We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Lin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

Drawing and creating has been a huge part of my life growing up. I drew quite a lot as a child and it never left me as I grew older. However, pursuing a career as an illustrator seemed out of reach to me with my pragmatic upbrining so I chose a career in advertising instead. I have a successful career as a Creative Director and work for some great brands and agencies, but it left a creative gap in my life, which is why I decided to started People of Fashion a few years ago. It’s worth saying, my husband, another creative, highly encouraged me to do this to get myself out of my rut.

People of Fashion was meant to be a side project where I drew one person a day whose style I loved. It’s since grown into its own brand -mine- and led me to dip into the world I love and around the type of creators I’m inspired by. It allows me to combine my love for illustration, fashion, writing and people whose stories I find interesting. I can create freely from my point of view and record the synchronicity I find in fashion and our society.

Though I didn’t pursue a career in the arts, People of Fashion is the most authentic representation of me as an individual when it comes to what I value, what I’m drawn to, and what type of work I want to continue to create.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My artwork centers around fashion, societal issues and is intentionally feminist. There’s no shortage of content I can create from those themes alone.

I also cover fashion collections that I find inspiring and often try to spotlight designers whose values align with mine. I grew up without seeing any models on covers of fashion magazines or in the media who looked like me, so representation is incredibly important to me. I try to feature women in my artwork that represents all of us so young girls who come across my work can feel seen and know that they very much can belong in this world.

I work with collaborators who have a shared value. Past projects I’ve been most proud of is a book I illustrated with author, Carolina Maduro, called Dress Up With Me. It is about empowering young girls to embrace their love for fashion and imagination. Another one I’m proud of is a project I did with fashion designer, Phillip Lim, which encouraged people to go out and vote. Both incorporated fashion but had a larger message behind it and that’s the type of work I want to continue to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m an introvert by nature. My favorite spot to hang out is my backyard, which is surrounded by lush greenery. However, if I have to go out, I love Hauser & Wirth in DTLA and stopping by Manuela’s for cocktails.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to TrustFund21Vintage and Chelito Villaflor who are always bringing interesting people in Los Angeles together.

Website: https://www.pploffashion.com

Instagram: pploffashion

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