[Un]Discovers: Spiros Halaris

Few weeks ago, I have come across an amazing illustration series called "The Boys Of The Future" and if you have followed this blog, you should have seen the post. Recently I have contacted Spiros Halaris, the person who is behind these amazing artworks and I am so happy he is willing to do this Q&A with me. Readers, you do not want to miss a single piece of information from this great illustrator.

Boys Of The Future

Hey Spiros, thanks so much for letting me feature you on this blog. As usual, I always like to ask this question, what made you want to become a fashion illustrator? Other than fashion, do you like to illustrate other objects?
I have always liked drawing,sketching and doodling on every possible surface,but it was when I discovered fashion that I realized how creative the combination could be. But aside from fashion I love illustration in general, I think it is a form of art with extreme possibilities and amazing variety. I like also to illustrate people that have nothing to do with fashion,just regular ordinary people that can be found anywhere around you.

Complicated

I like to draw too but sadly, my skills are never up to professional level. That may be one of the reasons I start this blog, I just want to meet more talented artists. So, in you own words, how will you describe you illustration style? Are you influenced by any illustrators?
I would describe my style as a bit abstract but at the same time realistic too. As I love to deconstruct what I am illustrating but on the other hand I want it to have a realistic feeling.
I am influenced by various styles,movements and of course illustrators. Some of them would be David Downton, Ricardo Fumanal, Laura Laine and Dany Roberts.

Aaron

I can see the abstract part and this is probably why my eyes are so attractive to your works. Out of all the projects you have done so far, which one can best represent you? Why?
This will be the toughest question to answer as all the projects I have done so far represent me to the fullest. They represent my point of view,my taste and my sense of style in many ways not just about fashion. But since I have to choose one, it would have to be 'Neighborhoods of the world'. It is a project presenting everyday but fashionable people from all over the world. It is a project that I think represents an era of fashion bloggers and style that has been around for some time now plus my style as a fashion illustrator.

Paris

Yes, I like that series a lot too, because each piece represents the fashion culture of that country. I am just curious here, will you be able to tell us what is your work flow when doing an illustration piece?
I do not really follow a specific process although I sometimes do without realizing. Usually if it is personal work I will spend hours and sometimes days researching or working an idea on my mind before I start drawing. If it is a commission and time is limited I usually try to produce the same quality as I would do for a personal work and go through various steps to reach a result that I am fully satisfied with.

Happy Go Lucky

Right now I do have a question that is not really related to illustration. Since you are a fashion illustrator, I assume you are a fashion lover too. What are you top 3 brands and why?
I would say that yes I am fashion lover indeed. My top brands would be Alexander McQueen, Maison Martin Margiela and the new but a lot promising Damir Doma. Mcqueen would be one of my top brands as I can relate to the dark and complex and sometimes punkish sense it has. I like Margiela because it represents the ultimate minimalism but always with a twist. Damir is also on my list because I think he brought something refreshing to the fashion scene, proposed something that not many people can relate to but at the same time is simple and talks for itself.

Charles

Alexander McQueen is always one of my favorites and I am happy that Sarah Burton does not disappoint me with her first S/S collection. Last but not least, if you could have a chance to do an illustration editorial for a fashion magazine, which one would you want to do? Why?
I think it would be Dazed&Confused. They are doing an amazing job and every issue is very inspiring to me. It is a magazine that I would love to collaborate with and add my little piece to their amazingly creative world.

Moscow

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Here comes the excited part of every feature, the trivia questions!

Bow Tie or Tie?
Bow Tie,simple but with a twist.

Dress Shirt or Polo Shirt?
Dress Shirt.

Digital or Film Camera?
Film Camera for its amazing possibilities.

Sushi or Pizza?
Pizza=cult.

Red or Yellow?
Red as yellow can get tiring when with red it usually gets more exciting.

Lean Ziad

Coca Cola or Pepsi?
Coca Cola

Hedi Slimane or Kris Van Assche?
Hedi Slimane, for edginess.

Day or Night?
Day.

Christmas or Easter?
Christmas, they are always more fun than any other holiday.

Watercolor or Color Pencils?
Watercolor.

Thank you so much to Spiros for taking his time to answer the questions I have for him. Once again, I am very fond of his illustration works and I am looking forward to see more of his stunning works online and in magazines in the future. Good luck! All pictures are courtesy of Spiros Halaris.