Today we’d like to introduce you to Yaima Linares
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi, I’m Yaima Linares, and I’m a live fashion illustrator. My journey began as a child, sketching whatever my friends wanted—princesses in beautiful gowns, little paper dolls with outfits I could easily swap. Those early drawings were my way of sharing joy and creativity, and little did I know they would set the stage for my future.
As I grew older, my passion for drawing blossomed. I’d doodle clothes and shoes wherever I could find a blank space—on napkins, in the margins of my textbooks, or even on the backs of receipts. Winning a few contests during college fueled my love for art, but I ultimately pursued a degree in Graphic Design, as becoming a fashion designer in 90s Cuba wasn’t really an option. Still, a part of me always longed to be immersed in the world of fashion.
In 2012, I took a leap of faith and moved to the United States. I spent years working as a corporate graphic designer, which paid the bills but didn’t quite ignite my creative spark. Then one day, at a colleague’s wedding, I sketched her in her stunning dress. She mentioned that there were artists who did this for events, and that was the moment everything clicked for me. I realized I could reconnect with my passion for illustration and create something truly special.
I opened an Instagram account and began sharing my sketches. The response was incredible! One day, I sketched Daniela Ramirez, a lovely local influencer, and she reposted my work. Suddenly, people were reaching out, and my first opportunity to do live illustrations came at a Women in Business event in Wynwood. I was so excited to be back in the game that I didn’t even think to ask for a fee.
From there, my journey took off. I gradually built a following and began working with high-end brands like Dior, Gucci, MIU MIU, BVLGARI, TIFFANY, HARRY WINSTON, and DYPTIQUE. Each collaboration has been a unique experience, allowing me to bring the elegance of their designs to life with my brush.
What I love most about live illustration is the joy it brings to people. Imagine being at a private event—a wedding, bridal shower, or any life-changing celebration—and seeing yourself captured in a beautiful, handmade sketch! It’s more than just a drawing; it’s a keepsake that you can take home—something unique and personal that celebrates who you are. Each illustration is a reminder that you are the center of attention, if only for a moment, and that your story deserves to be told in a special way.
Sure, there are challenges—sometimes the lighting isn’t great, or I’m racing against the clock—but that energy is what makes it exhilarating. Capturing the excitement of a wedding or the heartfelt moments of a bridal shower in real time is pure magic.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that fashion illustration isn’t just a job for me; it’s a way to connect with others, spread happiness, and celebrate creativity. I’m thrilled to continue exploring this vibrant industry and can’t wait to see where it takes me next. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to creating more beautiful stories together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Balancing my passion for live fashion illustration with the demands of a 9-to-5 job has been a journey in itself. I often find myself working on weekends, squeezing in time to sketch while my family takes care of my kids, supporting my dreams in every way they can.
Also I can only accommodate a limited number of people at big events like weddings or bridal showers. I can sketch up to 20 guests per hour, but it’s not always possible to reach everyone, which can be disheartening. I strive to give each person a unique, beautiful keepsake, but the time constraints sometimes mean I can’t create for everyone I’d like to.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a live fashion illustrator I specialize in capturing the beauty and essence of people at private events like weddings, bridal showers, and special celebrations. I create personalized, handmade sketches that serve as unique keepsakes, allowing guests to take home a piece of art that celebrates their moment in time.
What sets me apart is not just the artistry but the experience I provide. I aim to make each guest feel special, ensuring they are the center of attention, if only for a moment. I can sketch up to 20 people per hour, but I always wish I could reach everyone at larger events, which adds an element of exclusivity to my work.
I’m most proud of how I’ve managed to balance my passion with a full-time job while raising my son. My family has been incredibly supportive, helping care for my kid so I can pursue this dream, often working on weekends to make it all happen. Each illustration I create is a labor of love, and knowing that my art brings joy and lasting memories to people is what truly motivates me.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’d love to share a bit more about what drives me! Every time I pick up my brush, I’m reminded of how interconnected our stories are. My illustrations aren’t just sketches; they’re little snapshots of life that capture all the joy and love we experience during our celebrations.
I truly believe that art has a unique way of bringing us together. Whether I’m sketching a bride in her gorgeous gown or capturing sweet moments at a bridal shower, my goal is to create something special that you can hold onto forever.
Life is a beautiful mix of experiences, and I feel so lucky to be a part of yours. I always encourage everyone to embrace their own creativity and celebrate what makes them unique. If you ever see me at an event, please come say hi! I’d love to hear your story and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake just for you.
Thanks for letting me share my journey! I can’t wait to see what the future holds and the new memories I’ll get to illustrate!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yaimaillustrations.com
- Instagram: @yaimaillustrations
Image Credits
Action 1 picture (red corset): @kolorhaus
