New Interview With Fashion Design Alumna Giovanna Huaycochea
Fashion Design Alumna Giovanna Huaycochea is a freelance fashion designer and illustrator who recently launched her own business. She also finds time to write the Boho Market blog, which focuses on things that inspire her, her work, and fashion trends.
FIDM Grad Year: 2009
Campus: Los Angeles
Job Title: Freelance Fashion Designer and Illustrator
Tell us a little about yourself: I was born in Perú and have had a passion for fashion since I was a little girl. I remember designing outfits for my dolls when I was seven years old. I love the creative process of designing because it allows me express myself in an artistic way. I'm a free spirited girl, gypsy bohemian at heart and a dreamer. I love fabrics!! I can spend hours in a fabric store, I love getting inspired by the different textiles and textures. I appreciate art and photography, enjoy music, films, and I can't live without chocolate, coffee, and cozy places.
Describe a typical work day: I have a big table full of different things that inspire me such as fabric swatches, trims, photos, different images, magazines, books, and all my materials. I try to keep close to me anything that I find interesting and eye catching! Those things help me to start developing my own ideas. Then, I start sketching until I end up with something that I really love! I'm a perfectionist so I keep pushing until I feel completely happy with my design. I also love to create a nice environment when I'm working with pleasant music, my cup of tea or coffee, and maybe a piece of chocolate.
What inspires you? I get very inspired by people who pursue their dreams. In terms of fashion, I find inspiration in many things such as art, photography, fabrics, flea markets, nature, vintage, films, etc. Inspiration can be everywhere.
What is your proudest accomplishment? That I followed my heart and came to the U.S. to study what I love and never gave up no matter what.
What are some projects you've worked on? As a freelance designer, I'm involved in different projects, and I especially love to work on commissioned illustrations, designs, and artistic things. I recently finished some illustrations and designs for fellow fashion bloggers, which I'll be posting on my blog for everyone to see.
What is a skill that is most valuable when owning/launching your own freelance business? I think it's very important to know your strengths and make the most of them. I also think organization and commitment are essential when owning your freelance business. I pay a lot of attention to details and customer service is very important to me. I treat my clients the way I like to be treated.
How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? I did my research before coming to California and visited different fashion schools. It's hard to explain, but the first time I went to FIDM, I knew it was perfect for me. Every detail at FIDM is impeccable, from the lovely Advisor who helped me, to the environment.
What was your favorite class at FIDM? All the Creative Design series and draping. I love the artistic part of this career and I was lucky enough to have the best instructors on those classes. They were an inspiration for me!
How has what you learned at FIDM helped you in your career? FIDM opens your eyes to new things and new opportunities, and you see things from the fashion designer's perspective. You get involved in the process of designing and that makes you understand how the fashion industry works much better.
Any advice for current FIDM Students? I absolutely believe in following your dreams and taking the opportunities that life offers you. Keep pushing and never give up on your dreams even in difficult times. Difficult times should always make you stronger and if you really love what you do, you're going to see that difficulties are just part of the journey, and at the end of the day the satisfaction of doing what you love is the best feeling. Take advantage of all the great things the school offers and most of all enjoy every single day at school.
