Jennterview: Nikki Fizer, Clothing Designer, No Human Intentions

My Semantic Acrobat/Web Monkey/Muse for Hire, Stacey, wanted to get to know some of the amazing artists I work with a little better and, since she likes to share the love, we decided to run a series of interviews with photographers, models, designers, and performers. And call them "Jennterviews." [Okay, Stacey decided to call them that and sneak it in - Jenn never actually approved it… But she hasn’t deleted it yet, so I’m taking that as full endorsement. -SL] In this second installment, we feature Nikki Fizer, Clothing Designer at No Human Intentions. You can check out her work on her website, purchase her pieces from her Etsy shop, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

How did you get into your field?

It started with me buying clothes and not being satisfied - adding things or remaking them for myself. Then my husband had me make his entire wardrobe and will wear absolutely nothing that I have not made or altered. Then the idea hit me that we are not the only krazy people out there and that “our” people in all shapes, styles, and sizes deserve to be original, too.

What inspires you creatively?

Different things inspire me every season. A lot of it is probably subliminal so I never know where my inspiration will come from. One season it might be a theme, like Winter 2014 was inspired by witches because the theme was prominent that year. This season was inspired by shapes.

What is your favorite thing about your work?

My favorite thing is when i see my collection move on the runway for the first time.

What is your least favorite thing about your work?

Talking about myself, doing interviews and answering questions. [Sorry, Nikki! Thanks for doing it anyway!]

What do you wish people understood about your work?

I wish people understood the time, blood, sweat and tears it takes for any artist to create something. That they knew the value of one of a kind items. Understand how much fabric and materials actually cost. Knew that people die of exposure because being a part of your project for free is not putting food on my table. Most people are not aware I do custom order creations in THEIR size - all they have to do is ask.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Showing my collection in Times Square New York City on a rooftop.

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in your career?

Not being very business minded and good at marketing and networking.

What advice do you have for someone entering your field?

I am a self-taught designer. I never attended any course or design school which has allowed me to think out of the box when it comes design. In my head anything is possible. My advice would be if you choose formal education, to take away the technical skills but not the thinking.

What do you look for in a makeup artist?

Talented, sanitary, reliable. In that order.

What one personal care item would you be most lost without?

My hair curlers. LOL

In your opinion, what is the worst trend in recent memory?

Gladiator sandals!! Seriously the ugliest shoes since Uggs. Last summer I literally spent it trying to find a new pair of sandals that were not gladiator style and failed. Who in their right mind thinks those things are attractive??

White chocolate: Sweet treat or a lie and an abomination?

Yeah, I don't do white chocolate.

Anything else you’d like readers to know?

Support uniqueness and small businesses!