We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Van Burk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to paint the way i do on vegan leather jackets during covid. I had a degree in fashion design and i always liked to paint. In my childhood, I used to draw and paint a lot. It was a calming tool for me and helped me canalyze my emotions. Then, as I used to be a fashion model, my interest went into fashion.
This is why I decided to study fashion design and merged fashion with my passion for drawing.
I think that actually I would have done even better to go in Art school instead of fashion school and develop my painting skills earlier.
I never painted abstract until covid and as it is wild and free, it felt so good and matched with my personality amazingly. I think that abstract painting is what helps me express myself to the fullest.

Stephanie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I used to be a fashion model so after that I decided to get in the other side of the job and get a degree in fashion design.

As I always loved painting, I started to handpaint on vegan leather jackets.
I think that art combined with fashion sets me apart of traditional fashion designers. My work is more of a work of art than a simple garment.

I propose colorful abstract handpainted vegan leather jackets.

As my jackets are extremely colorful, my brand message is “wear your true colors” which stands for self-confidence, equality, human rights and of course love. Some statement pieces that reminds you every time you are wearing them how valuable you are and to keep on kicking it!

I always think how colors have a deep power to heal people as well as bring light and positive energy around you.

Creating abstract colorful art on jackets is my ultimate positive giveback to the society.

As creating is a positive form of healing as well. Many others take different routes and I’d like to inspire them in the positive side.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

“Wear Your True Colors.” Van Burk Official’s motto stands for equality, human rights, self-confidence, and of course, love.

I always loved drawing, painting, and creating things using bold colors since I was a child. As I grew older, I became a fashion model in my twenties and drew inspiration to create from the places I traveled.

I am on a mission that uses color in art to spread love all around me. I encourage everyone to embrace who they are and add their color to the world, one colorful jacket at a time.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is to inspire people and make them aware of certain aspects of life, help them healing through art as well as I did.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.vanburkofficial.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/vanburkofficial