Alumni  

Education:
BA, Art History and Studio Art, Washington and Lee University, 2008
Summer Program in Fashion Illustration, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 
Successful freelance artist and fashion illustrator 

Home:
Grew up in Leesburg, VA
Currently lives in New York City

View her work at www.inslee.net and follow her daily blog, The Sketch Book 

Middleburg Academy alumna Inslee Haynes is rapidly garnering attention for her fashion illustrations and stationery designs.  Her work has been featured in many places, including the current (Summer/Fall 2011) issue of Washingtonian’s Bride & Groom Magazine and the February 2008 issue of People Style Watch.  Google Inslee Haynes, and you will discover rave reviews throughout the online fashion community for her whimsical, elegant, and sophisticated drawings.   She founded Inslee by Design in 2005, as a sophomore in college, to provide customized illustrations and stationery designs.  Her note cards, prints, and calendars are now sold internationally both online and in boutiques.  Inslee receives regular commissions for her ink and watercolor illustrations from fashion designers, advertising and PR agencies, fashion retailers, and brides who simply wish for a unique keepsake of their wedding gowns.

Fondest memory of Middleburg Academy:
I loved going to school every day in such a beautiful setting. I always looked forward to the drive through the countryside. I also have wonderful memories of the personal connections I made with classmates and teachers. I felt like a part of a community that I was excited to contribute to. 

How I expressed myself artistically at a young age:
I have always loved line drawing and have been sketching on anything I could get my hands on for as long as I can remember. A lot of my creativity is focused on and inspired by fashion now, and I’ve been told I was very particular about my outfits even as a toddler.  

The best thing I created in the art studios of Middleburg Academy:
Might be better to ask my parents, they’ve framed EVERYTHING! One of my favorite projects was a large acrylic on canvas painting of fashion figures that I believe I did just for fun; I don’t think it was an assignment. It was the largest canvas I’d ever worked on and it really was exciting to have that much space to work with. The painting later became the artwork for one of my note card designs and is still a personal favorite. 

What set me on the path toward fashion illustration:
I always gravitated towards illustrating the female form and have always loved fashion. Mr. Paige, my art teacher at Middleburg Academy, was the one who put the two together for me and suggested I attend a summer program on Fashion Illustration. I really consider the summer I spent at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago the turning point for me as an artist. It’s the only formal training I’ve had in Fashion Illustration but it was all I needed to immediately fall in love with the techniques. 

What I wore to Prom: 
My senior prom dress was bright fuchsia with a sweet heart neckline. I don’t think I’d wear it today, but it was just the kind of thing I loved in high school – very girly! 

How I coped with a high school dress code:  
Not very well, I spent more than a few lunches in detention for not wearing the right shoes or for my skirt length.  

Advice to students interested in pursuing a career in art:
Get a website! Building my website really launched my career. It is such a great way to connect with clients and showcase your work. 

How I’m settling into New York City:
I love it so far! It’s exciting to meet so many people who are interested in art and fashion and to see inspiration all around me.