So I have this wonderful and talented friend, Kristel, who goes by the name of Purple Mango. I met her when we used to work together and I never thought I would come across someone who was into the same things (graphic design, art, web design, etc) in this small town that we live in. I have watched her grow in her talents as a photographer, graphic designer, and now a fashion designer. With her new hot site, Love-Mango.Com, which showcases her many talents and is an online store, I think the world needs a taste of the Purple Mango flava. So I decided to do a little interview with her.
1. Can you please explain what love-mango.com is all about?
Love-Mango.com is my outlet to display my works of art as well as other wonderful talents that I come across. There is my Blog, my Portfolio, and my online store which is full of really cute jewelry and accessories and selected with love by yours truly Purple Mango.
2. How did you get into web/graphic design and photography?
Wow, well photography came first back in my early high school days. I took Photography all throughout high school and just absolutely enjoyed it. It was my favorite class and the dark room was my sanctuary. LOL. Graphic design came about by me looking at other hot websites and just wanting to learn so bad how to create such great art work using a computer as my medium. It was awesome, like some kids would spend hours playing video games. I spent hours playing on Photoshop. I loved it.
3. Who or what inspires you when it comes to your graphic design and photography?
Oh gosh.. I pull from so many different sources. But it’s always truly better for me to start with colors. That’s my first like jump into something that I want to create is finding a nice color palette that is exciting to the eyes.
4. What made you branch out in fashion design?
Fashion Design has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I would always sit around and just design clothing for myself or whoever. I didn’t know where I was going with it at the time. But I knew that fashion design was something that I just want to do and be. So after graduating college I found myself at a crossroads to which direction and path I wanted to take and the Academy of Art University just some how literally fell in my hands. I spoke with the advisor and she asked me all kinds of questions as to who I am, and what I wanted, and what I dreamed and their program was perfect for me. I can pursue my dreams and a Master’s at the same time. Now I can tell you that Fashion Design has been the most Hardest and grueling thing I have ever tried to learn. As far as knowing the ins and outs and the standard ways of going about having a full fledge collection. I never knew how much it took into actually being a fashion designer. People just see the glitz and the glamour of fashion. But it truly is hard work and dedication and perfect a beautiful craft. I’m a so still an amateur but I’m so dedicated to mastering it! I love it! I have a new love for it than when I was a little girl. Its like I’m ALL IN NOW! NO turning back.. Conquer it!
5. Where do you get your fashion design inspiration?
Now that has been my biggest challenge is learning to find inspiration.. but I am finding it.. My school teaches you tricks and techniques. But its really all about opening your mind! Looking through your pupils from a broader perspective. As a fashion design student I look at things with a whole other set of eyes. Its crazy I not only do it, but I do knowing that I’m different and trying to find beauty in everything all the time!
6. What trends do you see being big for 2010?
Looking at the fashion show collections of next year. I think its going to be a more romantic look. More Pastel colors, more soft fabrics. Not so much rebellion that the previous trends trickling down to the mass market has displayed. Its still a little 80s going on but it will so change to a more calm vibe.
7. What can we expect in the future from Purple Mango?
I definitely expect big things for the future of Purple Mango. As long as I have an audience to speak to and listen. Then I am feel more than obligated to continue to please and satisfy them. But I definitely want to put together a awesome collection and produce a fashion show to display. That’s something that I am soooooo eager to really just do. It will probably be on a local scale. But I am thinking about doing that for the near future. I just have to keep working hard.
8. Who are some fashion designers you admire?
What a question!! There are so many to name its insane. The Late Great Alexander McQueen of course. He was such a genius and revolutionary designer. It was so sad to lose him. Diane von Futsenberg is the epitome of the type of woman I want to be when I become her age. I love Valentino, Emilo Pucci OMG! I just want his entire Spring 2008 collection in my closet PLZ!! There’s so many but those are truly my favorite. Oh and I can’t forget Coco Chanel the person! She is the best!
9. Do you have any words of wisdom you would like to share to people who are following in your footsteps?
I’m learning now that hard work pays off. And not in the since of manually slaving type work but the dedication to something that you whole heartily want and enjoy doing will pay off. I’ve done so many things and tried so many different things, that you can’t be afraid to fail. Life is all about learning as cliche’ as it may sound. So just go for it. Have a strategic plan to your LIFE! Even though we don’t know what tomorrow will bring plan for it so that you are ready for WHAT EVER!
This girl has so much talent and she is always stepping up her game when she does something. Her site is definitely a site you need to add to your favorites and she is someone you really need to keep an eye on. She is definitely a rare jewel…
To find out more about Purple Mango, visit her official site below.
Love-Mango.Com
Become a fan of Purple Mango on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/Purple-Mango/
