MADHOUSE FINDS LOVE IN PATIENT'S FASHION

PATIENT: RANDI LOVE
ILLNESS: FASHION

 

• When did you start creating? Why did you pick the genre/style you work it?

I have always drawn and painted since I can remember but I really started getting into designing clothes when I was around 13. I have notebooks and notebooks full of fashion illustrations and designs. I started to make purses for my friends and I. By highschool, I could not find anything in the stores that I felt made a statement or defined me, so, I made my own. I didn't really "pick" a genre or style I just have always created what I love and what I would want to wear. I've always been into horror movies, heavy metal, and vintage everything so all of that gets incorporated into my creations.

• Did you go to school for it? If so, where and what did you study?

Yes I did. I graduated with a BFA in Fashion Design from the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio.

• Where you get your ideas from? Do you journal, sketch, photograph at all to start?

I get a lot of my inspiration from movies, different genres of music, and different time periods. I am very inspired by fashion in music such as 80s heavy metal and punk rock. I also get very inspired from vintage styles/prints and love 1950s pin-up style.

• What’s a normal designing day like for you? Do you tend to get more down at one time versus another?

Before I start a new project I always have to clean and organize my sewing studio. I feel like I can't start something new until everything is cleaned and put away from a previous project. A clean, clear space helps me have a clean and clear mind. Then the door gets shut, and the music goes on. I usually really like to start working in the evening and into the night.


• Favorite artist or designer? Who are you currently following?
It is way to hard to ever choose a single designer to be my absolute favorite. Some of the high fashion runway designers I always follow are Betsey Johnson, Rick Owens, Michel Berandi, and The Blondes to name a few. I've never really been into name brands though. I also really look up to Sharon Ehman's Toxic Vision and Micheline Pitt's Deadly Dames clothing lines. They both are artists and designers who really inspire me by being able to create and run clothing lines from scratch.

• Do you prefer working in one medium over another? If so, which one and why?

Being that fabric is my favorite medium to work with, I really enjoy working with leather and suede the most. I also really like working with the metal hardware I put on my creations(chain, studs etc.)

• Do you work in silence or with noise (TV, movies, music)?

I can not work without music on.

• Do you have any weird habits when it comes to working on your art?

I probably do a lot of things that are weird to other people, but to me its normal so I wouldn't really know.

 

• Would you consider yourself a Plotter or a Pancer?

I try to plan things out and sketch an idea before I start, but my design usually comes out completely different so I try to just have a vague idea in my mind before starting.

• What do you think is the hardest aspect of the craft?

Sometimes I go through a designers block which would be similar to "writers block" I suppose. For days nothing will come out right in my eyes. To me, that is the most frustrating part of my craft.

• Current projects?

During the spring/summer I set up a tent and sell my clothing, bags and jewelry at local concerts. I am working now to stock up on hand made, printed tank tops and horror movie charm bracelets.

• How do you balance work with art?

Aside to having my own clothing line, I also wait tables. I would love to just do my design work but sometimes being an artist does not bring in as much money as I would like. I try to work my serving job on the weekends that way during the week I can focus on my designs.  

• What do you think people expect from you with your art? 

I want them to expect me to make different, alternative clothing that will make them feel confident and good about who they are. I want people to be able to express themselves with my art.

• Advice for aspiring artists or designers?

Just follow your heart and don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't do something. I've heard so many times that I "should of went to school for something more practical" but its never about getting a job that pays well for me. If I'm not doing what I love doing, I'm not going to be happy no matter how much money I get. Put your whole heart into your work and always give it all that you've got.

You can catch me at SCUMBAGS in Natrona, PA on MAY 11th. I am sponsoring Bad Wolf Productions all day music festival Pandorica. I will be there selling all kinds of good stuff!

BIO: Randi Love is a 25 year old fashion creator, inspired by horror, heavy metal and everything black. Randi studied at Columbus College of Art and Design where she majored in Fashion Design. Since graduation, Randi has put all her time and energy into her original clothing line which focuses on making everything by hand and one of a kind. 

www.facebook.com/randiloveofficial
Etsy Store: www.randiloveclothing.etsy.com