Create an Afro Maximalist Fashion Illustration with Precious Seronga

The creative mind behind Seronga Art and graduate of London College of Fashion, Precious blends haute couture fashion with African textiles to create vibrant and bold designs.

Inspired by Afro Maximalism, Precious explains, “I celebrate an aesthetic of excess, women of colour, and African textiles”. Her work is centered around positive representation, combining Haute couture influences with vibrant African prints.

Precious uses colour psychology to uplift and inspire, creating maximalist designs that not only catch the eye but also brighten up your mood and space.

“We create colourful, over-the-top designs that promote self-expression and mental wellbeing through the calming action of collage,” Precious describes.

Step 1

Draw or trace a base image of your favourite Haute couture design, or print the model provided.

Step 2

Gather the fabrics you would like to use. Choose a fun colour palette
to create your vibrant print.

Step 3

Use a marker and scissors to cut the shapes of the design. And use
tape or fabric glue to place the fabric on the base illustration.

Step 4

Continue the collage with your chosen fabrics and colour palette and
watch it come together!

Step 5

Use coloured pens to add to the figure, such as hair, makeup, and
skin tone.

Step 6

Use coloured pens to add to the figure, such as hair, makeup and
skin tone. And finishing touches of your own custom designs.

Step 7

Your fashion illustration is complete! If you would prefer a more
minimalist final piece, frame your piece of art and show it off around
your home. If you would like a more elaborate piece, add in a vibrant
maximalist background with your fabrics and coloured pens.

Precious’ extra tips on how to use collage effectively

• Before cutting fabric, use a pen to trace complex shapes on the fabric for more accuracy.
• Choose a set colour palette before the collage if you would like some colour coordination.
• Don't be hesitant to experiment with additional materials e.g. the coloured pens, to add on your own touches like a colourful background.

About the artist

Precious Seronga is a London-based Tanzanian Illustrator. She holds a Masters of Arts in Fashion Entrepeneurship and Innovation from UAL London College of Fashion. In January 2023, she founded By Precious Seronga, a fashion and illustration brand celebrating her African heritage. Precious’ prints are currently stocked at UAL Graduates shop Not Just A Shop.

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Check out our Fashion Drawing and Illustration Short Course, designed to introduce you to the practice of drawing and illustration for fashion.  If illustration is your thing, why not give one of our Illustration Short Courses a try?