Featured Indie Designer – aNGrYGiRL Gear

I’m back with new interviews… Okay, so maybe some of them have been sitting around for months, so they’re not technically new. But new to you!

So hold on to your butts… this girl supercharges her pieces with metal, metal, and more metal! Meet everyone’s favorite DiY Outcast: aNGrYGiRL Gear!

Age: (3^2)(2^2) + 2.75
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Current Location: In my studio sitting in front of my computer …in Dallas, Texas

How did your interest in fashion begin? It all started when I was conceived as a female, I suppose I’m really not into *fashion* ~ I’m not a fashionista, I don’t care what’s *in* or what’s *out*, I have no idea what the stars are wearing out on the red carpet. I know what I like to wear, and that’s the style I go with.
What motivated you to start selling your designs and what were your expectations when you started? Oddly enough I started selling on eBay to support my buying addiction. I was spending quite a lot of money on eBay, and even though I could afford it, I was starting to hear a lot of static from my husband for it. I decided I’d sell my work on eBay so that I could respend that money on eBay guilt free. Up until recently, this has always been a side job for me (I can’t call it part time because sewing 70 hours a week doesn’t exactly qualify as *part time*) and I spent the money on fun, crazy stuff that I couldn’t justify spending the *real money* on.
Do you have any formal training in fashion, art or design? No formal training at all. My degrees are in Mathematics, Medieval History, and IT Security. Not a shred of creativity to be found in that lot. I wasn’t even aware my brain had a right hemisphere. I did win a few art shows back in Jr. High, but my work was always very logical, planned, and mathematical. I have no idea how I won… Actually, having a background in mathematics is a big plus when drafting or altering patterns, and when sewing. Trying to do all that math based on a 5/8 inch seam allowance can be pretty hair raising if you’re not good with compound fractions
Is AngryGirl Gear your primary job? At the moment, yes. I am actually a Computer Forensics Engineer, and the jobs are a bit on the slim side of pickings right now. I had a contract gig for the first half of last year, and since that contract ended in June I’ve been sewing full time to try to make ends meet until the next gig comes along.
How many people are behind the scenes at AngryGirl? I don’t know, because I’ve never really looked back there, behind the scenes. I hear some muffled noises, and the occasional bump in the night. But I just can’t bring myself to look…
What are some of the best and worst aspects of being an independent designer? I think the best part is that I have the coolest wardrobe of anyone I know. I keep most of my prototypes for my own use, and occasionally even sew myself a real, bona fide aNGrYGiRL Gear piece. If I decide I want a pair of pants, I make them Its great. The worst part are the long, long, long hours. Having to force creativity (ie forcing yourself to come up with a design when you have absolutely no muse, simply because you MUST have something new to sell) often gives me a headache, and makes for a long day at work.
Where do you get inspiration for your designs? I really don’t know. A lot of them just *happen* as I’m working out, listening to really loud, aggressive, testosterone driven music. The really good ones happen that way, anyway.
How would you describe your designs? A plane crash at a funeral.
Any advice for aspiring designers? Run, run while you still can!!!!!!! All joking aside, its not all smiley faces, roses, and fast cash, this DIY thing. I’ve been doing it for years and years (and years) and I can assure you that I work my arse to the bone, forsaking my weekends, free time, vacations, my friends, family, and even my husband ~ all for less than I could be making at a regular day job. Its a labor of love, and only love. If you’re looking to get into this to *ride the DIY wave* and make those $100 sales on eBay… you might want to reconsider. This isn’t easy money, and it isn’t easy work. You really have to want to do this, and have a genuine talent for it, to make it work. Wow can I bring down a party or what??
Do you have any interesting hobbies (outside of sewing/designing)? I wish I had time for an uninteresting hobby, let alone an interesting one. I do make time every other day for the gym. I’m a big gym rat I think I gain muscle mass to compensate for my lack of height… I also play MMORPG’s when I can find the time. I’ve been playing Everquest 2 since it went online. I am a guild member (Explorers of Legend YO!) and try to raid regulary with my uber DPS’ing half elf monk and my healer, a ratonga warden. Both of whom wear only black And yes, I am a total geek…

Check out aNGrYGiRL Gear at the website: aNGrYGiRL Gear
and on Etsy: www.angrygirlgear.etsy.com
Or say hello via myspace: www.myspace.com/angrylittledeadgirl

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