The Coolest Cat in Atlanta

Atlanta has been quite the experience for me. This is where I fell in love with men's fashion and began pursuing men's fashion's illustrative avenue. It began with the suggestive word of a friend (Mike McLaughlin- commencefailure) and a gift card from HomeGoods. Street Style had already taken root in popular culture and I was yet unaware of it. Polos that draped my body like a Roman Toga and Khakis that barely stayed resting upon my hips were the height of my fashionable endeavors. With my gift-card and passion in tow I purchased some Khaki Chinos and a casual Calvin Klein, blue-tartan, button up shirt. I knew it! I knew that this would make me the hippest kid in town. The coolest cat in Atlanta. Catlanta didn't know what was heading its way… or not. This first attempt at fashion glory was pale in the light of folks found across the entire internet spectrum, foolish perhaps. Lucky for me my laptop had been stolen my first night in Atlanta and I hadn't yet gathered the funds to enter the world of the informed- whether that be about fashion or about the world as a whole. Nevermind my failures in the beginning, the first step was still glorious even if it was only for me.

It would still be another two years before that me became this me. Before the chino wearing, bright-eyed passion began thinking of illustrating fashion. Before the act of illustrating was truly a pursuit. That first step was brilliant and beautiful.

To purchase this 3x5" index card watercolor illustration click here.

The Numbers are in...

I first want to thank all who participated in the promotion this past week. The ballots have been cast and the numbers are in… and the recipients of a Sunflowerman Fashion Synopsis Booklet are the following lovely people (please take the time to view what they do). Jose Lopez-Perez -twitter Amonfocus -Tumblr Pinolomannaro -twitter IAMAMIR1 -twitter Ghoti -Instagram Leslie Yvonne -Facebook ib247_tbre -Instagram mpinkleton -twitter Heather Holyan -Pinterest Christaltoso -Instagram

The response impressed me so that I got off my bum and produced a few more to send off to some lucky folks

Charleyrt -twitter, Instagram marinheii -twitter, Instagram

If you'd like to make your own then you can simply download the pdf  Sunflowerman_Booklet

And if you wanted a booklet and didn't get the luck of it you can purchase one for $5 at the Sunflowerman Shop on Etsy.

The Sunflowerman Fashion Synopsis Booklet

Here's the deal.

There are 10 Men's Fashion Synopsis Booklets that are waiting for a home and they want to go home with you.

The best part is that you can get one for free.

Just share this post via your preferred social network (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Wordpress, Instagram) and tag #Sunflowerman to be entered into a drawing to win one of the ten free Men's Fashion Synopsis Booklets. Deadline is Friday, March 8.

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Each Booklet is hand-bound and comes with a little surprise inside. 

The Modern Suit is Over 150 Years Old

As a result of being a men's fashion illustrator I find myself delving into the history of men's fashion. I like to know where history can be painted in to each illustration.

Recently I discovered a tidbit of knowledge which was quite interesting. Suits are over 150 years old!

The styling has been variable over the past century and half or so. When Beau Brummel (the man often credited with inventing the modern suit) decided to wear the first hipster pants in the 1800's he was just trying to be different and unique. Who knew that he would start a revolution?

It did help that in the 1600's King Charles the II made a royal change to the dress code of the court. They were to no longer wear the opulent French uniform, but switch to English cuts and fabrics. Politics and environment heavily influenced the change which prepared the way for Brummel.

150 years is still very young in comparison to so many articles of history but the influence it has taken hold of over the world is massive. Nearly every developed nation is marked with the inclusion of the suit in politics and business.

I often wonder at the oddity of lapels and collars, the need to secure a noose around the neck of the shirt and the overall lack of color in men's clothing. Where does the desire for retaining vestigial patterns in clothing come from? The most odd thing about it is that I love it! I truly do love it. I love beautifully cut jackets with a perfectly complimenting shirt. I love ties in all of their absurdity and the craft of a well made pair of shoes.

The joy is confusing. All of the descriptions are particularly arbitrary; 'beautifully cut,' 'perfectly complimenting,' and 'well made.' It must partially be contributed to the suits' symbol of power, but I like to think that it also says something about our past. In the same way an aged wine is born with decades of knowledge and passion I see the modern suit as a sip of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.

So I continue to illustrate. I continue to paint and create and iterate in the fashion of the bespoke tailors in Savile Row. I see and feel the beauty of men's clothing and fashion and I am excited to participate with everyone in wearing and exhibiting men's fashion.

The Parts of a Men's Fashion Illustration

Here is a visual insight into the process of one of the men's fashion illustrations. Not everything is revealed, but study the images and you will get the gist of it all goes down. Let me know what you think. This men's fashion illustration is a part of the Illustration Weekly Series and was featuring the Milan's Men Fashion Week at the beginning of 2013.

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Harris Tweed

A friend of mine is intensely interested in Harris Tweed. He has visited the islands where it is made, talked with the mill owners and sees an opportunity to invest in a Harris Tweed rebirth. His interest has peeked my own and has caused a heavy influence of Tweed in many of my illustrations.

A big question though, is Harris Tweed viable in the 21st Century?

All of the tweed is made on a specific set of islands in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. All of the tweed is home spun and can be made no other way. Parliament even enacted legislation to protect Harris Tweed from being produced anywhere else with any other standards than how it is produced in the Outer Hebrides. A special Orb is attached to all approved Harris Tweed to guarantee authenticity. The islands' economies are almost exclusively based on the production and sale of this special wool.

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With most fashion labels producing ready made clothing in large factories at ever cheaper prices the cost of doing business in the Outer Hebrides is high. Businesses are purchasing less of the heavy weight wool and expensive artisan craftsmanship to produce their items at the lowest and cheapest costs.

Is anyone interested in wool fabrics for leisure in the spring and summer?

Is there a demand for high quality and intricate craftsmanship?

Men's Fashion Template, Jackets

The next up in the Template series is the Single-Breasted Jacket and the Double-Breasted Jacket.

Please feel free to nab these and use them in whatever way you wish.

The Single-Breasted jacket is one of the single most important facets of a man's wardrobe. It's versatility is unmatched. Wear it to work, to a ball-game, to a reception. Bear in mind that it won't make you the Ball of the Bell, but you are sure to look fine.

It is important to note never to button that bottom button. I know we all have stood in the mirror with all buttons fastened and wondered why. If you are comfortable with your self in a Single-Breasted jacket then heck I say go for it, but also be prepared for a few glaring eyes.

The Double-Breasted jacket is becoming popular again (i.e. Denzel on the cover of GQ). The standard is 4 buttons but there are such a variety of Double-Breasted jackets (2-button, 6-button...), all of which I find valid and beautiful. If you are attempting to play it cool and still class up an event it can't hurt to pull out the 4-button Double-Breasted jacket.

Creativity and Fashion- Hair

I was 11 with hair trimmers in hand. My mother vehemently and vocally disagreed. The masterpiece she had been parting over the last 10 years was disappearing. The full, soft, curvaceous mop atop my head was now adorning the tile beneath my feet. Freedom. The tyranny was over. No person could control me any longer. My idols-a disobedient cousin, my father who liked to cause little mischeifs, the athletes on the playground- were now all knowable. I could truly understand them for the first time. I could feel the power. I cut off all my hair.

I was 17 with a paint brush in hand. The classroom bustle had lulled and all of the students were balanced upon their stools. My bristle top stood attentive as it had for the last 6 years, standing guard. This particular day it was given a new permission.

Change. The need for military grade hair-styling disappeared. The girls in the class expressed in resolute terms the attractiveness of long hair on men. Within 6 months I was a new man. My posture strong, my eyes seductive and my hair fell to the length of my shoulders.

Since those Sophomore grade-school years the cuts, lengths and styles have varied dramatically. I have grown it to obscene lengths and cut it back to nothing again.

I have shocked my friends with dyes, straightening, gelling, mohawks, near-mullets, corn-rows and at times a sheer lack of concern. Some members of my church even went so far as to scorn me for my erotically long hair.

The adventure of hair is fantastic if not at times controversial. If God gifts you with a full head of hair do not waste it. Enjoy it. Revel in it. Let the world see and marvel at it.

