WHAT is it like to be a fashion illustrator in one of the world?s fashionable cities?

More specifically, what is it like to be one of the world?s more popular fashion illustrators whose works are lapped up online?

2bU got an exclusive interview (via e-mail) with Milan-based illustrator Cristiana De Zanche.

Cristiana comes from the lovely city of Padua, Italy. She was born there in 1974. In 1994, she moved to Milan where she attended Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) fashion design courses until 1998. NABA is a private fine arts academy recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research.

Her first job was with Italian fashion houses, designing ready-to-wear lines such as Gentucca Bini, Herno and Avoncelli.

Eventually, in 2006, she opted to go on her own and founded Studio Fantasma with partner Pietro Gaudenzi.

Since then, Cristiana has been with the agency IMAXtree.com. Her works are published in fashion magazines such as Vogue Nippon, Marie Claire, Annabelle, Elle, Gioia and Fashiontrend.

How did you get into fashion illustration?

I was working in a fashion editorial board when I started publishing the first illustrations. There I found new clients and magazines, also thanks to my current agency, Imaxtree.

Additionally, I started my four-hand work with Pietro Gaudenzi (also my boyfriend) and together we developed a digital pictorial technique (we use predominately Photoshop) which had a great success because of its versatility and rapidity.

Since things were going better and better, this became my official job.

What makes your artwork different from the others?

Maybe the fact that we amalgamate fashion trends and personal tastes. I think I and Pietro have an independent point of view, not too bound to fashion rules: This allows us to create original matches of dresses, accessories and objects, but we can also follow the magazine?s or our client?s style.

Obviously we do have our style, but at the same breath we are able to evolve and invent something different and new.

What inspires you?

Everything! I strongly believe it?s very important to look about: Observe daily things, look at great artists? works (painters, illustrators, photographers, both past and present ones), and read as well; it is important to be informed.

What advice can you give young, budding illustrators?

Read a lot, experience the more you can and work by twos!