We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Domi Erikato. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Domi below.
Hi Domi, thanks for joining us today. Have you ever felt Misunderstood/Mischaracterized?
I have always been different. Growing up I had an ever evolving style; from Ballerina to Goth to Hippie-Goth and so on (always with a taste for the psychedelic). For some of my more rebellious looks, while some people loved them and thought it was cool, by society’s standards I was considered somewhat of a freak, an outcast, which I honestly didn’t dislike — I knew that it meant I was an original; different, unique and not afraid to express myself even if meant not fitting in.
I can’t say that it hasn’t been hard at times feeling misunderstood and mischaracterized or called crazy for just being uniquely you. However in reality it has been somewhat of a blessing in disguise. It has only pushed me harder to fully embody my true self and push the boundaries for my originality and self expression. I know that the more in tune I am with myself, the more it projects outwards into my work and into every aspect of my life.
It seems that in our current state of evolution, people have become much more open and more relaxed about styles, ideas and constraints that might have been out of the norm not that long ago. Luckily for me, it’s seems as though I have arrived to a new world of possibilities, a new era. “The age of Aquarius perhaps”? Clothes are an extension of ourselves and our energy, I believe that they should be a fantasy, cool as hell, comfortable, fun, relaxed and super importantly, eco-friendly. As I continue to evolve and reveal myself, this is the moment where all styles merge and create DOMIERIKATO.
About You, Your Art/Creative Works, Inspirations/Focus/Mission/etc
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 passion for fashion is what got me into the industry. From a very young age I was interested in clothes, design, drawing and eventually making my own clothes, it felt like second nature to me. I had always been drawn to Los Angeles so as soon as I heard about The Fashion Institute of Design in Downtown LA, I knew that that was it for me.
In 2008 I moved to los Angeles and I majored in Fashion Design at FIDM. One of my favorite things is that I got to study with world-renowned fashion sketching and Illustration teacher Nancy Riegelman. It was truly was a dream come true. Learning the craft of fashion took extremely hard work and was very rewarding.
Before graduating, I interned with a high-end denim brand and became even more passionate about my favorite fabric, Denim. Soon after that I started working for a company as a Menswear and Kids designer, where I worked on different collections including: Denim, Sportswear, Swimwear and Outerwear. I also worked on Prints, Digital Patterns, Packaging, Logo Design, Line Sheets, and Tech Packs as well as coordinating and shooting photo-shoots, product shots and photo editing. I learned extensively and had some fun in the process.
Even-though I enjoyed designing for companies, I desired something different. Most of the work I was doing at that time was on the computer and I wanted to take a more hands-on approach to fully incorporate everything I had learned; the sketching, pattern-making, sewing, painting etc. I started freelancing from home, and while a lot of my work was still on the computer, I now had time to work on my own projects. It opened up my world.
I was already painting at that time, exploring with different styles and finding my flow. My art usually involves sacred geometry, elements of nature and very detailed line-work. When I painted custom shoes as a gift to someone, orders started coming in from there. I really enjoy customizing shoes and playing with the shape and design according to the style of shoe. That was the first product of DOMIERIKATO. After that came the custom yoga bags, back packs, custom clothing, paintings, photography and murals.
I had the pleasure of painting my first mural at Liberation Yoga in Los Angeles (My favorite Yoga Studio). This project was followed by work around the city and residential spaces. Examples include line-work, signage and some very intricate work. One of the bigger scale pieces painted in Venice Beach at The Cadillac Hotel.
Photography has always been integral to my work. What started as a hobby became an essential part of the whole operation, from shooting my own products and photoshoots, to working as sole photographer for books, events, parties and even the occasional wedding. I love capturing the moment and, in particular, working on ambiance detailed shots.
Something that I would like people to know is that when they make the decision to work with me, or purchase something I created, that I give my heart and soul to every piece, no exceptions. Usually, through a long process investing a lot of time, energy, focus and dedication. I create special, one-of-a-kind art based on my clients’ desires, customized to enhance each persons unique vision. Each design is carefully planned to attain a certain look.
All of the fabrics and packaging that I use are Up-cycled; buttons, trims, labels, hang-tags and boxes. My favorite fabric and the one I use the most is Denim, mostly coming from repurposed jeans. I try and to give new life to things whenever possible and also avoid any unnecessary waste. Everything is hand-made to the core.
I would say that what sets me apart is my unique vision, my tastes, eye for detail, and my psychedelic nature & influence, as well as a grand passion for my work. I am always looking to create something new, exciting and different that I have never seen before. —I know that I am a spiritual being having a human experience and that there is magic to be experienced beyond what our eyes can see. I LOVE animals & nature, and I envision making this word a more beautiful place.
What I am the most proud of is moving to LA to pursue my dreams, I can’t say it’s been an easy ride but it’s been worth it and fulfilling. Everything has flowed and followed from there. I would have to say I that I found my wings in the City of Angels.
With all that being said the types of services and products I currently provide are the following —Murals, Painting Commissions, Signage, Customization of shoes and apparel, Illustration, Logo Design and Photography. Always open for new creative ventures. Please keep an eye out for upcoming DOMIERIKATO products!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
That I get to do hands-on-work. Working with paints and color, exploring fabrics and being able to create a garment of my own design; sewing, picking out threads, I pretty much I enter a world of my own. You stay at it long enough that you enter the flow and it becomes a meditation elevating you to higher levels of being. It feels extremely rewarding.
Secondly that I get to share what I do with the world and bring excitement into peoples’ lives. It feels enriching to be able to enhance the reality of many people through my art.
Lastly that there are no rules in Art —Being a rebel. That on its own feels very liberated and satisfying to me.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
After 15+ years of being only in Los Angeles, I decided to also work from El Paso, Texas. This is where my family lives and also where I was born. While many of my projects are from LA, I am also working on new ones in Texas and New Mexico, finding a different type of beauty in the desert and taking subtle breaks from the Los Angeles city life. I have set up a studio in El Paso.
Being close to the border has inspired me in many different ways, from connecting with family and old friends, to practicing and speaking more Spanish (English being
my primary language since moving to LA) and has also connected me with my roots.
I grew up across the border from El Paso in the sometimes infamous town of Juarez, Mex. Although I don’t visit often, I can experience the great diversity and merging of cultures in El Paso “El Chuco” as some call it. The great mountains make the city feel grounded, food is amazing and the city lit up, always some cool event happening. I also love how peaceful it feels to work from El Paso.
Los Angeles is where I feel the most free, especially being an artist and designer. Everyone is doing their thing and there is less judgement and limitation in general, more down to earthiness (depending where you hang out for sure) and pretty much anything goes. I love how expansive it feels, so much nature, the never-ending events and the vibrancy of the city, it’s just pure fun, California truly has my heart. Now more than ever I crave being close to nature, whether it’s the mountains in Topanga Canyon, by the ocean or the quiet desert of El Paso.
Over the last few years there has been a complete reset. – The universe has shifted my journey and has opened my eyes to a new world. Connecting me with lost parts of myself, experiencing the energy of the border and aspiring me to embrace more diversity in my life. I’m experiencing a more broad spectrum full of possibilities.Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.domierikato.com
- Instagram: @Domierikato
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DomiErikato
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-flores-bermudez-5a364446/
Image Credits
Luis Aldana, Mathew Arnold