Artist/Clothing Designer Darin Michelle: "I Love Acrylic!"
Art is fashion. Art imitates life, and life imitates art. So does that make Darin Michelle a reflection of art, fashion or life? Let's find out in an e-mail convo...
Talk about yourself!
Born Darin Michelle McFadden, currently Darin Michelle Gilliam and known simple as Darin Michelle, I am an Annapolis, Maryland based graphic designer who prides herself in her faith, state and childlike take on everyday situations. Formerly known as Little Shop Clothing, LITTLE by Darin Michelle as aname was inspired by so many things. having a natural adrenaline rush throughout any day, in college, my roommates use to call me Little Girl, which still sticks to this day. as i grew into my Christian faith, the one thing that i held dear was that God called us to have a childlike faith. i use this and approach most situations in my life and business. children have a way of finding and holding on to excitement and truth in a way that adults can't seem to do anymore. i want that feeling to EXPLODE into my art, clothing and everyday life. I love Cherry Coke, Shirley Temples, doughnuts and socks!
You have a mix of prints on shirts with modern art displays. How do you see clothing connecting to art?
I see clothing as a compliment to art. My initial brand stated out as Little Shop Clothing, which had a primary focus on just t-shirts, tanks and hoodies. Having an itch to create modern art that could be shown in gallery, I branched the brand out to LITTLE by Darin Michelle, an Art & Clothing Boutique. Both the modern art and the graphic art on clothing are compliments to my personality and creative sides. As LITTLE by Darin Michelle transitions and expands, there will be more clothing and accessories that reflect the message and spirit of the modern art that I am creating.
What do people say about your designs?
I've had people say all types of things about my designs, from it's fun and carefree to it has a light approach with a darker meaning to it's propaganda art, which actually lead to my most recent collection entitled "Proper Gander."
Why do you like using bright colors?
I love using pops of colors that represent a certain joy and fun in life, magenta, teal, purples. As much as I love those bright colors, I also love monochromes and black and gray a lot!
Do you want to ever expland beyond screen prints? If so what?
I have moved into working with vinyl prints and acrylic. I LOVE ACRYLIC!!! There are so many creative things you can do with it; acrylic and vinyl; they are my new loves!
Where might someone display a vinyl piece at home or an office?
My vinyl pieces are created for bright open areas. They are layered on top of one another, so a place with great light so that the shadow effects of each piece can come through, are ideal for a the current vinyl pieces by LITTLE by Darin Michelle.
What is your attitude regarding your work as a whole? How would you describe it?
My work ranges from being very light-hearted and child like to very emotional. I love playing with take very serious issues, such as identity issues and confidence and wrapping them up in bright, eye-catching detail. I would describe my work as graphic art Inspired by a childlike spirit.
http://www.littlebydm.com
