Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Wittkop Rocha.
Hi Karla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Design, in its many aspects, has always fascinated me. As a graphic designer, I have always been attracted to elements found in urban life and in nature.
Now that my children are adults, I am able to pursue my passion and love for design.
When I started painting and taking photographs, I envisioned my compositions not to be framed and hung on a wall but rather to be much closer to the person, on the person. I wanted to create a “walking canvas” with those elements.
What I love about this process is uncovering all the possible compositions. How can I transform these elements graphically? What story could I tell? Some pieces are made with the purpose of making the wearer aware of their surroundings. And others are simply a composition of elements in complete harmony. These are the driving forces behind Oliva Campo. The “wearer” completes the purpose.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like everything else in life, there have been many ups and many, many downs.
Initially, I wanted to design so many things: clothes, leather bags, jewelry, sandals…I was all over the place and of course, I was not advancing with my project. That was when I realized that I needed to focus on one thing and that thing would be clothing.
There was a lot of research that I needed to do to make my ideas come true. First, I had to learn about dye sublimation which is the technique used to print on the fabric. Then I had to learn about the different types of fabric, their weight, composition, stretch quality, bias, etc. Then finding a seamstress and a fabric printing company… was challenging enough. At the same time, I had to focus on packaging, brand labels, and all the details that were needed to make this happen. I cannot say that I know how to sew but I have learned a lot about stitches, pattern making, thread, and cutting…
After many failures and disappointments and much learned along the way, I was able to finally start production.
I have to say that throughout this hard and challenging journey, I have met people who are very passionate about their work. They have guided me and taught me along the way. My way to thank them is to replicate that guidance to those who are starting from scratch.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The creation of each design starts with a sense of no restrictions in colors and shapes. A sort of spontaneous painting that has the purpose of producing a background of visual unity among all elements. I carefully place the design and elements within the outline of a specific clothing pattern, always thinking about how that design will translate into movement once a person is wearing it. This is the “walking canvas”.
There is a sense of exclusivity with Oliva Campo as the production of each piece is limited.
Oliva Campo only uses local labor for production including designing, printing, cutting, sewing, and distribution.
I feel proud of myself for pursuing my passion, and my dream, for constantly stimulating the creative process, for not being discouraged by setbacks, and for being open and humble to recognize my mistakes and learn from them.
What are your plans for the future?
What excites me the most is continuing to create new designs. Creating unique pieces that people will be proud to wear.
That’s why I am constantly observing my surroundings and playing with everything I see inside my mind. I think about how I could come up with a composition, the same way that I look for new styles of clothing where my art can be showcased. I am looking forward to growing my brand, exploring my creativity, and creating more pieces with identity and character.
Pricing:
- From $160.00 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://olivacampo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivacamposhop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivacamposhop
Image Credits
Alejandro Nuñez Frometa (1 photo) and Karla Wittkop Rocha
