“A love of fashion, an appreciation of beauty, and a sense of playfulness” is how Ruben Baghdasaryan’s official bio describes the artist’s work. “Fabulous” should be added to the line. Because that’s what his illustrations – fashion and otherwise – are.
Based in Los Angeles, Baghdasaryan, who is Moscow-born and Armenia-raised – has worked with everyone from Jacquemus to Beyoncé and many more. Meet Ruben.
What inspired you to become an illustrator?
My purpose of life at first, and the second is the idea of sharing my work with others and bringing happiness to people who admire and appreciate my work, which is still the main inspiration for me every day.
Did you draw as a child? What is your earliest memory of drawing?
I was always drawing; as a child, my idea of a treat was a big sheet of paper and some crayons, which my mom used to buy for me every Sunday near the art academy. I remember my first oil painting on a small piece of canvas. It was the summer of 1999, named “Fox and Apple Tree.” After 22 years, it is now next to my bed and it is the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning, which often reminds me how far I have come.
Did you have any role models or mentors? If so, how did they inform your aesthetic?
Rene Gruau, Paul Cadmus, and Antonio Lopez are my favorite artists when it comes to aesthetics and colors. When I first started out as a fashion illustrator, my friends from Laguna Beach gave me a book of Donald Robertson as a gift for my birthday. The book sparked my interest and passion, and it made me discover more about illustration and Hollywood. After a couple of years working hard on my craft, I had a chance to connect with my mentor, Drawbertson. I’ve learned how not to be a starving artist. The world needs more genuine and kind artists like him.
How would you describe your approach to illustration today?
I believe my approach as an illustrator is to edit the information and leave some part of the painting “unsaid,” to engage with the viewer. The goal is to always evolve and experience new materials by keeping the audience and art collectors always interested in my work and make my clients happy. For my personal projects, I’m prepared to open a vein. I work and work and rework them, and as the only person that needs to be happy is me, it can be a long process.
What in your view sets your work apart?
People really can feel my passion and authenticity. They are drawn to it because it really cuts through all the nonsense that is out there. People often say your work looks very different when we receive it, it has so much life. I am confident enough to say I would be doing this without an audience or like… and in my book, that will always be where truth lies.
You have worked with a lot of big names in both entertainment and fashion. What draws you to these specific industries?
I took every opportunity and chance, because there is a reason it was given to me. I started out first as a general illustrator, taking on whatever commissions jobs came along and learning as I went. My very first illustration post was for Eric Rutherford. After that, I got tons of requests from his followers and it kinda took off from there. Who knew one day I’m going to paint faces, or illustrate a series of black cats, or sit at a Jacquemus show in the South of France illustrating his live co-ed collection. Life is pretty amazing.
What have been some of your most memorable moments as an illustrator?
Working for Beyonce Knowles and her hardworking team to design a merchandise collection for Christmas and Valentine’s day was my biggest accomplishment as an artist. Back then, I was 23 years old and for me it was a big deal. After that, I considered myself “successful” and I thought If I had a chance to work for her, I can work for anyone.
What is the favorite illustration you ever made and why?
“New Look” Christian Dior, 1948 in Paris. Elise Daniels and Monique photographed by legendary Richard Avedon. It took me seven days to finish the painting. I know it sounds not that long but I usually finish one painting a day. This work of mine will always have a special place in my heart. I painted it in my first studio which I had to let go last year due to rain-related incidents.
What lessons did you learn from your work?
I’m still learning, I guess it’s a long game. The lesson I learned so far is to set your bar high, and know your worth.
Illustration has recently had something of a revival. Where do you see the future?
Who knew that 40 years after the “death” of fashion illustration, it would be undergoing such a revival of interest? The depth and breadth of talent today is extraordinary. The truth is that we will always need artists to record and interpret a designer’s work. It’s a symbiotic relationship; one art-form describing another.
Who’s your dream person to draw?
My soulmate in the near future.
WEB: www.ruben.studio
IG: @rubenstudio
