Amanda Litzinger
Artist & designer of the brand Feelin Sticky, Amanda Litzinger’s joie de vivre is on full-display in this enchanting interview. From her struggle to “maintaining my kooky vision while aligning with something people want” as well as her commitment to fitness as proactive way to enjoy both friends and a positive state of mind, Amanda’s dedicated work ethic and enjoyment of her self-described “unique life” inspire us all to reach for joy, especially in this current moment.
Note: This interview was conducted on April, 21 2020
How would you describe what you do? I make fashion by sewing letters and other things I've made to vintage garments. I'm also getting into the cut and sew game.
How do you deal with the continual ebb and flow of “success” as a creative person? It can be painful to me. If I can get myself into a mental state where I feel confident in my goodness then usually some good news comes in, or some interest or an opportunity. so I try to maintain an optimistic attitude even if there's nothing much going on at the moment.
When is a time you felt really successful? Or a time you felt like you failed? I feel really successful anytime I see someone wearing my clothing on the streets in New York. I feel elated and like I did my job. Sometimes I feel I've failed if a garment does not work out for my customer but I keep my chin up and never feel I've really failed at anything about my fashion business. I've failed at being a waitress sometimes...
What is your biggest struggle as a person in creative industry? One thing that I struggle with in the creative industry is maintaining my kooky vision while aligning with something people want. I respect daring designers and envy conventional ones.
What is your daily routine? Your weekend routine? Everyday is not the same for me but normally I would wake up in Williamsburg then take the subway to Manhattan for my fashion studio in Chinatown. 4 out of 5 days I visit the garment district at 12:30 to talk to my seamstress. Then I'm either going through photos from shoots for marketing creations or packaging and shipping orders. I try to take work out classes a couple times a week or schedule one with a friend. Things have obviously changed presently due to the virus so now I'm exercising in my room and then I'm designing here too and socializing online.
How do you motivate yourself to actually get things done and/or maintain some level of productivity? I make lists and can only do things I want to do. If there is something I can not do I ask for help usually.
How do you manage the stress/anxiety that’s inevitable with putting yourself out there? I do fitness. I have a lot of fun friends. I have things I like to do to maintain my mental health. It can be overwhelming but a lot of people are doing it too in New York so it's normal. I feel like if I didn't share my clothes with people I would not have my major road to joy.
How do you know when it’s time to rest? Ugh I'm a morning person so usually I conk out easily at the end of having dinner and everything. Some days I need personal days and I rest half of the day then go to a museum or something. Going out and being with friends can be relaxing to me too.
How do you manage the internet/social media? I'm inspired by some of what others are putting out there/ what has been out there in history, the internet is a tool. Social media has always seemed like marketing to me. I sold hairbows at my highschool and the brand had a Facebook page called Meet Your New Beau
Do you collaborate, and if so, what’s your collaborative process like? I mostly collaborate with my models. They bring a lot to my brand. I encourage them to have control and vision of their shoot while adding my direction. I'm interested in what they think about the clothes and stuff and they are a big inspiration for my brand. A brand collaboration is something more tense and I don't usually do it. Unless it's for a photoshoot or something of course.
What’s your big dream? Do you have one? How do you set goals/set yourself up to achieve? Thanks so much for asking this. My dream today is the same as it was when I started it is to have a lovely life and a successful fashion brand. I'm super into entrepreneurship knowledge. So I read books and just do everything I can to reach my goals. I write down my goals and I visualize ideal scenarios. It's corny but my biggest goal is to be happy and I am super grateful for my unique life.
How do you deal with people not liking you, liking your ideas or being jealous of you? Omg I've never encountered people like that!! If someone likes my idea I'm shocked and laughing because most people think I'm crazy.
For more of Amanda follow her on Instagram or check out her website