvenirs – they’re expressions of identity, capturing the glamour and spontaneity of live fashion events. But as she noted, success in this space requires more than talent: it takes a unique artistic voice, a strong brand identity, and a professional approach to client relationships.

Festival host and FIDA founder, Patrick Morgan, highlighted a growing trend: professional women – especially mothers – from industries like finance and law, are increasingly turning to creative careers in search of flexibility, meaning, and personal expression. Dasha’s story is part of this wider shift, and her presence at the Festival underscored the changing face of fashion illustration.

But the conversation also touched on hard truths. Freelance illustration remains a precarious career path, and Patrick stressed the importance of being financially literate and proactive. Editorial commissions, once the backbone of an illustrator’s income, now pay less than they did a decade ago. In contrast, live events are fast becoming one of the most viable revenue streams for illustrators, offering higher fees and direct access to audiences.

For Dasha, live illustration is more than a job – it’s a dynamic collaboration between artist, brand, and viewer. Whether she’s sketching for a product launch or working one-on-one with a client, she approaches each project with care and precision, always seeking to create something memorable and emotionally resonant. She also hinted at new creative directions, including the possibility of working with collage and mixed media – proof that even after a successful transition, her practice continues to evolve.

The conversation closed with a shared message for the next generation of illustrators: don’t wait for permission. Start drawing, refine your voice, and treat your work with the seriousness it deserves. In an increasingly saturated and digital-first marketplace, authenticity, adaptability, and professionalism are just as important as technical skill.

Dasha’s story serves as both inspiration and roadmap for those looking to pivot into a creative career. It reminds us that artistry isn’t something you’re born into – it’s something you build, sketch by sketch, day by day.