I’d like you to close your eyes for a moment and think about all the times you’ve spent stressing and complaining about school over the past few years…hours, right? This is something we’re all guilty of no matter how on top of it you think you are. Now imagine if you took that same time and energy and channeled it into your work. I figured I might as well take my own advice here and make something positive of the many lessons I’ve learned over the years. In an effort to save you time and hassle, I’ve compiled a list of things many of us wish we knew before our last year, from seniors, for the next generation of seniors.
As far as my own personal feelings go, there are a million things I wish I had more exposure to. Oftentimes in fashion, our ideas reach far beyond the tools and skills we already have, and what we’re able to fit into a 10 week quarter. But you’re not alone in this, you’ve got access to the sewing techs, Youtube, and hopefully once we really get the ball rolling here, a whole Godet community. But for now, here are a few of the things I feel are important to note.
Electives and internships
For one, internships can count towards your required fashion elective. I kid you not, I learned this two quarters before graduation after already working jobs in fashion. With so few elective options at this campus, this is a good alternative. But it is worth noting you will have to pay tuition like any other class, so weigh your options.
On that note, I’d also recommend getting this elective out of the way before senior year. I expected an elective to be easy to squeeze in, but there’s just not enough time. Get as many classes out of the way as you can before senior year.
Finishes
“I wish I had a better understanding of what finishes are best for which kinds of fabrics. A lot of difficulty with senior collection personally, was figuring out through a lot of trial and error for finishings.”
Fiona Kelly Lopez, Womenswear
Finishings are so very important. So much so that there should be an entire class dedicated to them. Trust me, how you finish your garment is as, if not more important than how it looks. A beautiful garment on the outside means nothing if the insides and hems are a mess. Keep a sample book of seams, finishing techniques and fabric manipulations, it’ll be your Bible later.
Pictures, pictures, pictures
“Take pictures of everything. And I mean everything. You will never believe where inspiration will strike you and trust me, you will want a picture of it for later. Whether it’s to collage with, for shape reference or just general inspiration, the smallest daily observations can lead you to the biggest discoveries in the studio.”
Megan Smith, Womenswear
Photographing anything and everything is one of the most important things you could possibly do for yourself. And there are a thousand and one reasons why you should. Whether it be for a design detail or a font for your portfolio, you’re going to want to look back and have something to reference.
Starting your collection early
“It’s never too early to start working on it, and save up money early on so you can get the quality of materials you want”
Juliet Soto, Childrenswear
Start working on your senior collection ideas in the concept class (399.) You’ll want as much time as possible to develop your ideas, and somehow it’ll still never feel like enough. And take the summer assignment seriously. I know no one wants to work over the summer but it’s absolutely essential for your collection’s development. (And for some half-serious money-saving tips, see our article here.)
On buying fabric
“Unless you are making your collection out of upcycled fabric or items, don’t buy fabric over the summer! Your ideas will change so much before you even start sewing. Work on making your project look aesthetically pleasing … throughout the summer and year to give you less work when you want to use it to apply for things. Also if you wanna use screen printing, you have to plan for that the year ahead!”
Olivia Boettcher, Womenswear
Again with the summer assignment, do it. Research and understand your collection’s place in the market. Order many swatches (but don’t commit to anything.) Search for inspiration wherever you can. Design development is an ongoing process, and you have to remind yourself that things will change as you continue to create. The more you work the stronger your designs will become. Remember, mistakes will happen and better things will come from them.
All in all…
I hope our elderly words of wisdom have been helpful. As seniors now, we want the next lot of you to learn from our mistakes and have somewhere to turn for support.
And as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your comments, late night queries and constructive criticism at style@scadconnector.com
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