Summer Fashion Arts Festival Talk Series: Oksana Craven

Gilded Impressions – Oksana Craven on Passion, Process, and the Power of Live Illustration

As part of this year’s Summer Fashion Art Festival, fashion illustrator and designer Oksana Craven took to the stage to share the story behind her remarkable creative evolution – from fashion design graduate at Central Saint Martins to in-demand live event illustrator with a signature gilded style. In conversation with Patrick Morgan, Craven offered not only career insight, but a masterclass in creative courage, adaptability, and the enduring power of traditional craft.

Having lived and worked across Finland, France, Dubai, and now the United States, Craven brings a truly global perspective to her work. Her portfolio includes a decade-long collaboration with Bvlgari, and recent partnerships with Manolo Blahnik and other luxury clients. Her artistic signature? A complex yet fluid technique that marries ink, watercolour, and gold foiling – a live art approach that captivates with its richness and fine detail. In an age of digital saturation, Craven’s handcrafted illustrations stand out not only for their beauty, but for their tactile presence.

Yet her success wasn’t built on style alone. Craven spoke candidly about the importance of proactivity in the fashion world. One defining moment came when she printed her portfolio and walked into stores to introduce herself. That direct, old-school approach – rare in an era of online networking – proved invaluable, leading to real relationships and high-profile commissions. “Social media can support your brand,” she noted, “but it can’t replace human connection.”

Craven and Morgan also touched on pricing – often a complex topic for freelance illustrators. Craven, whose highest rate for a single evening of live work has reached $18,000, stressed the importance of flexibility and professionalism. While she believes in fair minimums that reflect experience, she also sees value in adjusting rates for startups or long-term brand relationships. Morgan echoed this, noting that transparency and self-worth are key to building a sustainable career.

As the conversation turned to materials and market trends, Craven highlighted a noticeable shift in client preferences – away from digital tools and toward traditional techniques. “There’s a desire for authenticity,” she said. “Clients are asking for pencil, ink, watercolour – it feels more personal.” Her collaboration with Manolo Blahnik, which incorporated real pressed flowers, reflected this movement beautifully, blending nature, fashion, and storytelling into a fresh, romantic aesthetic.

Morgan praised Craven’s intuitive ability to read the room – whether it's a Miami product launch or a Paris boutique event – and adjust her style accordingly. He also noted her talent for identifying emerging trends, suggesting that her ability to innovate while staying grounded in tradition makes her one of the most compelling illustrators working today.

For Craven, illustration is not just about capturing a look – it’s about creating a mood, a moment, and a memory. Her work reminds us that while trends shift and technologies evolve, the magic of a live sketch, rendered with elegance and confidence, remains timeless.

As the Summer Fashion Art Festival continues to spotlight the art of fashion illustration, Oksana Craven stands out as a powerful voice – one that blends entrepreneurial spirit with artistic excellence, and proves that in the right hands, even a brushstroke can become a signature.