For our latest Style Scoop Q&A we caught up with Merchandise Product Development Grad Genevieve Davis, who is a Product Developer and Footwear Designer. Read on to follow how Genevieve followed her dream of attending FIDM and went on to find a job that puts a smile on her face everyday.
Major/Grad Year/Campus: Product Development, Class of 2008, Los Angeles Campus
Hometown: Orange County, CA
Current Employer: 3 Dee Int'l
Job Title and Description: Product Developer/Women's Footwear Designer.
FC: What do you like most about your job?
GD: My favorite part about my job is when a shoe I design gets an order and I'm able to see it online or in a store. One of my dreams was always to be able to see a product of my creativity in a store. I also love being able to travel to China. It's such an amazing experience to work in an environment that's so hands on.
FC: Describe a typical day?
GD: A typical day involves fulfilling customer needs, whether it's researching new ideas, trends, sketching, detailing shoes, or correcting prototypes.
FC: How did you find out about FIDM and what made you feel FIDM was right for you?
GD: My father was actually the main superintendent on the construction of the Los Angeles campus when I was four years-old. Once the campus was finished my father took me to the opening fashion show. I still remember to this day being absolutely mesmerized by what I saw. After the show was finished I told my father that I was going to go to FIDM someday! FIDM was always my dream school. There were no other options.
FC: How did you choose your major?
I started FIDM in the Fashion Design Program, but after my 2nd quarter I felt it wasn't right. So, I made the switch to Merchandise Product Development because I wanted to learn how to get the ideas in my head on paper to a tangible object and then to the stores. It ended up being the best decision I've ever made. You can almost do anything with a Merchandise Product Development Degree.
FC: What are some of your top sources of inspiration?
GD: My favorite sources for inspiration are from vintage stores and fashion blogs. Eventually, I will be able to shop Europe, but for the time being my boss takes a million photos for me when he's on his Europe shopping trips and I get a lot of inspiration from those.
FC: What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
GD: First off, graduating from FIDM because it was the first dream I ever had for myself. Second, having my portfolio selected by FIDM staff to be viewed at the Industry Portfolio Event. Then, finding myself a job that I love waking up for every morning.
FC: What was your favorite thing about attending FIDM?
GD: Knowing that the teachers were extremely experienced with the subject they were teaching. It was great knowing that they knew exactly what they were lecturing about it because they had worked or are still working in the industry.
FC: What are some of your goals for the future?
GD: To design the next big "it" shoe!
FC: Anything else you would like to say to aspiring FIDM Students?
Don't give up! It's going to get tough and there will be moments when you think you just can't do it anymore, but it's your dream. Never forget that. Finish what you set out to do. The end result is so rewarding and FIDM is the perfect school to achieve at your highest potential.
That is so great to hear. I am currently researching schools because I want to ge into Cosmetics Marketing/Merchandising and want to go to a school that specializes in that and is nationally accerediated. I have looked into FIDM before. What school would you suggest?
Posted by: Veronica | May 09, 2009 at 10:10 PM