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InspirationIllustration

Bijou Karman's illustrations portray strong, stylish and independent women

This beautiful series of illustrations is by Bijou Karman, an artist that paints stylish portraits of women that would "never fade into the background" thanks to their bold sense of personal style.

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All images courtesy of the artist

All images courtesy of the artist

Based in Los Angeles, the artist is inspired by strong women, fashion, Googie architecture and a love of strong colours, print and plants.

"To be a girl is to be strong, even when you don’t want to be," says Bijou. "Living in an oppressive society has taught us to work twice as hard to earn the same respect as a man. We can openly express our emotions and aren’t afraid to cry, but this is the result of our inner strength."

Bijou has worked for a variety of internationally renowned clients including Rihanna, Converse, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. Social media, especially Instagram, has played an important role in helping her to communicate with the creative community. Follow @bijoukarman for a daily dose of artworks.

Illustration of a woman wearing oversized black-framed glasses and a wide-brimmed hat, dressed in a black and white geometric patterned outfit, standing among tall green cacti against a pink background
Illustrated portrait of a woman with a voluminous black afro wearing a bright orange turtleneck, with a white curling line flowing behind her against a light blue background
Illustration by Bijou Karman of a woman with brown wavy hair and red lipstick wearing a yellow dress with blue and brown geometric pattern, surrounded by cacti and desert plants against a pink background with a Beauty Parlor sign
Young woman with dark hair and fringe sitting cross-legged holding earbuds, wearing a blue dungaree dress over a striped shirt, surrounded by patterned cushions and a retro floral wallpaper backdrop
Person with long dark hair wearing a bold red and yellow striped outfit, surrounded by large green monstera leaves against a blue-grey background
Illustration of a woman with white curly hair and long dark hair wearing a bright blue top, holding a Monstera plant leaf, surrounded by cacti and pink floral patterned wallpaper
Woman with black hair and white hoop earrings wearing a red jacket and yellow patterned top, surrounded by hanging potted plants with green and blue foliage
Illustrated woman with blonde hair wearing a black dress with red trim and holding a book, surrounded by vibrant red seed pods and green foliage against a cream background
Stylish woman wearing black sunglasses and white top, surrounded by yellow and green botanical illustrations and decorative floral patterns in warm tones
Illustrated portrait of a woman with dark wavy hair wearing a black outfit with puffy white sleeves and pink bow tie, standing confidently next to a neon sign reading "Live Nude Girls
Illustrated portrait of a woman with black hair and red lips wearing a patterned green shirt, surrounded by blue and green flowers against a pink background
Illustrated woman with brown hair wearing an argyle vest and plaid skirt stands before a neon sign reading "Psychic Readings" with a glowing hand, moons and stars, surrounded by potted plants against a brick wall
Portrait illustration of a woman with dark bobbed hair and red-rimmed eyes wearing a bold yellow jacket with black floral motifs, seated against a pink background with green plants
Woman in zebra-print coat and red boots sitting on green sofa beside potted plant against pink wall, illustration by Bijou Karman
Illustration of a woman with long black hair wearing a patterned brown and yellow dress, sitting at a pink table with a coffee cup and book, against a pink background with cacti and geometric shapes
Illustration by Bijou Karman of a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and yellow-framed sunglasses wearing a pink shirt, set against a golden background with green striped foliage
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