Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Rodriguez.
Anita, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My earliest childhood memories are of me drawing and painting. The older I got, the more I started to explore different artistic media. My dad initially taught me how to hand sew so I would always be able to do minor repairs on my clothes but eventually, that became another medium for me to use. I was customizing my clothes and making arm warmers in high school not realizing years later my drawings and my sewing/crafting skills would meet in the middle. I now design and create my cosplay costumes as well as upcycling clothing that I customize and silk screen my art onto. Last year I started a shop through Instagram called Little Wolf Shoppe to give the upcycled clothes a second life with someone other than myself.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trial and error is a huge part of creative process. I’ll have an idea for a costume that looks great when still but ends up being less than practical for long-term wear or a design that looks great when draw it out but doesn’t silk screen well and loses detail when put on an article of clothing. It took time to realize that it’s okay for these things to happen and to adjust fire and keep pushing forward. Having creative blocks has also been a struggle, but one I’m beginning to think is also part of the process. I’m just coming out of one after months of not drawing up new silkscreen pieces and only focusing on cosplay ideas. The creative block was so bad for me that I put my shop on hiatus and only took on a few custom hat designs. The biggest hiatus I took from creating was during my military career. I spent 5 years in the Marine Corps and only painted three or four pieces and doodled every now and then. Once I got back into creating art again, I realized I had lost some of the skills I spent years building, and it was a little heartbreaking but also served as a reminder that it’s okay to take breaks, just remember to find a time when I’m inspired so I can keep my skills sharp.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have two main avenues of focus, which are cosplay/costume design/creation and upcycling/customizing clothing. The costuming has been more of a creative outlet for me as it’s always something I loved to do. I’ve been using my costumes for photoshoots for years, and with social media growing the way it has, I’ve found I have another place to showcase my creations. Upcycling clothing was something that started out as a hobby for myself that became a business for others. Once I decided to share this with others, I started Little Wolf Shoppe. When I lived in San Diego, I worked with a clothing swap shop called Positive Phee. She would let me go through some of the items and take things that maybe needed a little love that I thought I could rehab/customize then I would sell them in her shop. I also began hunting for my own items and secondhand shops or taking on items from friends they no longer wore to create something new. Part of what I do with these items is taking my digital art and silk screening it or ironing it on with clothing vinyl.
One of my biggest sellers and most popular items are my felt wide-brim hats, they’re honestly one of my favorite items to customize, and I’d say out of all the items I’ve made, they’re probably what my shop is known for most along with my art style. A lot of my designs combine flora and fauna, but the fauna are usually partially skeletons; most commonly, the body will appear normal but will have a visible skull head. A little spooky mixed with mother nature.
When it comes to my costumes, I think my post-apocalyptic costumes are probably my most well-known items including one I did that is a cross between Mad Max and Witcher. I love creating a variety of looks, but I’ve been creating post-apocalyptic looks to wear to an event called Wasteland Weekend for years, so I’d say my ability to take something unexpected and make it look like it came from a dystopian desert world is something that makes my creations different.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I honestly love meeting new people whether they’re other creatives or people who enjoy my work! I always encourage people to find me on Instagram or TikTok if they want to follow my work. If they want custom work done or any of my items, my shop Instagram is the best place to message me, and for any collaborations (which I seriously love doing), I encourage people to message me on my cosplay Instagram or click the email button in my bio. I love supporting other creatives, so please always message and say hi so I can give a follow back!
Pricing:
- Hats Range $40-$60 depending on design and media used (silk screen vs. holographic vinyl)
- Clothing Items Range $20 and up depending on item, media used, and time
- Cosplay Items can be priced after a consultation
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feylannn/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlewolfshoppe/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@feylannn?lang=en
Image Credits
Stanley Woo
Preston Yarger
