Featured Artist: Erica Leigh Designs

One-of-a-kind tops, totes & things

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

Hi! I’m Erica Leigh. I just turned 20 and I live in the Los Angeles suburbs. When I’m not making things, I’m a full-time college student at Woodbury University where I’m majoring in fashion marketing. I love fashion, art, shopping, baking cupcakes, and watching way too much television. Oh, and I also created EtsyU: The Street Team for College Students on Etsy!

2. What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from everywhere! They’re really all over the place; history, current trends, indie fashion… a little bit of everything, I think. I’m especially fascinated by the Victorian era, as well as 1960’s mod styles.

3. Creatively where do you think you'll be in five years?

I hope that I’ll have learned a lot in five years. I’m self-taught, so I’m constantly trying to figure out new sewing techniques by reading sewing books and doing research. I also hope that I’ll have been able to pursue other crafts and possibly a new Etsy shop. I get bored easily, which is why I also enjoy doing a variety of arts & crafts. I eventually want to silkscreen, draw, paint, and even do some photography. I’m currently working on some jewelry designs too. It may seem excessive, but I just have too many interests and creative energy, I guess.

4. If you had a client who had unlimited money, what would you create for him and why?

Whoa, I really don’t know. Maybe I’d design them a whole new wardrobe, complete with accessories (bags, scarves, jewelry). It’d have to be a girl though, because I don’t know how to make boy clothes yet.

5. What is the best thing about your products?

I make my own patterns and design everything from scratch. All of the items in my shop are handmade and one-of-a-kind, so every customer is guaranteed an exclusive piece that I’ve put a lot of work into.

Etsy Shop: http://ericaleighdesigns.etsy.com
Etsy Teams: EtsyU, Scratch, Artisans of California, Retro Street Team