Cecil Beaton: Alchemist of Glamour

February 19, 2018 in Press and Features

The Twentieth Century produced its fair share of Renaissance men and women, but few can match the scale and longevity of Cecil Beaton’s career. From the 1920s to the 1970s, he built quite the reputation as a renowned aesthete with the personality to match. Known primarily as a fashion and portrait photographer, Beaton was also an accomplished illustrator, writer, costume designer, and interior designer. Fueled by a desire to be anything but ordinary, he left behind thousands of iconic images throughout his near 70-year career.

Phantom Thread: A Fantastic Tug-Of-War Between Artist and Muse

February 05, 2018 in Press and Features, Reviews

Paul Thomas Anderson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Post-War Fashion, and an intriguing tale of obsession between artist and muse – what’s not to like? For anyone worried that Phantom Thread may be one of those films that cannot match the hype – don’t. Director Paul Thomas Anderson expertly constructed Phantom Thread in the same manner his main character, Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis), constructs visually arresting dresses. For any fashion lover, the film’s, parade of beautiful garments created by costume designer, Mark Bridges, are a sight to behold – only adding to the artisanal quality of the Anderson’s filmmaking. Beyond the exquisite garments, Phantom Thread is a labyrinth of emotional depth, with beautiful adornments expertly weaved throughout the film’s tale of a dark and obsessive love.

Big News: I Quit My Day Job and Moved!

October 23, 2017

That’s right folks - I took the plunge. I’m now working as a full-time freelance illustrator and writer!

Two weeks ago, I turned in my resignation letter, found a sublet tenant for my apartment in Washington, D.C., and packed up all my belongings for the ten hour drive back to my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.

This is a really huge step for me, and it’s just as exciting and liberating as you might think.

Over the last two years, my career in DC became less and less fulfilling each day, and I started spending evening after evening in front of the drawing board to take my mind off the day job. Somewhere along the way, it hit me that a full career shift into freelance illustration might not be so crazy. Ok - it’s a little crazy - but I’ve finally worked up the courage to do what’s necessary and give it a proper go.

Looking ahead, I’m ready to channel the skills I’ve built over the past six years working as a journalist, communications strategist, and media professional to my new life as a freelance illustrator. It’s finally time for me to meld my love of drawing with my interests in fashion, design, lifestyle, and luxury.

I hope you’re just as excited about my work as I am about the journey ahead. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below or on my INSTAGRAM. You can also email me at zack.s.huffman@gmail.com or send a message via my contact page if you’re interested in a collaboration/commission.

Be on the lookout for many more blog posts in the coming weeks - starting with a play by play of my recent work for the extremely talented writer/director, Allison Mattox, and her beautiful film, Echappe.

Interview With Phantom Sway

May 02, 2017 in Press and Features

I was recently interviewed by phantomsway.com, a multimedia production house, an artist’s co-op, and unique web site celebrating art and pop culture. The team at Phantom Sway was extremely kind, and it was an absolute pleasure answering their questions. You can read the full story on their website, or take a look at the transcript, below.

Hello and Welcome

February 21, 2017 in Artistic Inspiration

Hello, everyone!

First off, I'd like to say thank you for visiting my site and blog. I'm very excited to share my creative life and process with all of you.

I've been passionate about illustration, art, fashion, and culture for many years, but it wasn't until September 2015 that I began to take them seriously. I don't remember exactly why I picked up that month's issue of Vanity Fair magazine, but I'm so glad that I did. That's where I first discovered the work of iconic fashion illustrator, David Downton.

In that issue, Vanity Fair devoted an eight-page spread to Downton's work. After studying the remarkable drawings on each of those eight pages, I distinctly remember thinking to myself, "I want to do that!" I had never seen anything like them in my life.

His illustrations in the September issue embodied beauty, grace, and elegance. They appeared to almost hover on top of the paper - saying so much despite their simplicity. Each one communicated the essence and soul of it's subject. It only took one look at Downton's work to see that he's a skilled draftsman with an instinctual, artistic voice.

From that point on, I've attempted to replicate the beauty I saw in those pages. I've devoted hundreds of hours to my craft - honing my draftsmanship and artistic voice. There's no doubt that I have a long way to go, but every day I get closer to becoming the illustrator, artist, fashion writer, and cultural observer I want to be.

For those of you who aren't familiar with David Downton's work, I've included some of my favorite pieces below. I hope you enjoy them, and thanks again for reading!