📰 INTERVIEW: GETTING TO KNOW OUR DESIGNERS: VESTA
Written by Lali Arbizu
Hello OnlyDivaSL Friends!
Her journey in the virtual design world commenced relatively recently, in 2021. Yet, in the mere span of a few years, her creative vision and unparalleled craftsmanship have propelled her to the forefront of the industry. She has not only cultivated a dedicated following among users eager for innovative and exquisite digital garments but has also become an undeniable touchstone for her peers. Her influence is evident in the dynamic trends and elevated standards she has set within the Second Life design community.
It was an honor to sit down with VEE to discuss her remarkable trajectory, her unique design philosophy, and her insights into the ever-evolving world of virtual fashion. Let's delve into our conversation.
🧍♀️ About You
Hi Vee! Welcome to our blog!! Let's have a coffee and start our conversation!!
- What's your avatar name and how did you choose it?
The name of my store came first, VESTA, and then from there I picked my avatar name.
- When did you start designing in SL, and what pulled you in?
I made my first hat that I thought was good enough to sell in April 2021, but I had been learning Blender for a couple years by then and making things that I did not think were quite good enough to put out there for sale.
- Describe your brand in 3 words.
Unique, Detailed, Stylish
👗 The Design Process
- Do you sketch first or build directly in 3D?
For the most part I build directly. Usually, I know what I want to make, but often it changes during the process of making the mesh and then texturing it.
- Favorite part of creating a new piece?
Texturing in Substance Painter.
- Textures: love, hate, or tolerate?
Love - I love making my own textures, not buying premade. That is when the model comes to life and where I can add all the little details that make the end product special.
- Weirdest design inspiration you've ever had?
A box of roses would be one, I also made a hat inspired from an UFO.
-How long from idea to in-world release (roughly)?
Depends; sometimes a model will come together in one afternoon. Other times I will struggle with something for a week before I am happy with it.
🎧 Creative Insights
- Favorite soundtrack to design to?
TV. I like to binge tv shows while I am sitting in front of my computer making things.
- SL creators who inspire you?
I have a few whose work sets the standard for what I would like to make. ISON, Rowe and Deadolls to name a few.
- Real-life trend you’d never import into SL?
Sadly, the trend I would not bring in is already in SL; skimpy overly revealing clothes for women.
- Favorite item you’ve created – and why?
Sometimes things come out looking better than you expected. That is always fun. One of the last ones were my Ozzo pants, which are jeans with embroidery flower embellishments at the bottom. I started out with a completely different design in mind, and I could not get it to work so I had to figure out a different approach and in the end it came together.
- What do you think about SL and tell us one thing people should know about SL design?
I love how nowadays almost all the same tools that big giant studios or game developers use to create 3d assets are accessible by individual freelance 3d artists. I think SL is a unique environment where the users are empowered to create the world we inhabit. As far as the fashion world this translates into a little bit of a Wild West environment where there is a vast spectrum of skills, backgrounds and resources that creators bring to bear. I love the chaos in a way, but buyer beware. That is why I always provide a demo, so my customers can really see what they are getting before the spend any lindens.
🌍 SL Life & Community
- Favorite place to hang out in SL?
On my design platform, and also in creator groups.
- What do you love about the SL fashion community?
I think the SL fashion community is composed of a few different groups of people: creators, models and agencies, fashion bloggers, SL fashion mavens and everyday SL citizens. There are permeable membranes between each group, and they interact at various levels. I love how each part of the SL fashion community supports the other parts and allows them to exist. Without our fashion mavens and everyday SL citizens the creators would have nobody to sell our works to. Without the bloggers and the models, the mavens and citizens would not find out about the latest and greatest and the creators would not be able to get the word out about what they have made. I think it is all a wonderful synergy.
- Have you ever seen a stranger wear your item? How did it feel?
Yes, so fun when I am out and about and see someone wearing something I made, or when I see them in a blog post or on Flickr. Makes me feel happy that they like my work and I often flashback to the process of making the item.
- Do you prefer fashion shows or boutique releases?
Almost all my new releases are through shopping events, and after I put them in my store. I love fashion shows because of the styling skill and creativity of the models. Love to see what they do with my creations.
- Any fashion faux pas that haunt you?
Not faux pas per se, but I do look back on things I have made and would make them differently now. 3d modeling is a constant learning process, so my approach is to put what I learned by making the latest model to use on my next one - move forward and learn.
🎉 Just for Fun
- Pineapple on pizza?
Yes Yes Yes
- Wine or grape juice?
Wine
- Final question, anything new on the pipeline? Any new collection to be launched anytime soon?
I am dreaming of making an Avant Garde collection…one day, when I have time.
Vee!!, we had a great time having this coffee with you and we want to thank you very much for accepting to be interviewed by us!
We wish you lots of luck on your new collection and we cannot wait to blog it and walk it for you!!!
XOXO💋💋💋
Ponchi, Diana & Lali
Lolita Paragorn
Nemesis Azul
Lali Arbizu
Comments
Post a Comment