We recently connected with Lila Nikole and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lila with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I thrive on challenges and learning new processes. I have always been a strong, driven, curios designer. I feel excitement when figuring out the hardest problems or finding the unconventional methods of resolve. I grew up watching my father use his hands to create so many different items. My mother was also a creator. Watching the both of them create things from nothing has surely inspired me to push into the unknown to see what magic I can come up with.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My background consist of so many variations of fashion driven skills. I am a seamstress, pattern maker, costume designer, graphics designers, textile designer, sublimation expert, CAD specialist, artist, and wardrobe stylist. Basically, any tools you need to design and produce clothes or costumes are my every day tools. I consider myself a nerd and am constantly learning new skills to add to my arsenal. My newest challenge with be learning 3D design to implement into the clothing and swim industry. ‘
Ive been fortunate enough to use those same tools to work on some of the most amazing projects like the Emmy Winning Super Bowl Half Time Show, Kanye West Donda tour, style for Vogue Magazine, show my swimwear collection during NY Fashion Week, dress the Imagine Dragons AMA performance, design carnival costumes for one of the biggest carnival bands.. Tribe, man there is so many amazing projects, don’t think we have enough space to include them all.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the most important skill when being an artist is to always stay up to date with modernization and streamlining your design methods, learning new methods to enhance your design experience. I used to find artist that I loved, then look into who they loved and read about them. I continued down the line to learn where all of the inspiration is coming from, like an inspiration tree f life.
Another, is to always keep pushing. You will get no’s, you will get hard criticism, but you must always remember to believe in yourself and your abilities and push through those harder days to find the light that keeps you motivated.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents taught me was to be a leader. They taught me to always claim what is mine and to work hard for whatever else I wanted. They showed me encouragement and support. I am the person I am because of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lilanikole.com
- Instagram: lilanikole
Image Credits
Jean Claude Pauris Getty Images
