Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Grant.
Hi Angelica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t necessarily know if it was going to work out but I knew that I wanted it to. Even the most ridiculous obstacles did not hinder my confidence. I needed to develop a portfolio of graffiti art to get into a top art school. I didn’t come from an art background and it was an intensive process. My work was unpolished and idiosyncratic. Some felt it showed undeveloped natural talent. I was accepted into Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, CA.
I began traveling across the country to pursue my passion for graffiti art and what I could make of it. I quickly learned materials and fabrication. Discovering my graffiti style could be transitioned into commercial products, and imagining surreal items. I actually built things by hand that never existed like an organic speaker system, a vest with a hydration pack and headphones attached, and my haven chaise lounge made from fiber glass. I attempted everything for building knowledge, taking my passion for urban art into the physical realm of products. I started an entity to showcase my products, Sling Designs ®, founded in 2014, www.slingdesigns.com.
Most industrial or product designers’ work doesn’t leave the paper or ever make it to market. My career began working for The Outdoor Recreation Group. I was on a very small team called Agile Brands which was recently acquired. It allowed me to work directly with senior designers and developers.
It was a unique opportunity to work for major brands like Columbia Sportswear, Dell, HP, and Outdoor Products making technical bags. More than that in my first year I was trusted with entire product lines from beginning to end. So I got autonomy over the full product life-cycle. My work quickly went to market. It would have been nice to say this was planned but it was actually a college acquaintance of mine who introduced me to this position.
She was high-fashion with an interesting style and personality of her own. She always checked in on me unannounced. She sent me this opportunity from her alumni friend who offered it to her. She was pursuing heels and shoes; however, when she heard it was sporting goods design, she immediately thought of me and my portfolio of sports equipment and technical products. When she called me she generously said she wanted to give me the opportunity. When I said, “are you sure? This is once in a lifetime.” She quickly said, “yes I am positive.”
It really kicked me into shape working on these huge projects, but I learned a great deal. This experience unlocked many opportunities to work at larger companies in a more senior role. Stacking my experiences at different companies quickly unlocked new skills and varied work all under soft goods. Some companies were Randa Accessories, Timberland, Columbia Outdoor Luggage, Under Armour, Bioworld, Nintendo, Kelty Pack, Geissele Automatics, Boarding Pass NYC, Alliance Consumer Group and THAW.
During my 10 year career I would design and develop products from scratch using overseas factories to manufacture and mass produce my product designs. As part of my design process I was developing new technologies and patenting them. A patent is a complicated process that delves into all parts and mechanisms of a product. These patents have real value and I am listed on many of them for larger companies.
Many of my clients with Sling Designs ® wanted to build the products I made for them in the U.S. for greater control over the production, costing, delivery, and timelines. I quickly realized the large opportunity in American manufacturing. I created my L.L.C. called LITT MFG in 2025, it gave me the opportunity to manufacture products domestically.
The appeal of Sling Designs ® working with LITT MFG is that inventors and companies can build, patent, and sell new products. It didn’t start out as a portfolio of art coming out of Otis, it was always a portfolio of ideas.
Sometimes direction comes from a multitude of influences. I am grateful for all the opportunities and products I am able to work on.
Written by: Angelica Grant, BFA, EMBA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the challenges were simple, like learn a new skill, or make a new product. Then there were obstacles like build innovative luggage on a short timeline or communicate with a factory who never worked with you before. All product designs come with challenges but you can always overcome them with time and patience.
We’ve been impressed with LITT MFG, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sling Designs ® is a segment under LITT MFG, LLC. Our unique brands position us for innovation and process-driven manufacturing. Located in Philadelphia, PA. With the technology and modern manufacturing machines, LITT MFG aims to build new and inventive products in the U.S. using high tech machinery.
These items will be equivalent to technical and outdoor gear that usually require strenuous hours to manufacture. With a modern way of building we cut out thousands of labor intensive processes using new technology and manufacturing techniques for soft goods.
Our specialties include, Manufacturing, Military Equipment, Product Development, Machinery, Fabrics, Industrial Design, Product Design, Specifications, and Assembly Lines. Sling Designs ® will still remain under normal operations for design work like, 3D, research, trend, tech packs, colorways, renderings, patents, and more. Always working with inventors and brands alike.
What makes you happy?
Challenging the product development phase to make the highest quality product at the best price. This is a huge challenge but brings so much joy when it comes to life. I think the best part is when you see your product out in the world and people are using it and loving it everyday.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slingdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sling_designs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slingdesigns/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/slingdesigns/
