Teenage Takeover: Rachel Hardwick (London, UK)

There must be something about the Hardwick gene as Eleanor Hardwick, whose photography was featured on Dazed Digital also has an older sister Rachel, who is an aspiring illustrator. More of her illustration work can be seen on her Flickr.

Q&A
What's...
... your work all about?
The majority of my work is a mixture of fashion illustration and portraiture. Generally, my aim is to make my drawings look as realistic as possible.
 
... the one piece of work you wish you'd created?
Probably "The Kiss" or "The Maiden" by Gustav Klimt. Those paintings are perfection on a canvas.
 
... the world coming to?
gether
 
.... the best piece of advice you've ever heard?
I don't suppose it would count as "advice", but I think Chuck Palahniuk is a genius in saying "If you don't know what you want, you'll end up with a lot you don't." I can't imagine a life that's aimless.
 
... at the top of your shit list?
Homophobia. The word "Love" contains no implications of gender. I think it's ridiculous how narrow-minded some people can be...especially nowadays.
 
... the most inspiring thing you've ever seen?
 I don't think I can pinpoint one thing... inspiration is everywhere, it's in your subconscious.
 
... the name of your hero?
Probably Gustav Klimt...he's the first one that comes to mind. Or maybe Charles Anastase.
 
... so great about your hero?
 I just think Klimt's paintings are magnificent, they seem so alluring and his use of colour and pattern is so unique, you can always tell a Klimt when you see one. Anastase, on the other hand, is a fashion illustrator/designer with a similar drawing style to me... it's my ultimate dream to have my drawings used in campaigns like the Calvin Klein one he did.
 
....your favourite item of clothing?
 Hmm...I forget what clothes I own half the time, but I think my favourite is a black velvet minidress with a leaf pattern on, I bought it at a vintage shop on Brick Lane and it's absolutely gorgeous.
 
... the cleverest thing you've ever done?
being born.
 
... the stupidest thing you've ever done?
being born.
 
... the point?
at the end of a pencil!