FIDM Student Blog: Frank Rivera

My Graphic Design Portfolio Presentation

Yesterday I concluded my Graphic Design Portfolio class with a Portfolio presentation in front of a panel of seven professionals. I was extremely nervous since last week but once Wednesday morning came along, I felt a sense of peace. Everything was completed, all boards mounted, my press kit put together, and my presentable outfit laid out ready to wear. I am very happy with the outcome of my portfolio and the teacher that helped me throughout these final 10 weeks. 

FIDM was such an amazing experience and I sincerely believe I am graduating as a Graphic Designer. I have learned so much with my 2 years here in Los Angeles, and await the next chapter of my life. I wish everyone the best out there in the professional design world!

I want to thank Kevin Reagan and the panel that took the time to view not only my work, but the fantastic work of so many individuals. I wanted to share with you a few of my boards from my portfolio presentation as a concluding post as graduation is coming up here in 2 days. 2 DAYS!

 

That Extra Push

If you think your first year at FIDM is going by fast, you won't believe how fast the final quarter will feel. It's already the 4th week with 6 more weeks to go. I recently traveled out to Peru to spend time with my extended family that still lives there, and it gave me time to think about my future.

Cheesy right? I can't help but be cheesy, so please bare with me. But in all honesty, the way of life is completely different in Peru compared to the way we live here. Coming back to Los Angeles, it made me really appreciate the opportunities that are here for us young creatives yearning to complete school and get to work. I am more than happy that I went to Peru, as it gave me an extra push of motivation to do the best that I can here at FIDM with my final weeks passing by. Not only for myself, but for my family who has stood by my side supporting me in every decision I make, and encouraging me to acknowledge and pursue my dreams. It was never a no, right off the bat from my parents. They helped find a way to always accomplish whatever I wanted to do, and for that I can't love them or thank them enough.

So now, as this quarter will soon come to an end, another journey of my life will begin. Whether it's here in Los Angeles or across the country. It seemed much easier to make these decisions coming out of high school since typically everyone goes straight into College. Now, we have different choices and different expectations. Do we work from here on out? Do we pursue more education? Do we move back to our hometown because were homesick? Now the real decisions must be made, that will shape our future as we cross the stage at the Staples Center and become official Design professionals. 

My Final Quarter

 
Registration for my last quarter at FIDM is coming up really soon now, and I can't believe I'm taking my final step before I start making my own living in this world. I am scared, stoked, and also humble. I have learned a great deal (since it is school), but I have also learned a great deal in growing up from that fresh out of high school first quarter at FIDM Student. Living on my own and dealing with everything that a student in college has to face. The responsibility of bills, time management, and finding a decent job. 

What better way to end an amazing academic experience than with a class that is structured in way to structure my portfolio for professional review! 

I have met so many amazing and inspirational students here, and am almost sure my friendships I have here will grow to become great professional connections. If anything, you always have you friends right? Good thing that here at FIDM, we all seem to look out for each other and extend a helping hand whenever it is needed.

In my Packaging Design class that I am in with Joe Bautista this quarter, he took the time to ask us if we knew what we would be doing upon graduation. He shared with us that it is not uncommon to meet a 4-year college graduate who, right before they graduate, haven't a clue what they're to do. But, he noticed that as he went around the room that we FIDM soon-to-be grads have a plan in our minds. Whether it be moving overseas, or interning at a firm in Los Angeles, we all have our plans. I know that is why most of find our great jobs out of FIDM, because they care and we are determined. With that combination of spirit on both ends, there is no predicting what each and every one us are capable of.

On a side note, I need to start planning my to-be amazing grad cap! (minus the glitter and bedazzles) 

photo by: Christopher Chan

Must See Movies for FIDM Students

I have been on the look out for any movie that pertains to the fashion industry and could enrich my knowledge in fashion and design. I have prepared a mini movie list for everyone and I hope you all enjoy them to the great degree that I have. From the most current film to a flashback to the 90's on fashion. It all still applies very much to what we are all here for. Hope you enjoy!

 

The September Issue

R.J. Cutler's documentary offers a rare look inside Vogue as the fashion magazine's influential editor, Anna Wintour, and creative director, Grace Coddington, produce the highly anticipated September issue. Cutler capturesthe demanding creative process in action for nine months, following perfectionist Wintour and stylist Coddington as they attend fashion week in Europe, endless photo shoots and intense staff meetings.

