FRiSKMEGOOD²

NAME: Cierra Boyd

AGE: 23

SCHOOL: Ohio University Alumni

BiRTHPLACE: Cleveland, OH

featured in Summer DRiP ’17

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Q: When did you know you wanted to pursue design?

A: I decided to officially pursue design on my 21st birthday. My school was in the middle of nowhere, so me and my roommate couldn’t decide what to wear the night of my party. We looked in every single store, but they only had Walmart, Dress Barn, and Catos. Needless to say, we couldn’t find anything cute at all. Luckily, there was a JoAnn Fabrics, so we got some supplies and made our own outfits that night. Everyone loved it, and from that point on, I never stopped designing.

Q: Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

A: My biggest design inspiration is Patrick Kelly. Patrick Kelly was a celebrated African-American fashion designer who came to fame in France. Among his accomplishments, he was the first American to be admitted to the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode, the prestigious governing body of the French Ready-to-Wear industry. His life was cut short from AIDS, and his legacy was then stolen by other big box brands. I love everything he did, and his aesthetic for his line was so inspiring to me. I get choked up thinking about how he paved the way for Black designers, and I aspire to be like him. I wish he was still alive, because he would’ve reached the stars.

Q: How have you grown in your artwork in recent years?

A: I’ve grown so much since I began. Being that I am 100% self taught, I’ve found that every year, my skills advance the more I keep working and practicing.

Q: What childhood memory or artifact influenced you most to date?

A: One childhood piece that really inspired my love for fashion is my 3rd birthday party dress. It was a pink dress with colorful balloons on it. This is kind of like a staple of my style at an early age. Its fun, colorful, and flamboyant, which is how I would describe my designs and personal style now.

Q: What specific culture or period of time do you identify with most in your designs?

A: I think my time period is futuristic, 90s vintage in a way. I like to take old concepts and designs from the 90s and try to put a modern/futuristic spin on it.

Q: Where do you feel most comfortable creating?

A: It’s probably not a good habit for a designer but i love designing in my room. I have multiple workspaces in my house but i always gravitate towards my room at the end of the day. It’s just so cozy and comfortable. I hope one day i can have a real studio as comfy as my room.

Q: What do you think is most important to an artist’s progression?

A: I think practice and ambition plays a huge role.

Q: Tell us about your recent fashion shows!

A: I’ve had so many amazing fashion show opportunities. I’ve been able to travel to New York for Raw Artists, as well as the Raw Artists shows in Cleveland. Not only that, but I’ve been able to put on my first official show in March, which was amazing! I plan on doing more of my own shows. My goal is to start doing 3 shows a year.

Q: Describe your style in 3 textures or fabrics.

A: Iridescent spandex, Rainbow Faux Fur, Reflective Ripstop

Q: Is it important for artists to explain their art?

A: I think when asked, yes, it is important. However, art doesn’t really need to be explained. It’s really about your own perception.

Q: What can be the biggest hindrance to your creativity?

A: I think when I have to make stuff that I don’t want to make but have to make. I rarely take on projects or commissions i don’t vibe with but when i have in the past it was hard to for me to feel motivated when I’m not making something with my own creative vision.

Q: Do you stick to one project at once, or work on multiple at a time?

A: I always have multiple personal projects going on. I legit have an entire bag of unfinished projects that I’m still working on. When it comes to business projects with deadlines, I’ll usually only take on a few at a time, so I don’t overwhelm myself. I hate when people come to me with huge projects a week in advance.

Q: What is something you are most proud of concerning your artwork?

A: I’m just super proud of how much my business has grown and my sewing abilities. Every year, I feel like O get better and better when it comes to my design and execution. My goal is just to keep working, keep learning, and keep taking opportunities.

Q: If your journey had a movie, what would it be called?

A: Friskmegood, of course! 🙂

Q: Do you feel energy has an impact on your creativity and your designs?

A: Yes, I do. I think it’s important for artists to thrive off of positive energy and support. When people bring negative energy to your art, you could start to doubt your art and feel discouraged. As growing artists, it’s important to protect your creative energy to be able to produce your best work.