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Let’s Get Inspired!!!!

January 25th, 2013

I am just getting back on track after the new year! There is so much going on and so much planning happening. There are a lot of changes coming down the road…all good changes! I’ve been collecting tons of inspiration and what better place to collect all things inspirational than Pinterest!!! I love that site! Keep your eyes peeled for what is to come for LITTLE and much much more!

Follow my pinterest board: Darinmichelle

 

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Inspire Me: Annapolis

August 7th, 2012

In starting a Streetwear Brand, I tried to follow in the footsteps of those who did it so well before me. After doing this for a few years, I realized that there is one problem wrong with this Brand! It is uniquely inspired and uniquely created but not a pure representation of who I am. It has been more of a representation of what has inspired me from the Streetwear Culutre. Though this has made for some good product, great tees and great new friends and customers, it’s time to expand this Brand into what is it truly suppose to be; a representation of Darin Michelle!

I grew up in Annapolis, MD. Annapolis is known for it’s sailboat culture. I never got to into boats much, but have ALWAYS appreciated the culture that makes this town what it is. I will always be drawn to sailor shoes and cargo pants and that is just something I’ve learned to accept! Lol!

The next products coming out of LBDM will feel like home…my home! Sometimes you have to take it back to the basics. It’s funny how you think you’re already there and it’s right under your nose.

Taking Pictures of Clouds

August 7th, 2012

There is something beautiful about clouds. I get disappointed when there aren’t clouds in the sky. A sunny day with a few fluffy clouds is my favorite kind of day. My husband prefers the sky at sunset; the colors and texture of clouds that seem to be totally stretched out or splotched in the sky. Either way, they are a beautiful sight!

Nick Knight!

July 28th, 2012

I have been going through a true time of inspiration. For the past few months, I have been visually reenergizing myself  for the betterment of my Brand! This has been a much longer process than I initially thought, but thoroughly enjoyable.

My goal for LBDM is to truly grow and change as I grow and change. My vision for LBDM is for it to grow from season to season as I do. I have been challenging myself as a designer and as a visual thinker. This time of getting inspired has led me to Nick Knight. I’ve heard of Nick Knight before; a few times, but never really looked into his work. I saw his work with Lady Gaga and loved it, but never did any research into any of his other work.

I came across an image today in The Fashion Book which blew my mind and made me want more! I went straight to The Oracle (Google) and typed in his name. This is one of the TRUE few times my breathe was taken away! The art of Nick Knight represents so much of what I find visually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing! He creates images that can be dark, light, moody and whimsical all at the same time! His images are what my dreams are made of!

I’ve been realizing lately that my strongest attribute is my imagination. Digging within myself has been a journey to find out what I really want to represent and what I really want LITTLE to represent. It’s so amazing to find someone who takes their work and imagination to new heights, especially in a medium you can understand.

Getting Motivated & Inspired

July 16th, 2012

LBDM Tumblr Inspiration

June 23rd, 2012

I absolutely love tumblr! Similar to Pinterest, it is an online haven for inspiration. Want to see what LBDM is inspired by? Check out the LBDM tumbr page at www.littlebydm.tumblr.com

In the meantime, here a few recent pics from that page! Enjoy! xoxo…

Finding Inspiration at Karin’s House

June 8th, 2012

Sometimes a new perspective isn’t too far away! It was great hanging out with the “lady tribe” tonight at Karins’ house. Getting a little time with Karin of Kajs Jewelry and Lacey of Kalivoda was a refreshing break away from the studio. A sunny day with a few friends is always nice!

 

Work & Inspiration from Home

June 6th, 2012

I’ve been working out my new studio space for a few weeks now. The best thing about working for yourself is realizing that you can always work from home. Sometimes I need a little down time where I can get work done and feel a little more relaxed. Today was one of those days where working from home for a half day was necessary. Who knew I could get so inspired at my house!

Getting Inspired: BMX

May 11th, 2012

Outside of running LITTLE, I work as a freelance designer and also had a part-time Graphic Design position. As of this past Monday, I am working for myself FULL-TIME!!!! It feels good to grow! I have been tremendously blessed in this past year and have gained so much knowledge in my industry and so much faith in my God!!! Someone once told me, “leap and the stairs will appear” (Thanks Amanda). I believe that God wants to me grow in my creativity and business and therefore, I leapt! Leaping is scary, but sometimes necessary and once you’ve gotten passed the nerves, it’s not so bad. All of my faith in this leap is in Christ! He’s my only safety net!

In the process of “leaping”, I’ve fallen in love with new things and revisited some old things. BMX has been my revisit/discovery in the past month. When we were in high school, a few of my friends were glued to their BMX bikes; some of them still are. My friend Jackie use to race BMX and always pushed me to and I never did. I have no idea why…maybe I was scared, maybe I was scared of the commitment…who knows. BMX  and Motocross riders have always fascinated me because they are taking a machine and becoming one with it. There is much to be learned of the faith of a rider. LEAP!

Inspiration

February 21st, 2012

Went to Jersey City/New York this weekend and got re-inspired. I had planned some meetings and business things and everything fell through. Creatively, the trip wasn’t lost though; when in the middle of walking the NYC streets and grabbing eats and drinks with friends in Jersey, I found a little inspiration. Inspiration is such a big and meaningful thing for creative peeps! Collecting inspiration online is awesome but sometimes you need to gain in from real places and tangible things.

Pics to come!