 

 

Yves St. Laurent: His Life & Times

An expert at creating the finest in haute couture, Yves Saint Laurent is one of the fashion world's most celebrated designers. This documentary takes an in-depth look at St. Laurent's life via interviews with his mother, his partner Pierre Berge, friend Loulou de la Falaise and fan Lee Radziwill. 

 

 

Lagerfeld Confidential

Filmmaker Rodolphe Marconi explores the life and work of iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in this fascinating documentary that offers an inside look at the man behind the white ponytail, huge dark sunglasses and enigmatic air. Following Lagerfeld for two years, Marconi reveals not only the style innovator but also the photographer; the intellectual art, literature and film aficionado; the marketing genius; and the showman.

 

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Tracing Valentino's life from his 70th birthday to his final couture show, this fashionable documentary captures the spirit of the legendary designer's influence on the style and substance of the way we look. Highlights include an intimate, behind-the-scenes peek at his relationship with longtime business partner and lover Giancarlo Giammetti, as well as an up-close and personal look at the designer's creative process.

 

Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton

Go behind the scenes of the fashion world with this portrait of top designer Marc Jacobs. Filmmaker Loïc Prigent follows Jacobs from Paris to New York as he balances promoting his own label with the business of running Louis Vuitton. The result is an unprecedented look at Jacob's style and what makes him such a hot commodity. Victoria Beckham, Uma Thurman, Demi Moore, Sofia Coppola and other fashion-forward celebrities make appearances.

 

Seamless

Douglas Keeve trails three finalists in a CFDA/Vogue sponsored contest to support the next generation of designers. Following: Doo Ri Chung, Alexandre Plokhov, and the team of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough.

 

 

Unzipped

Director Douglas Keeve captures the glamour and mayhem of high fashion in this eye-popping documentary that follows designer Isaac Mizrahi as he puts together his 1994 runway collection to be presented during New York's fall shows. A slew of supermodels and other famous faces including Richard Gere, Sandra Bernhard, Liza Minnelli and Faye Dunaway. 

 

Picture Me

Go behind the scenes and experience both the glamour and the darker side of the high fashion industry as filmmaker Ole Schell documents girlfriend Sara Ziff's rise to international model status in this revealing film. Taking place over several years, the documentary features interviews with numerous models in the industry and includes appearances by designers Karl Lagerfeld and Nicole Miller, photographer Gilles Bensimon and others.

 

Best for last:

 

 

Objectified

Discover how manufactured objects that surround us such as cars, phones and chairs influence our daily lives with this revealing documentary, which features top industrial designers discussing their creative processes and professional objectives. Director Gary Hustwit (Helvetica) explores not only how objects get made, but also why they make us feel the way they do and how they can make our world better.

 

Helvetica

We use it every day on our computers, we see it on street signs, and we take it for granted. Now, Gary Hustwit's unique documentary introduces us to Helvetica, a font whose readability has made it the most popular in the world. Interviews with designers and artists offer insight into the development, use and universal acceptance of Helvetica as the typeface of choice for everything from writing letters to creating corporate logos.

Source: www.netflix.com

The Taschen Way

I have heard a great deal about the Taschen publication company ever since my Brand X teacher brought in an Alex Steinweiss book last quarter. One of those situations where you hear one thing about something, and then you keeping hearing it come up. My Brand X teacher, Mr. Kevin Reagan, proposed the Alex Steinweiss book to Taschen and devoted 2 years of his time to write, create, and publish the astounding book of the father of album covers. Working very closely with Alex Steinweiss to gather all of his original art work that he had archived for so long.

 

 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to attend a book release event at the Taschen store in Beverly Hills. I was in Taschen heaven, surrounded by books with titles that yielded raised eyebrows and an excited squirm. I saw an Emilio Pucci book and a Mario Testino book that will definitely be in my posession in the near future. I learned a great deal about Taschen and its origins from Cologne, Germany. Since it was first established by its owner, Benedikt Taschen, the company has grown all over the world and won appreciation through its astounding books of rich visual art. What I appreciate the most about Taschen is that it acknowledges and caters to pop culture which in my opinion, puts itself in the forefront of the publication industry. It takes reading books to art books and makes having a book more rewarding and pleasant.

