Amber Vittoria
Illustrator
Amber Vittoria
Illustrator
Amber Vittoria is an illustrator based in New York City. Her pieces focus on femininity and the female form, leveraging physical traits such as body hair, overtly extended limbs, and rounded features. We first discovered her work on Instagram and were instantly drawn to the beautiful curvy shapes, colours and relatability found within her illustrations. Her client shortlist includes: The New York Times, Gucci, Adidas, Rimowa, Condé Nast and Man Repeller just to name a few. Thanks Amber for chatting with us!
What do you do?
I am a freelance illustrator with work that focuses on dismantling societal stereotypes set upon women; I sell prints and prints of my work alongside collaborating with brands and editorial publications on bespoke pieces.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
It ranged from a ballerina to a firefighter, to an artist.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a freelancer.
In short, I was incredibly fortunate to have the support of my family and move home after graduating college. From there, I worked full time as a web designer, moved into the city, and held a few other great full time jobs while freelancing on nights and weekends. After 5-6 years from graduation, I took the leap into freelancing full time.
When you first started, how did you find clients?
Majority of the clients with whom I work, I find and contact through Instagram!
What are the biggest milestones that have led to where you currently are in your career?
The biggest milestone was trusting in myself and beginning to freelance full time; allowing myself the time to focus on the work that is most important to me.
Do you have a motto that you work by?
None in particular, no.
How do you stay productive?
Google Calendar is my go-to for scheduling out both my work and my life!
What are you working on right now?
I have a few social and packaging projects for clients in the fashion, jewelry, and self-care spaces.
What is your dream project?
Any project where the client and I can tell a meaningful story is always a dream.
“There is no wrong way to live a freelance life; everyone has a different situation.”
What one piece of advice would you give to a freelancer just starting out?
There is no wrong way to live a freelance life; everyone has a different situation. If you ever need specific advice, feel free to email me at amber.vittoria@gmail.com, and I can do my best to listen.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given?
Depending on the period in my life, anything from “calm down,” to “believe in yourself” have been incredibly helpful.
Tell us about a time in your career when you struggled.
Going from full time to freelance was a shift in my entire schedule; I allowed myself the space and time to figure out what schedule worked best for me. It involves exercising early in the morning, working mid-morning to afternoon, and working on my own pieces in the evening.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Recently, I received a Society of Illustrators Gold medal for my candle collaboration with Otherland; it was such an honor!
What are you listening to, reading or watching that is inspiring to you lately?
Recently, I’ve been listening to Vacationer and Vulfpeck (very summery vibes, as I miss summer tremendously), reading beach-like reads like, “When Life Gives You Lululemons” by Lauren Weisburger, and watching “The Good Place.”
What is your favourite piece of clothing?
I love a small ring my grandmother gave me when I was twelve; she told me how much she wanted to remember giving it to me, and at the time I had no idea why. Now that she has passed, it was one of the greatest gifts she gave me, that moment.
What is the strangest thing about you?
I am terrified of bees, never been stung!
Who would you like most to answer these questions next?
I’d love Allison Bamcat to answer!
How can we find out more about your work?
On Instagram or at ambervittoria.com 🙂