Men's Fashion Template, Shirts

I have been wanting to share something special here for a while. This is the first of several templates I will be releasing here at the Sunflowerman Blog. Please feel free to utilize these (png's) as you wish. Share with a friend.

If you would like access to the illustrator file feel free to contact me on twitter @sunflowermatt

Illustration Weekly, Styling 'Street Etiquette'

Street Etiquette- Travis Gumbs and Joshua Kissi. These two kings of fashion will never let you forget to pay close mind to the styles on the street.

This series captures the fashion icons of our day  and re-styles them through illustration. Who do you think should be styled next?

(Read more about this article at TheFollowFashion.com)

-Sunflowerman

instagram- @sunflowerman

twitter- @sunflowermatt

A Collected Gentleman

If you have not heard of A Collected Gentleman yet, please stop and see what is going on with that community (acollectedgentleman.com). The posts are all by one man and focus on several aspects of a creative life. A Collected Gentleman highlights great style with an economical mindset.

"My aim is to show style and self acceptance is priceless and that you can look good without breaking the bank." -A Collected Gentleman

The fashionable mindset is carried through the photography, the styling and even the poetry.

I met Isaiah Johnson (A Collected Gentleman) on twitter. He had inquired about the cost of fashion portraits after eyeing some of my fashion illustrations. We tweeted a bit and below is the result of our conversation.

To have your own Fashion Portrait contact sunflowerman at sunflowermatt@gmail.com

or you can meet sunflowerman on...

instagram- @sunflowerman

twitter- @sunflowermatt

Men's Fashion Illustration- Art Papers Donation

I am excited to share this six spot progression of my latest Men's Fashion Book Page Illustration. The unfortunate aspect is that I had to rush and I couldn't scan the steps, but thank goodness for my iPhone. Another day saved by the amazing technologies at hand. Take a good look if you are able, at the process here. There is no pencil drawing as guide for this illustration. I went straight onto this page from 'The Birth of Western Civilization' by McGraw Hill, using an ink well and a round brush.

Steps 1 and 2 have a disparity in documentation so I will attempt to fill the visual blanks. After laying thin washes of watercolor in the body and scarf I immediately began adding highlights with titanium white acrylic. From there each step speaks quite clearly to the use of watercolor layering and white acrylic highlighting. hint (Pay special attention to the use of colored glazing in the lapels of the jacket.)

This Men's Fashion Illustration is being donated to Art Papers, located in Atlanta, GA. A friend told me about the opportunity to network with over 250 other artist and numerous art collectors and there is no reason to pass up an opportunity of that nature.

I still know little about the organization that is benefiting from this amazing donation.

Sunflowerman and Sam Flax- Illustration Tutorial

It is true! The rumors, or lack of rumors suggesting the collaboration between Sunflowerman and Sam Flax Atlanta can now be confirmed.

The 'Watercolor for Illustrators' shorts series will be released for free in a couple weeks. I have had the immense pleasure to partner with Sam Flax in presenting this information, free of charge to anyone and everyone.

Here is a video from the last Sunflowerman, Sam Flax experience.

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Illustration Weekly, Styling Mike

Illustration Weekly 5

For the second week of the new illustration series at The Follow Fashion I give you Mike. Mike is one of the minds behind the success of The Follow Fashion Online Magazine which provides daily inspiration with links to designers and clothiers all over the web and the world.

This new series will be capturing the fashion icons of our day such as Patrick Grant and  Scott Schumann and re-styling them through illustration. Submissions/suggestions of who you think should be included are welcome.

(Read more about this article at  TheFollowFashion.com)

-Sunflowerman

instagram- @sunflowerman

twitter- @sunflowermatt

The Book Page Fashion Illustration Photoshoot

Recently I was able to have a ton of fun with the Book Page Fashion Illustrations. I just set out to shoot them together to share the Book Pages as a collective and in their newest form. Some are from the latest Tie + Jacket, the Smokes and London Collections: Hackett series. It has been some time since I had the opportunity to lay them out in this manner and it really took away what breath was in my lungs. The development from the first shoot is tremendous and beautiful (the first shoot). The Fashion Illustrations below are the newest hand painted illustrations in the collection. The majority are now available at Sunflowermanfashion.com. [gallery columns="1" type="rectangular" ids="2334,2335,2336,2337,2338,2339,2340"]

Now take one home by visiting the shop.

