Cool Career: Fashion Designer
Education option: 2 Years Community College w/CAD training or 4 Year College similar to FIDM, Parsons or F.I.T.
Salary: $$,$$$ to $$$,$$$
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Vice President of Design and Merchandising at 'Michael Gerald Ltd', Danette Cubic
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Love clothes? Is your Marc Jacobs tote bag filled with fashion magazines? With much of the world (and your parents) looking to S.T.E.M. driven careers and hoards of graduates applying to Duke or Harvard for their MBA to be the next CEO and COO - you might not have even considered a career in FASHION.
But do you know what ALL the scientists, tech gods, engineers, doctors, chief-executive-officers and chief-operating-officers, bloggers, chefs, architects and socialites have in common?
THEY ALL WEAR CLOTHES.
Work, Weekend, Workout, Wedding. Day clothes, evening outfits and weekend chic. You probably change your clothes a minimum of 3 times per day! Someone's got to design them!
Meet Los Angeles based Fashion Designer, Danette Cubic.
Danette's world is a combination of strong computer skills and unique, creative design. Department stores and specialty stores buy THOUSANDS of pieces of product that her and her team create. One of her biggest clients, 'Tillys', just re-ordered 50,000 pieces of a best selling shirt!
Best perk: Twice a year SHE TRAVELS AND SHOPS THE WORLD for design and trend inspiration.
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Want to see some of Danette's designs? You're probably wearing one right now! Some of her biggest clients are Jack Threads, Tillys, Macy's, The Buckle, Kohls, Sears, Dillard's and Urban Outfitters.
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Fabric swatches and source books lead to the final product
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CAREER MAP: Fashion Designer
CAREER: Vice President of Design and Merchandising at Michael Gerald in Cerritos, CA
SCHOOL: American College for Applied Arts (see Danette's TOP TIPS below for a 2 year option).
SCHOOL: Take a look at the Los Angeles Trade Tech College (LATTC) 2 year Fashion Design program here. Famous LATTC fashion alumni include celebrity-favorite, Rick Owens.
DEGREE: Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design. Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising.
AWARDS: Design Partnership Excellence Awards
DUTIES: Designer for young men's and boy's apparel - 14-28 demographic. Oversees all aspects of design and merchandising, trend forecasting, fabric, trim, graphics and pattern development. Collaborates with retailers and overseas manufacturers on concepts, design and production. Attends trade-shows throughout the U.S. and Europe. Conducts trend forecasting and research and development with shopping trips across Europe, the U.S. and Asia.
DANETTE'S TOP TIPS:
1. SCHOOL: 'I don't necessarily think that you need a 4 year degree from one of those big fashion colleges. Personally I find that I hire candidates with strong CAD skills, a strong creative eye and innovative portfolio. (However, those 4-year schools do get you in front of employers on a regular basis and can be vital for internships and first-jobs out of college.) But I think you would do well with a 2 year degree with strong CAD skills, some business acumen and a portfolio that shows potential and passion.'
Computer-Aided-Design (free CAD classes here)
Danette keeps a vast resource library including fabric samples, design books and trend reports
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What might you find in Danette's 'Goyard' tote bag? A Pantone Color Guide book, a sample of one of her 'work-in-progess' t-shirts and a leopard-print notebook for when design inspiration hits!
Fast Fact: Danette makes fitness a priority and runs 3-5 miles at least 5 days a week. She is also passionate about cooking for her family and friends. It's not unusual for her to prepare French toast with caramelized apples for her little ones… all before she goes to work!
Productivity Tips: Juggling a thriving career and busy family-life means that detailed scheduling for Danette and her family is a must. Try this: Rather than put it on your "To-Do List"… JUST DO IT!
More 'Secrets of the Most Productive People' here.
And we love this 'How to shrink your 'To-Do List' idea: Don't write things on your To-Do list that take under 2 minutes. JUST DO THEM.
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Create your own online portfolio (Krop.com) to show professors and potential employers. Use Pinterest.com to build Style and Inspiration boards to show your personal style, interests and creative-eye.
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Questions or Comments: Email us at: ILoveThis@TheAList.com
Happy designing xx The A-List
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