Former student Danny Roberts has been all over the press for his illustration work and his collaboration with Harajuku Lovers.  First in Women’s Wear Daily and now he dives into the pages of the December issue of Elle.

As you can see, the issue graced with Sarah Jessica Parker on the cover  includes one of Mr. Roberts’s many whimsical illustrations of models (in this case Mina Cvetkovic) and gives love to his blog Igor+Andre.

It looks like Danny is doing pretty good.

Former student, Danny Roberts, was featured in Women’s Wear Daily today in an article titled “Fall’s Hot Fashion Illustration Blog” – and hot it is.

Roberts is known for illustrating models, designers and figures in popular culture with whimsical and folklore-ish flair on his blog, Igor + Andre. Now his work with Gwen Stefani’s label Harajuku Lovers is slowly coming into the funky-chic forefront:

Read more…

So you went to New York Fashion Week, what did you think?
I really loved fashion week! There was a great energy in Bryant Park. I think I ended up spending a few hours in the park each day. I would sit in the park for hours just drawing. I really loved the excitement all around the place.

Favorite thing you did while in New York City?
My second night in New York, my brother, my best friend, and I were in Soho and saw the lights in the sky from the 9/11 memorial. We decided to walk from Soho to the Trade Center, so we just followed the lights and tried to navigate our way through the city. It was amazing walking through the city, and a sobering experience to see ground zero.

What’s your dream destination?
oooo. Well that’s a tough one, there are about three places that would be a dream to go to. I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland. I think it would be an amazing place to see. Also Paris and Tokyo are in my top destinations. Everytime i think about those locations, I get really excited.

Your great escape?
hm… well, I would love to make the great escape into some of my paintings. That’s usually how I come up with my ideas for paintings. I sit and think, if I could be anywhere or if I could be doing anything at that moment, what would I be doing, and then I paint it. It’s my way to escape and go on any adventure I want to do…. but at the moment, my great escape is out of the smoke filled skies and the snowing ash of southern California.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a few projects. I just finished up a 6 ft high by 5 ft wide and 1 ft deep
layered display. I’m getting geared up to do a window display for a new boutique in San Francisco called Eco Citizen. I’m really excited to work with Michael Carbaugh and get going on the project.

I’m also working on an illustration of John Galliano’s latest collection as a test case on developing some new media techniques, working on blending photography and illustration.

What’s playing on your iPod?
“In Rainbows” the new Radiohead album has been on repeat right now on my iPod. I really can’t stop listening to it, it’s amazing. I’ve also been listening to “The Shepherd’s Dog” by Iron & Wine; it is another one of my favorites right now. Also been listening to Midlake, American Music Club, Air, Martin Grech, Sigur Rós, and Kent alot lately.

My brother in Bryant Park.

The next two are from my Lily Cole and Gemma Ward sketchbook that I drew out there.

Online fashion student Danny Roberts doesn’t need virtual life to live out his dreams – he’s doing it in his real life – via the Internet. This hyper-creative student has hyperlinked himself to a full-fledged Fashion education through Academy of Art University’s online program. The dedicated cyber student has managed to continue his life as a wrestling coach while strengthening his talent in fashion – all from the comfort of his own home.

Why did you choose to do your degree online?

I am highly motivated, and when I am working on line I am able to spend a lot more time working, as many hours as I want. For example, I remember my first semester of school, I would draw 14 hours every day just practicing, and doing my assignments over and over again, trying to get everything down. One time, I had to stop drawing because my drawing hand was swollen. Location is also a factor. It was convenient to take online without having to move and leave my job.

What is your major/concentration?

I started out as a Fashion Design major with plans of launching my own line eventually. My first class was Fashion Illustration, and from there, my interest shifted from fashion design to Fashion Illustration.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in this field?

When I was in fifth grade, I started making and selling shirts with iron on designs. By the time I got to high school, the little shirt company grew into a small clothing label. At that point, I decided that I couldn’t get by on my own “Dummies Guide to Fashion Design” and maybe I should get some real training.

Can you describe specifically what type of work you are involved in?

Freelance Illustration: Fashion, Storybook, and Portrait. I use an assortment of materials including gouache, ink, spray paint, pens, pastel, and acrylics on anything from paper, cardboard, and canvas.

What has your experience been like at the University?

My freshman year, I was an Art and Design major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with an emphasis in photography. Within my first quarter, I was told by the head of the department that it was not fair for me to compete with 4.0 students. I realized that they placed a much higher priority on being a good academic student at the expense of my artistic development. At that point, I decided to transfer to Academy of Art University, and my experience has been a breath of fresh air. Here, creativity is rewarded.