Summer Fashion Arts Festival Talk Series: Julia Michel

Summer Fashion Arts Festival Talk Series: Julia Michel

The Human Touch: Julia Michel on Creativity, Collaboration and Craft

As part of the Summer Fashion Art Festival, illustrator Julia Michel joined host Patrick Morgan for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on her creative journey, the realities of working in today’s fashion industry, and the power of community in shaping an artist’s path.

Julia began by tracing her professional roots back to Moscow, where she studied graphic design and worked in commercial roles before relocating to Germany. After years immersed in digital workflows, Julia felt the urge to reconnect with something more tactile and expressive. This led to a gradual but intentional shift toward hand-drawn illustration – a transition that would not only redefine her creative identity but also position her at the forefront of a fast-growing field: live event illustration.

Her breakthrough moment came with a global Christmas campaign for a major retail brand – an opportunity that validated her new direction and opened doors to further collaborations. Today, Julia works across a range of formats and events, including luxury brand activations, where she creates bespoke portraits and product sketches in real time for VIP clients. She spoke candidly about the nuanced demands of live work, from quick execution and technical precision to reading the room and handling delicate social interactions. These aren’t just drawings – they’re performances that blend speed, elegance, and emotional connection.

A key theme of the conversation was the evolving role of illustrators in the luxury space. Patrick Morgan noted that fashion houses such as Hermès and Prada are not only embracing illustration again but often selecting artists to align with specific visual aesthetics. While this can place constraints on creative freedom, it also signals renewed value being placed on handmade artistry – particularly when illustration offers something photography or AI cannot: warmth, intimacy, and human touch.

Julia compared her experiences in Germany and Russia, describing the former as far more open to live art experiences and artist-led brand engagement. She also praised the collaborative spirit among artists in Munich, where peer support and shared opportunities are actively encouraged. This stands in contrast to more individualistic markets, where artists may be left to navigate client relationships and industry norms alone.

There was also light-hearted discussion about the recent surge in pet-focused fashion art, with both Julia and Patrick reflecting on the growing popularity of dog portraits at brand events – an emerging niche that blends whimsy with luxury. As brands seek deeper, more personal connections with audiences, illustrators who can capture not only people but their beloved pets are finding new platforms for their work.

Patrick wrapped the session with a call to action: while fashion shows have seen a decline in the presence of illustrators, the rise of live illustration elsewhere marks a renaissance for the craft. As Julia’s story shows, artists who can balance skill, spontaneity, and social fluency are not only surviving but thriving – shaping a space where creativity and commerce can coexist meaningfully.

In an era increasingly dominated by digital noise, Julia Michel reminds us of the quiet power of drawing: a line, a moment, a connection made by hand.

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