The Phantom Thread turns to sharpened coloured pencils and graphite. Elena Myasnikova shares all with Patrick Morgan

I began to draw consciously at the age of 7, when I went to art school. Before that, I think I also was drawing, unfortunately, no works have saved, but some fragmentary memories remained, including rather strange ones. For example, I remember how I was driving a red brush without paint over the wallpaper, or I remember drawing a butterfly on my knee ...

I think it all started with a passion for dress-making. I have completed a course in design and modelling. I sewed for myself and my close ones, quite enthusiastically, and even won a mannequin at one of the dress-making competitions. Then I became more interested in the world of fashion, start watching the shows and photoshoots. Then I began to draw sketches of what I would like to sew, and with all of that I gradually came to fashion illustrations and fashion portraits, without which I cannot imagine my creative life now.

I work mainly in the evening and at night, at this time I have more energy and inspiration. At first I look through the materials: mostly these are references that were postponed saved for later. Sometimes an idea comes immediately, sometimes idea cherish for several days or more. After deciding on the topic, I start thinking on paper. It may be some kind of indistinct handwriting. Then I make a more detailed sketch. I think over the composition and technical solution: I select materials, paper, etc. Then I do the work in the main format. Sometimes I do several works at once on one topic, then I choose one and finalize it.

I like to experiment, to mix different materials in my work. As a rule, these are oil pastels, pencils, tempera, acrylic or gouache. If I need to convert my work to digital format, then I photograph it using a Canon EOS 250D or iPad Pro. If the photo needs adjustments, then I use Procreate or Photoshop

My teachers from children's art school, from college and university. Favourite artists: Toulouse Lautrec, Valentin Serov, Alfons Mucha, Erte. And my mother, who was fond of dress-making and thus foster me an interest in fashion.

I had a little experience working as a teacher in a children's art school.

It does not matter how old the artist is, it is important to see and develop this singularity in order to acquire your own unique style.

Now I start working on a fashion portrait based on the Saint Laurent Spring 2021 collection.This is an amazing photo shoot with extraordinary images, few but bright accessories and creative haircuts.

I listen to music according to my mood, usually while jogging or walking.

I prefer to work in silence or with audiobooks of my favourite authors.

One of my favourite designers at the moment is Dries Van Noten. He creates inspirational collections. Each time they surprise with a combination of colours and textures. And what amazing accessories are created under his leadership! Like a sculptor, he sculpts his images from various pieces of material.

I follow with curiosity and interest the work of Guillaume Henry, who works for the Patou house. I am impressed by his collections on the one hand with historicity, and on the other hand with lightness and irony. There is always something to catch the eye of the artist: lace collars in the provencal style, playful puffy sleeves, brocade textures, cheerful sailor hats. All of these is close to me.