Marzena: I have to start the answer with the usual “As a child…”. My parents could leave me alone with some sheets of paper and some crayons and I would be occupied for hours – drawing and tearing the results into tiny pieces, because the results never matched my imagination. This might be the origin of why I could more easily describe myself as passionate rather than talented in this area. For me fashion is the perfect subject for illustrations because it is very faceted, very fast moving and permanently evolving. It leaves a lot of room for different styles and the imagination of the artist.

Glossy: How did you go about pursuing illustration as a full time career?

Marzena: After a pretty frustrating job experience, I threw myself into my neglected artwork and rediscovered how much I missed it. Some months later I contacted some agencies in order to have my work evaluated, which resulted into the opportunity to be represented. So I threw myself into the experience.

Glossy: What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Marzena: I think that the current collaboration with mint, an upcoming concept store on Bali, would be very high on the list right now. We chose five highlights from the spring 2010 collections and the results are going to be showcased and sold as limited editions within a great surrounding.

Glossy: Which other artists/illustrators inspire you?

Marzena: There are a lot of very talented people out there whose work I adore: Laura Laine, Anna Suy, Kelly Smith, Gabriel Moreno, James Jean…to name just a few.

Glossy: What would be your dream commission?

Marzena: Right now I would say to work on a cover or a full editorial.

Glossy: How do you see your work evolving in the future?

Marzena: Oh, this question is a tough one. I discovered over time that it is important to continue working on your skills and to let your style mature, but I would also like to learn to be more patient and  a little bit less hard on myself in the future.

Glossy: What are your favorite blogs/magazines?

Marzena: When it comes to magazines, I have to name the classic Vogue since I love to see the different approaches from the different countries, but apart from that I’m rather unsettled. Some of the blogs that I visit regularly would be JJJJound, Le Fashion, Birdy & Me, This is Glamorous, Hanneli Jak&Jil and Mr Newton.

Glossy: Can we currently buy your work anywhere?

Marzena: You can purchase one of my illustrations at mint on Bali when the store opens in April, which would give you a great excuse for a holiday. Otherwise I’m always happy to receive an order via mail.

Keep up with Marzena on her blog Definitely Golden – http://www.definitelygolden.com/

Check out Marzena’s portfolio here – http://marzena-illustration.com/