We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Love and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Being artistic and creative is all I know. I’ve been drawing since the age of six, so I knew I wanted to have a career in some type of art. Once I started researching fashion design, I knew that I wanted a career in that field.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create original fashion designs and fashion illustrations. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be fashion illustrations. Don’t get me wrong, I love designing, but fashion illustration is where I can really bring my creativity to life. What sets me apart from others is that I always create fashion illustrations featuring black women. There is not a large representation of fashion illustrations with black women, so as a black woman, I’m bringing our representation to the forefront. I’m most excited about my work having more exposure.

I’ve been getting a lot of interviews regarding my artwork, and I just won first place in On My Own Time, which is a trademarked arts competition offering businesses and their employees the opportunity to showcase their literary and visual arts talents. This career is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and different ways to put yourself out there creatively. I’m still working on my challenges in this career.

In my career, the lesson that I’ve learned is that networking goes a long way, and sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to get to where you’re going. I want the world to know that I love my career, and has worked hard in it. I also want the world to know how much work has gone into my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to visit, I would take her to the Dallas Arboretum and the Dallas Contemporary. Because the Design district is my favorite area in Dallas, we would walk around the area and visit different stores. We would also visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens and go to several taco spots. There is a Tex-Mex restaurant that I discovered in Fort Worth that has a beautiful scenery. The food and drinks are great also.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my family, friends, and everyone who has supported me throughout my career.

Website: www.ashleydlove.com/work

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashley.d.love

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-love-95210115

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AshleyLove83

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshleyLoveIllustrations

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNTvPzLFbRYXalN8uIQE4Kw

Image Credits
Alex Harris

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.