In Conversation with artist Meredith Wing

Although most people tend not to associate strawberries with fashion illustrations, artist Meredith Wing seamlessly incorporates 3-D edible elements into her work. I initially discovered Meredith through a friend on social media, and as soon as I saw her distinctive drawings, I knew I wanted her to be a part of The Zeitgeist x Bulletin Pop-Up Shop in NYC, which I hosted in January. Her pieces also include actual flowers, which are even more stunning in person than they appear online. She has collaborated with everyone from Tory Burch to Soho House, and I had the honor of chatting with Meredith earlier this month. In her interview with The Zeitgeist, Meredith discusses everything from her creative process to her favorite neighborhoods in NYC.

When did you realize that you wanted to become a fashion illustrator? Have you always been interested in design? How did this all come about for you?
Since I was four years old, sitting at the kitchen table, I’ve always been drawing girls in fancy dresses with lots of lace and ruffles. When I was a child, I was really inspired by the books I was reading at the time. My dad also used to love Golden Age Hollywood movies, and I loved Fred and Ginger and other icons of the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. I was always fascinated by the way Ginger Rogers’ fringe dress looked as she swirled and I also gravitated toward Esther Williams’ style. These women really intrigued me, and I was constantly doodling as a kid. I studied English in college and then went on to pursue further studies in French, and all the while, I had been interning at fashion houses and had this love for the fine arts in the back of my mind, but I never thought it was a serious profession I could pursue as someone who wanted to have what I considered to be a “legitimate, high-powered job” at the time. It wasn’t until I went to architecture school in 2012 that it really became clear to me that I wanted to do something that was more in visual arts and graphic design. Ultimately, I had this really roundabout career, but I’m so glad I realized that I should pursue illustrating full-time. I realized I needed to pursue what I’ve been doing since I was four years old.

You often include unique elements in your sketches, such as flowers and fruits. When did you start using 3-D items in your work?
It totally happened accidentally. I was on a trip with my husband a few years ago, and we had a layover. Sitting in the airport, I drew a girl with a small purse, since I always bring my sketchbook with me anywhere I go. We had some Chiclets gum, and my husband placed one on my sketch as a joke, saying, “Oh, this can be her purse.” I thought it was cute and I posted it on Instagram, not thinking it was anything special but instead something sort of funny. I received so many comments on this post that I felt like there actually was something about putting a 3-D object onto a 2-D image. It really captures people’s attention. I started experimenting with different objects, flowers, and fruits, which appeal to me because we use them in everyday life. These items let people see something they see every day but in a completely different context.

What is your creative process like? Do you start with the object, or do you draw first and then add in the object?
It really depends on the project, but I usually work around the objects because they’re playful and remind people not to take themselves too seriously. Sometimes I’ll be walking through the flower market in Chelsea or through Whole Foods’ produce aisle, and certain items will catch my eye. I saw a great clementine this morning, and I immediately thought that the leaves would make a gorgeous skirt. Other times, I’ll have a brief from a brand or an image they want me to sketch, and I curate the ingredients based around the creative direction I’m given. But I’m often most inspired by the objects and things I see around me first, and then I have the idea on how to incorporate them into an image.

You’ve worked with many well-established companies, including Tory Burch, Soho House, and Burt’s Bees. If you could collaborate with anyone, whom would you choose?
This is a tough question, but I’d love to collaborate with a fashion label that aligns with my aesthetic, like Oscar De La Renta or Carolina Herrera. I love that they both play with big, dramatic florals. It would be an honor to collaborate with either!

What were some challenges you encountered when first launching your career, and how did you overcome them?
The hardest thing for me to overcome has been my own idea of self-worth. I have so many friends who are in finance and banking, or they’re doctors, and I used to feel embarrassed that I didn’t have this prestigious job or start some Fortune 500 company. My biggest challenge was accepting that it’s better to fly with my skills and do things I’m interested in than to force myself to be someone I’m not. It wasn’t really until I reached my late twenties that I came to this realization, and I’m so glad I did! 

Who are some of your professional role models?
I love Garance Doré and how she’s really branded her personality and not just her products. I love that she’s someone who everyone would love being friends with. She also has a podcast, and she’s published some books. I admire that she’s someone who has her hands in a lot of different areas.

You’ve lived in NYC for a while. Where are some of your favorite places to go in the city?
This is such a tough question, but I love the East Village and the fun cafés and shops that are tucked away in the area. I also enjoy the grunginess of the Lower East Side, as well as visiting Washington Square Bark. Bluestone Lane has the best avocado toast, and Levain Bakery has the best chocolate chip cookies. I also usually get a cappuccino at Cafe Ambrose in the West Village. There are so many fun areas in New York! *laughs* It’s hard to pick just one! Even just wandering around the city on a fall day is the best.

What’s something someone would be surprised to learn about you?
Probably that I’m very OCD! *laughs* Even though my drawings give off this light, care-free vibe, I’m actually super laser-focused when it comes to my work. I’m definitely obsessive, and you probably can’t tell I’m so neurotic! *laughs*

What’s next for you?
Right now, I just finished an umbrella collaboration with the Japanese company Strasburgo, so I’m excited about that. In the long-term, I would love to do something in print, like help write a children’s book. It’s kind of a dream in the back of my mind as something that would be fun to do! It’s something I’m interested in, and I think it’d be a great goal for the next two to three years.

BE SURE TO FIND MEREDITH ON INSTAGRAM @MOOMOOI. 

FEATURED IMAGE PHOTO CREDIT: Aline DuBois.