Bowyer and Fletcher Fabric Fashion Illustration

Jahmal, from Bowyer and Fletcher contacted me about some Bow Tie artwork for their fine bow tie brand. Bowyer and Fletcher was an early subscriber to the work I have been producing with men's fashion illustration and their support bolstered my confidence entering into this new market. The brand has now grown beyond just bow ties (see the new product) and I am excited to see where else they can expand in the future. I have to say that with this project took some long time to produce anything. I stake claim to the blame for that. Local projects kept finding there way into my days and I neglected the good folks at Bowyer and Fletcher. The wait did allow for the development of a project that had been floating around in my mind for some time.

If you recall the large fabric paintings from the H. Stockton show (in case you missed it) you will know what I am talking about. There, I debuted the large fabric fashion paintings. The reactions were all ecstatic and I knew that along with my overwhelming joy for there creation that this is what I needed to do with Bowyer and Fletcher.

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I am a little disappointed that there is little visual comparison of size but if you are a technical person then knowing that it is approximately 6 feet by 2.5 feet will suffice. Grommets are placed in each corner of the fabric for easy stretching or displaying on walls or in windows or over hand made frames.

Now go check out the good work from our friends at Bowyer and Fletcher.

And see the featured Bow Tie.

High Cotton Fabric Paintings

High Cotton is a new, local North Carolina high fashion attire company. James, one of the spokesmen (and son of the artisan who hand sews the bow ties) contacted me a while back about a possible collaboration for the brand. High Cotton makes amazing hand sewn, 100% cotton bow ties and cummerbunds. I particularly have my eye on the corduroy. When I tell you that James is one of the most passionate and genuine salesmen I have ever met I am telling you that I look forward to every phone conversation. One time his mother even joined in on a call. High Cotton to me has been the hospitality of the South and the sincere ambition of creating beautiful things.

You will find this following phrase on their website and it captures High Cotton for me.

'It is our hope that High Cotton Ties will be able to extend itself to our customers as a helping hand to properly reflect their individuality, in good conscience and in good style.'

We have a lot of plans in the works that make me giddy but I couldn't help but to share what has been produced to this point. We are focusing initially on the large Fashion Fabric Paintings (like the ones from the H.Stockton show) and some smaller book page illustrations.

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Men's Fashion Templates

I started a little project for general use creating Men's Fashion Design Templates. These are the first concepts of many to come. I am hoping to create a wide range of 'specific use' like the templates below and 'general use' for added customizability. Look for free template and vector downloads to be coming soon.

Would it be helpful to see the outlines of the heads?

If you want to see more Men's Fashion Illustrations check out the Illustration Weekly section of the blog.

Illustration Styling, Rashgmaal

Illustration Weekly 5

To kick off the new illustration series at The Follow Fashion I give you Rashgmaal. Rashgmaal is the founder of The Follow Fashion Online Magazine where he provides daily inspiration with links to designers and clothiers all over the web and the world.

This new series will be capturing the fashion icons of our day such as Patrick Grant and  Scott Schumann and re-styling them through illustration. Submissions/suggestions of who you think should be included are welcome.

(Read more about this article at  TheFollowFashion.com)

-Sunflowerman

instagram- @sunflowerman

twitter- @sunflowermatt

London Collections Men, Hackett

London Fashion Week kicked off the new year and the new look at fashion for 2013. I have taken a look at several of the collections and illustrated them on recycled Sherlock Holmes Short Story Book Pages and are available at the shop

This first look is at the Hackett Collection. The WWD review provides a great rundown of the runway.

Jeremy Hackett took to the crypt of Saint Paul’s Cathedral in east London for his show that was all about the snazzy English gent — the sort who wears a bowler hat to work. Hackett played with traditional men’s wear patterns such as Prince of Wales and windowpane checks, and mixed and layered tailored pieces with patterned knitwear in the form of sweater vests, V-neck pullovers and scarves.

Sold.

The Rake at the shop

The Dapper at the shop

The Dandy at the shop