An Interview with Jordan Ahava
If you’ve been following us, you’ve seen our favorite illustrator’s work. Jordan’s the illustrator behind the Voluptas Rose sketches seen on Instagram. As a friend and mutual business owner, we’re delighted to spotlight her work and why she’s a Voluptas Rose fan below.
Q: How did you get started in illustration?
I actually started in photography, but found myself limited to what was directly in front of me when there was so much more I wanted to convey visually. I was also keenly aware of the overall ubiquity of photography in the modern era—everyone has a high-quality camera in their pocket now. During the summer after my first year at Parsons, I taught myself to draw through repetition—a great personal lesson in perseverance.
Q: How has your professional and personal work progressed since then?
I’m proud to say that I’m designing full time now, doing both illustrations and graphic design. I also just recently started working in textiles and now have my own collection of bandanas available for purchase.
Q: What do you want people to feel when they experience your work?
I believe that art can be transcendent, and it can provide a split second of momentary escapism and beauty. If I can provide that in any capacity, then I feel that I have done what I’m supposed to do here.
Q: How did you approach your work with Voluptas Rose, specifically the illustration featuring multiple silhouettes?
Victoria and I talked a lot about what it means to wear lingerie that is actually made to fit you, as well as what it is like for women with a larger bust to interact with lingerie. I watched hours of videos of bodies moving and dancing to study the shapes and lines our bodies make. I wanted the silhouettes in my illustrations to convey how this lingerie really moves with the body.
Q: What do you think about body positivity right now?
It’s still a bit complicated in this climate. We see different body types out there, but conventional beauty standards still coopt the spotlight regardless, and size-inclusive brands still do some retouching. I appreciate that Voluptas Rose is different than that, purposely celebrating different kinds of body types.
Q: What do you appreciate most about Voluptas Rose Lingerie?
We live in a society that puts large breasts on a pedestal and media imagery still promotes what they think men find sexy rather than focusing on reality and self-love. To top it off, brands still have a limited selection of larger sizes and very few are actually supportive. When designing for larger bodies, they don’t necessarily consider the real issues women with larger breasts face, such as chronic back pain. Therefore, unfortunately, a lot of women don’t understand that back pain doesn’t have to be permanent. Voluptas Rose Lingerie is intentionally designed to be supportive and to help solve this issue. The style is really focused on helping women feel sexy for themselves, which I find extremely powerful. Check out all our bras here.
Q: What is your favorite Voluptas Rose item?
Absolutely it’s the Cait Bra! It was the first item I had to get because it’s unlike any other bra I own. I’ve never purchased a fashion bra for myself, and it’s very fun to wear. It’s also my first bra without wires and it hugs my body perfectly.
Check out Jordan's work at JordanAhava.com.
