Academy of Art University Fashion Illustration Models Inspire Us

Great models that serve as muse and inspiration to their work motivate drawing students who learn their skills. There are two who come to mind; Rosemary Sullivan (who has modeled for the fashion school since she was in her early teens), and Tonii Delapaz (who started modeling during the era of the seventies.)

Rosemary Sullivan models for illustration students
Rosemary Sullivan models for illustration students

Rosemary is a professional ice skater and Tonii is a dancer. These back -stories are only a part of why they inspire.

Rosemary Sullivan - Drawing by Carol A. Nunnelly
Rosemary Sullivan - Drawing by Carol A. Nunnelly
Tonii Delapaz - Drawing by Carol A. Nunnelly
Tonii Delapaz - Drawing by Carol A. Nunnelly

Rosemary will tell you she disregards all thoughts of age and is a true beauty with bone structure and graceful elegance. (Who else can wear pink sequin pants and get away with them?) Tonii will expound on his travels around the world and is a sage when asked to explain his power to inspire on the stage. (Maybe his vast array of costumes from around the world helps his stage presence?) Both models speak about loving the job. The truth is, neither one of them would rather be somewhere else.

— Written by: Carol Nunnelly, School of Fashion Illustration Coordinator