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

Courtney, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Through years of developing different skills, fueled by directionless self exploration in my early 20’s, I discovered surface pattern design by combining my sewing and illustration background. This lead me to create my own creative path which is designing clothes as well as illustrating exclusive fabric prints for my designs.

I learned the basics of sewing by interning for a small clothing brand in 2013. A year later I took a 5 year hiatus from sewing to pursue tattoo apprenticing which lead to graphic design, finishing my AA at community college, and a BA in Studio Art. I didn’t learn surface pattern design or sewing in school, but I was able to go for free and had access to grants which I used to my advantage.

I didn’t know there was a term for “surface pattern design” until after I was doing it. I taught myself how to format my illustrations to be seamlessly printed on yards of fabric, where to get it printed etc, and I taught myself how to sew swimwear with advice from friends here and there. A healthy dose of trial and error, skepticism, humility, and curiosity have been my best teachers. Speeding up learning takes away from the process. You can’t fast-track success if you want to build something that lasts.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My brand, Coco Clem is a print focused fashion brand specializing in wearable art; I illustrate surface prints for intentionally designed apparel and accessories. Our approach to size and proportion is developed from fit models because we believe clothes should fit people, not formulas. For the past year, my mission has been to design the perfect bikini for a range of bodies with comfort in mind. We love extended gussets, so no spillage here!

What sets Coco Clem apart from many clothing brands is our combination of integrity and playfulness. From the beginning, our size range has been a design feature- not an afterthought. I hand illustrate every textile print as well as sew every garment in small batches in my NC studio. I love being a print focused brand because it’s a joy to create colorful textiles for others to express themselves in. Lastly, I am always making efforts to bring my supply chain closer and use eco friendlier technologies and fabrics. I’m currently in the process of working with NC textile mills to source, weave, and print our custom fabric in the Carolinas keeping our supply chain close to reduce carbon emissions. I’m always looking to grow and be better.

Coco Clem’s goal is to create clothing that is equally body friendly and fun!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

With Coco Clem I want to facilitate self love, body neutrality, and fun. I want people to have fun wearing my art!!

Clothes that don’t fit well are a distraction and they can take away from the present moment, which is all we have. I’ve received so many personal messages of how my bikinis have helped people- from swimming for the first time in 10 years, to feeling comfortable with their bellies out!

At heart I’m a problem solver and a good listener, and I think that’s what it takes to be a good designer. When people share their struggles with me, I’m determined to find better fit solutions as well as facilitate another’s self expression with colorful textile prints. At the end of the day, I want people who choose Coco Clem to be seen!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

People always ask if I will design solid-colored clothes, and to that I say no because I am a print focused designer. I think it confuses people when I say this because their argument is I would make more money as a brand if I offered solid-colored basics. Money isn’t my motive, and I have no interest competing with Shein and Target. I don’t want my brand’s only differentiator to be size inclusivity. People come to Coco Clem because they know they can get a colorful, fun, unique print AND a great fit.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cococlem.com
• Instagram: @cococlemshop
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFWaPv-mqelHBgy2HErsWBw
• Other: Tik Tok: @cococlemshop

Image Credits
YoVanna Solomon Hernandez, Ryan Perry, Kendyl Cosgrove, Alicia Moreno, Molly Meadowcroft, Kae Britton