What artists & illustrators can learn from Michael Kors

I follow each and every Project Runway episode, every season.

And the thing is, when I first watched the show, I wasn’t interested at all with Michael Kors or his label. His work was just alright to me, even veering on the slightly boring.

But the more I see him on air and hear his reactions to the designers on Project Runway, the more I like him. He has made me spill out soda through my nose with his witty comments, and he made me laugh out loud, smacking my hands on my thighs with a raucous “whoop!” when I got what he was saying (especially when I agreed with him!)

So I see his work with new eyes. I appreciate him more, because he has a point of view and he wasn’t afraid to share it. I could see his passion, and I could see how his experiences in the fashion industry informed his critique sessions. And I now look at his fashion label and remember him – the personality behind the pieces.

As artists and illustrators, we shouldn’t be afraid to be like Michael Kors. We shouldn’t be afraid to express our opinions in public in a professional manner. I don’t mean trash talking people or belittling people (Michael doesn’t do that) – we just need to be honest in a consistent, constructive way.

And we shouldn’t have to worry because unlike Michael, we don’t have a camera staring at our faces (and he still let it rip anyway – that’s telling you something!)

Start with a blog.

And let it all out.

{Michael Kors delivered by Fifi Lapin }