Illustration | Precollege Programs at FIT

Oh, how was my first day you ask? Well, it was spectacular! Though, the beginning of the journey to NYC was a bit rough- I woke up at 7 sharp so I could get to my Drawing for Illustration class as early as possible. Having to walk a half mile to catch the bus then 16 blocks to FIT get’s a bit tiring, but it was all worth it!

The vibe of the room was all so artsy. A place I thought I belonged.

Once my professor started doing attendance and started to ask what grade we were in, I couldn’t help but notice that I was the only freshman in my class. Then I realized, you’re never too young to know what you want to do- maybe sometimes you’ll question what you might want to do but at the end of the day, you’ll eventually find your calling. I just so happened to find mine at that very moment.

We started with a warm up. We had to draw someone- no problem right? Wrong! I consider myself a rookie and so once I heard this, I couldn’t help but feel a bit self cautious with what I was doing. The outcome came a bit better than expected, but I wish I would’ve done a bit better. Confidence is key so I must keep that in mind from this day forward!

I did learn to sketch a model roughly from head to toe, which I think is key for me to succeed in my drawing skills, which I know will only get better with this course. Also, it’s nice to get into some hands-on work on the first day of class. I wished my high school teachers prepared work for us to do on our first day of class… I find it rare that that happens.

Once it was lunch time, I noticed this little saying written on one of the tables that said “There once was turtle, who lived in her shell. The shell was her home and her prison as well.” I found it interesting in a way that was bothersome yet awesome! Haha. It brings to mind individuality and open mindedness, which I see in every single one of my classmates. I wish I would’ve known them much better, but there is 10 more weeks for that to happen! Oh the joy!

I can’t wait to see the city again, to walk those blocks again, to learn something new next Saturday!

What might you learn at FIT?

Jharline

Sonja Lamut is an Assistant Professor in the Illustration Department in the School of Art and Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Professor Lamut has taught at FIT since 1988, and is a painter, print maker and illustrator. She received her BFA from the University of Arts, Belgrade and her MA from Hunter College, CUNY.

Professor Lamut teaches HIL 012 Drawing for Illustration for Precollege Programs at FIT.

Website: http://www.sonjalamut.com/

Professor Lamut’s Teaching Philosophy:

Art instruction demands individual attention to every student. I try to emphasize and nurture students’ strengths and create a base for further development and enrichment of their talents and self expression.

On Precollege Programs:

My course is a fun course. Students are learning by doing something they like to do. Besides introducing students to basics of drawing for illustration, I try to encourage every individuals’ search for personal expression through exciting projects. I like to teach young enthusiastic students with interest in art and illustration and see them happy when they produce results that are above their expectations.

Awards/Publications:

“Grand Prix” in Mediterranean Art Biennale; Norwegian International Print Biennale; International Print Biennale in Finland; International Print Biennale in Ljubljana; Alternative Museum in New York; The Best Children’s Books of the Year; Parents’ Choice; AJL Sydney Taylor; AJL Notable Children’s Books; ANDY; Print, etc.

Industry Experience:

Clients include: National Geographic, HarperCollins, Penguin Putnam, Random House,IBM, Microsoft, American Express, Fidelity, Sony, Citibank, Pfizer, Bayer, GE, GM, Mercedes, Procter & Gamble, Travelers, Motorola, Museum of Natural History, American Educator.

Exhibitions: Eighteen one-person gallery shows in New York, Boston, Miami, Greenwich, Stockholm, Geneva, Ljubljana, and others; numerous national and international group shows.

Collections include: Brooklyn Museum, New York; Grafiska Sallskapet, Stockholm; Museum of Modern Art, Fredrikstad; Museum of Modern Art, Ljubljana; College Board, New York; Utubo Gallery, Kyoto; Museum of Modern Art, Belgrade; National Museum, Krakow.

Children’s books include: Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks (NYTimes Children’s Books List Bestseller), Too Noisy!, Papa’s Pastries, Lemuel the Fool, How Many Candles?, Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, and many others.