It used to annoy the sh*****t out of me when people'd see my blog posts and videos showing my portfolio, and all they could ask was "How can I make collages?". I go through this whole trouble of researching, writing and reviewing a long-ass article; taking pictures; shooting and editing videos (that are planned and scripted btw)... and all you can ask me is how to make a collage, which is literally cutting and pasting pictures together. But then I think of my pre-CSM days, and that's always humbling enough to keep me doing what I do. In this video, I share: Why and how I started making collages; How you can use collages for Design Development; Different techniques I now use to speed...
I used to get more people asking me "How do I make a portfolio to apply to CSM?". They probably stopped because I'd never give a straightforward answer with THE SECRET. Also, why would anyone think it's that simple, since I spent a whole year + a lot of money on Fashion Folio (read about my experience here)??? But let me challenge the assumption that a good-looking portfolio is all you need: Blog bonus: some afterthoughts that came to me as I was publishing the video Pre-Fashion Folio portfolio-prep courses: Okay so you need to already have the skills before getting into any full-time courses at CSM, but I've heard of a number of people who applied to Fashion Folio, didn't get in...
Spoiler alert: it's about mental health (which I now prefer to call emotional and mental health). 4 practical issues I considered before making my decision, and the one invisible issue that was at the root of everything else. Resources that have helped me over the last year (Jan. 2020 - Jan. 2021): Reading and re-reading since January 2020: The Presence Process, by Michael Brown. How to grow up emotionally and show up for myself everyday, even when my life sucks. Specially when my life sucks. Lots of free resources on his website, check them out first (what worked for me might not work for you): http://www.thepresenceprocessportal.com/ Also, I did the experiential process 3 times (as recommended in the book) and...
It's a wrap. Since I had the privilege to study in two of the best Fashion schools, I wanted to share my experience with other creative people feeling stuck and thinking "if only I can get into that school, then my career will take off"; And I also tried to share my insights - from working in small labels, to freelancing as Tech Pack designer and Product developer, to finally starting my own thing - so people wouldn't assume it's the easiest thing in the world, then quit at the first obstacle; or be so fearful they end up staying in the research stage forever. But it's time to follow some of own advice and give myself the space to apply this...
Sometimes you just gotta figure things out on your own, and everyone'd better get off your back. Or you just don't wanna give your money to a person on the internet - specially me, since I'm always available to answer questions over email, and they even inspire new content for the Fashion Tech support blog or my YouTube channel. I've already given away 99% of the stuff people ask me and even more, so I came up with this guide to help out you fierce, independent creatives that just need a little light: On famous Fashion schools: My experience at Central Saint Martins: intro, part 1 - Fashion Folio, part 2 - Graduate Diploma; My experience at Bunka Fashion College: part 1 is already...