 

 

 

If you look at a collector's edition book from Taschen, it can easily be priced at around $4,000 with all the embellishments of a collector's edition. A serial number and a certificate signed by the artist or person responsible for the book. However, for us we have the Taschen 25 collection which is a collection of books priced around $30 to $50 and are the same book, just a smaller size! There's hope!

Taschen has books in the genre of: pop culture, art history, music, fashion, photography, architecture, design, travel, and film. I urge any student at FIDM to feed your eyes with the Taschen splendors at the store and look at the great work they have cultivated for you. We are lucky to have two locations here in Los Angeles, with one in Beverly Hills and one at The Grove Farmers Market.

 

The Value of Internships

Once I made the move to Los Angeles, I immediately pursued a part-time job to start building my experience in the workforce. By default I took advantage of the many internships that came my way. It took me some time to accept that I would be working FOR FREE. I know we are all special and should be recognized accordingly, but people in the industry need to see what you are capable of first.

I attended Career Connections in the Summer of 2009 and met Niki Shadrow, who is a FIDM alumni and currently a full-time sylist. I signed up on her email list, introduced myself, and expressed my interest in helping her style clients and run the show from her studio. I learned the importance of being on time and being responsible for important tasks. Dealing with the LA personality is something everyone needs to know how to tolerate. 

Carrie Zack is also a FIDM Alumna and currently runs her own company as an event coordinator. She is such a leader and fears no large task or project that comes her way. Her enthusiasm and drive for what she does is inspiring. I learned how to plan for deadlines and how to react on my feet when something unexpected came up. My people skills improved as well, talking to and interacting with guests at events and fellow interns.

Yes, I am a Graphic Design major, but I believe every aspect of the fashion industry is one to know and learn. With two very unique experiences under my belt, I hope to aim  my next internship towards the publications industry, making my connection with graphic design in the fashion publication industry.

I have had the most beneficial help in realizing this goal thanks to my career advisor, Nonie Hillier. Career advisers are extremely relevant in your FIDM experience. They care about you getting experience and a job! If have not met with one to this day, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Say hello, ask them to review your resume, conduct a mock interview, search for internships! Go get an internship, meet people, learn everything you can, and be more knowledgeable and marketable for that dream job which awaits you!

Q & A with FIDM Graphic Design Alumnus: Marc Blaskovits

Q:  For starters, where did you come from when you started your studies at FIDM?

A: I came from Luxembourg, which is a country Northeast of France. I had just completed my 3 years as a Fashion Design student in France.

Q: How did you hear about the internship opportunity at Universal Studios?

A: Gregg Archambault who used to be my career advisor told me that NBC Universal was looking for new interns, so I called them and they asked to see me for an interview. The next week I got a call back saying I was hired.

Q:  Describe a typical day as a Graphic Design professional in this fast-paced industry:

A: I just graduated from FIDM for the second time, now I'm looking for an actual job. So far my income was through freelance jobs. It really keeps you busy throughout the entire day, especially when you're still going to school. You have to give yourself some type of schedule and you have to respect it. For me, I tried to adapt myself to the client's schedules. For example, If he would need is project done by 1 pm, I would just have to wake up earlier in the day.

Q: Tell us how you got into the FNO (Fashion’s Night Out) t-shirt competition.

A: Steve Reaves, the Graphic Design Director at FIDM, offered myself some of my classmates to work on this project.

Q: Any bumps along the way when you were designing the graphic? Missing files, computer crash, etc.

A: No, I always try to be ready for those problems.

Q: How long would say did you spend on the design of the t-shirt before you finally submitted it for judging with the Mayor’s Office?

A: It was really fast because the city of Los Angeles needed their t-shirt to be manufactured. From the first day, when I knew about the project to the final piece ready to go to print, if I remember well it took me a week to finish it.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out the winner for the FNO 2010 t-shirt design competition?

A: I was really happy, because this t-shirt is the result of me, and reflects my love for the city of Los Angeles. Of course I was really excited by the fact that this event was organized by Vogue. But more importantly that my success could maybe help me to find a job.

Q:  How was FNO 2010 at the Beverly Center?

 A: It was awesome! The event was well organized. I personally went to the Beverly Center on the actual night. I had a great time meeting people and seeing everybody around me wearing my design.

