Hidden Gems: Meet Violet Vargas of Gutter Gutter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Violet Vargas.

Hi Violet, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Los Angeles, I was exposed to all the art, fashion, culture and music that came through here. It all amounted to a wealth of creativity and encouragement. My whole life I loved drawing and reading comic books, as a teenager I’d dress my friends in elaborate costumes to go to conventions, parties or even themed picnics. I was born into a family of seamstresses so I saw the pattern making and the design production process in the factories of DTLA when I was very young. As a child I would even make clothes for my Barbie’s. I always found a way to create.
I threw myself at every opportunity to put together a show or to be apart of a bigger project- it wasn’t long before I got my first job. At 16 I began working as an intern for celebrity photographer Vijat M. He would pull me into meetings to illustrate concepts and to help build sets with the art director.
Then along came an offer to be the official Ru Paul’s Drag Race fashion illustrator. This really led into a whole new world of opportunity for me in the drag community. My first big fashion show was on the stage of Ru Paul’s Drag Con- giving me the platform to show my colorful and expressive designs. Along with that, I spent time as an on set tailor for World Of Wonder.
To me this art isn’t a job or a hobby, it is my life. I spent countless hours practicing and learning as much as I could about costuming.
With all that love of drawing and costuming, now with real work experience- I set off to build my brand which thrives off creativity and craftsmanship.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Designing, costuming and art has always come to me pretty easily. I was never hard on myself if something didn’t turn out how I hoped, or if I messed something up. I took every opportunity to learn from my mistakes and to improve my craftsmanship. If I had artists block or felt burnt out I would take time to research and learn something new, that always put the pep back in my step.
The biggest struggle for me was learning the business side of what I do. All I wanted to do was create but finding that balance to be able to build a business was the ultimate challenge.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gutter Gutter?
I am a latex fashion specialist & costume designer with 10 years of work experience.
I have always been told my costumes look like my illustrations have been pulled from the page, that got me thinking… how real could I make my illustrations? How would I push what I do far enough to create entire experience for my audience. With help from my business partner L. Topo, I was able to push what I do to a whole other level- Animation & Film.
My brand Gutter Gutter was born, we immediately began throwing multi media fashion/ art shows that really allowed us to spread our wings.
I intend on creating a short film to showcase the fashion designs along with a costume release in real life to sell to fashion lovers. You can see my designs and characters in a world we create while also being able to wear the high fashion pieces we release!
I have an in person shop/studio in little Tokyo DTLA called Space City- here you can try on my latex, leather & lace designs. I also sell online & over Instagram. I sell my fashion collections and offer custom pieces. Every piece I create is handmade.
This year 2025 we will be launching an official Vampira collection which will be available online and in person at Space City LA

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’d say Band Camp and Criterion are my most used apps that help me do my best. Whether it’s finding inspiration or motivating myself to keep working, music and movies make my world go round. I keep track of time, set the mood and allow myself to enjoy a good story or explore new sounds. Also Criterion monthly movie drops feel like opening a present, truly my favorite selection of films & animations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://guttergutterstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violet_star_art?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr