Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittany Arriola. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brittany, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned to sew with a machine kind of late, in college. Before that I was snatching my grandma’s table cloths and using any means necessary to stick them to my body (usually safety pins or hot glue). In the true spirit of the early 2000’s punk revival, the looks I came up with were let’s say…rough. But once I started the Fashion Design program in college, I learned the basics of sewing, draping and pattern making. It was a great foundation, and with those pillars I could start bringing the ideas in my head to life!

The most essential skill for me has been sewing. You don’t have to know how to sew to have a brand, but it does help to at least have some basic knowledge. And you may not be able to afford a seamstress or manufacturer for a while so the more you can do yourself, the better!

I had long periods of getting discouraged and taking breaks, and I wish I had just pushed through and kept going. I feel that I would’ve been farther along if I just hadn’t given up during those periods. So I would say the biggest obstacle was actually my self esteem, and not having a mentor in the field to look to for guidance (or in hindsight that’s what I think). But from taking breaks, I did learn how it would feel to not have fashion design in my life, and that I didn’t like that feeling. It felt like a piece of myself was missing. Now I know that I have to keep going.

My advice for young designers would be to learn the foundations, and find people that are where you want to be and ask questions. Just practice and learn as much from people that are masters as possible. It’s especially easy now because there are Master classes online and tutorials at your fingertips! I was scared to approach or ask people questions when I first started, but I would say just ask humbly and most people are kind and willing to answer!

Brittany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a fashion designer who specializes in dresses for performers, and photoshoots. My brand is Odd Bird Designs, and I focus on creating unique looks that shine on stage or stand out in publications. Sometimes I even design the fabric, to make each piece as unique as possible. I work with style houses that help find clients for me, but I will also take commissions when it feels like a good fit. I’m most proud of making wacky things and seeing them find their context with the right person.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think people pleasing is something that I’m constantly working on in every area of my life! Relating to design it’s taking on projects that I don’t have time for, or that are just not in my wheelhouse. It’s scary to turn down projects especially when you’re just starting, so it’s tempting to say yes to things you don’t want to do or don’t know how to do. I’ve learned that it’s best for me to be honest right away, because down the road it will just become a frustration on both sides. Never over promise and under deliver!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Being an artist is expensive, there are so many machines and devices you need to make clothes especially. I think we should have access to more grants and scholarships for equipment and resources for creatives to do what they do. And also, lowering the cost of art school because the prices are out of reach for a lot of talented people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @oddbirddesigns
• Linkedin: Brittany Arriola

Image Credits

Photography- Freddy Duarte
Model- Theresa Krosse