Q: What was the most beneficial aspect about FIDM that you see after graduating and in the industry today?

 A: Especially for Graphic Design, FIDM in Los Angeles is at a prime location and allows students to get in contact with professionals that work in the same city.

Q:  Lastly, what is one key part of the graphic design program FIDM students need to remember as they transition into the working world of the industry?

A: Don't slack off in school. You are in a competition already as a student because when you are going to graduate you are going to compete against your classmates. So be prepared!

Photo Credits:

LookbookLA.com

PhotosbyAM.com

LAtimesblogs.LAtimes.com

Different Channels of Graphic Design

 
When I initially started my curriculum at FIDM, I aimed to dedicate myself solely to Graphic Design. With FIDM being a specialized school, I was constantly intrigued by the studies and majors that all have a strong influence in my work and ultimately the fashion industry itself. What is Graphic Design if not a digital way to create visual communication? Communication is key in understanding Graphic Design. How to be witty or subtle or even vulgar, are techniques that I have been exposed to throughout my curriculum.

At work, I have taken advantage of the opportunities at hand and started doing visual merchandising for the company. At first I was hesitant, because I wouldn't want to take my eye off the main reason why I'm at school and in Los Angeles. But, I found that throughout my time working and putting together merchandise within the interior of a store or even visually effective window displays, I can physically learn how to communicate a theme or idea.

My father always had me give him an extra hand in all the work he did around the house and for his small business. He always encouraged me to familiarize myself with different trades of work. Focusing on one main trade, but to also expose myself to something similar to have that experience under my belt.

Many aspects of the fashion industry go hand in hand and I would encourage others to experiment and see what else they are capable of, but also be weary of what the main goal is. The better understanding you have of all the components on what drives this industry, the better prepared you will be for your future.

In Good Hands: Designing an Album Cover

 

It is the start of the summer quarter and a chance to meet new people in my classes and introduce myself properly to my peers and teachers. This quarter I’m taking 5 classes, so I’ve been at school quite often and find that it’s helping my focus to remain on school and my work.

I went into my Wednesday class with Mr. Reagan for Brand X. I was thrilled to have been in the computer lab with the monster Mac screens and couldn’t wait to start working on them. Mr. Reagan introduced himself and it was then that I realized how awesome this class was going to turn out to be. Mr. Reagan has won 3 Grammy Awards for his incredibly executed album covers that he art directed a few years ago. Having significant clients such as Madonna, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, and Nelly Furtado, just to name a few. I always love hearing a successful story of the industry that I am so enthralled about.  In the class this quarter, we will be re-designing an album cover of our choice that didn’t meet our expectations as a great design. Working with a talented art director from start to finish.

Mr. Reagan proved a very good point that first day of class: That FIDM offers the best resources and technologies for the Graphic Design department and chooses teachers that are in the now of the Graphic Design industry. They are involved with their work and involved with students and providing a realistic education of how things are done in the real world.

I still need to go to Amoeba on Sunset Boulevard and find that album cover. I’m thinking of approaching the Cross album by Justice or the D-Sides album by Gorillaz.

I trust that this will be one of the most joyfully rigorous quarters here at FIDM. 

 

Graphic Design Student Has Newfound Appreciation for the Mistral Typeface

 

 

I remember this font from the very first computer our family got back in the mid 90's. I never really thought anything of it at the time, but now I love seeing it placed in what's happening today. It's fantastically retro and a representation of the 90's retro that is growing into popularity it fashion and design. 

The Mistral font was designed back at the Fonderie Olive type foundry by Roger Excoffon (1953). Notably designed after the designers own handwriting. It was modified two years later and then released by the Amsterdam type foundry. By definition, Mistral means:a strong, cold northwesterly wind that blows through the Rhône valley and southern France into the Mediterranean, mainly in winter. As it does appear somewhat chic and European.

 

 

I saw a few ads that used the font face in it's design and my initial reaction was "why?" Why did they decide to use this amateur approach to the ad design. Well first of all, it succeeded in grabbing my attention as all advertisements should. Second, the idea of using that font simmered in my mind and I finally saw it to be impressively executed.

 

 

Going from a huge advocate for Helvetica, I can now add Mistral to my list of favorites!