From interning at Tarina Tarantino to working on her own line, Sweet Nirvana Jewelry, FIDM Alumna Francesca Keesee has been busy...being fabulous!
Name: Francesca Keesee
Grad Year: 2009
Campus: Los Angeles
What was the point at which you knew you wanted to be a jewelry designer?
I've been fascinated with jewelry since I was a little girl. The desire to create jewelry just came naturally to me and as I grew older my interest became more sophisticated.
How did you find out about FIDM and what went into your decision to go there?
After doing my research on what school would help me achieve my goals as an artist and designer, FIDM was an obvious choice.
What was the best lesson you learned at FIDM?
That is a tough one because I learned so many important lessons! The most essential lessons I Iearned were in my
metalsmithing course. It is highly unlikely I would be where I am without that year and a half of jewelry studio classes!
What was your favorite thing about going to FIDM?
My favorite and most memorable thing about FIDM was working in the jewelry studio. A bond was created between our small jewelry group and our teachers, John and Sue. We spent hours upon hours in that studio, working together, learning, and interacting. It is something I will always hold dear.
Tell us a little about how you started your own line (see photos below).
After years of collecting materials and drawing designs I made the leap to have an online shop. It was a fun beginning and I had many customers but it wasn't until I began taking studio classes in metalsmithing and
wax casting, that countless designs in my notebooks started coming to life. I would sit in the studio for 6 to 9 hours and then come home and sit in my tiny studio for another block of hours. I was so excited and and engrossed from the start. I've been designing in my head for over 10 years and I was finally taught the trade to create these pieces with my hands. My designs have matured and have really honed in on my personal aesthetic. These days my line,
Sweet Nirvana Jewelry, focuses on lotus flowers, sterling silver mood rings, birds of a feather, and one-of-a-kinds featuring super vintage molded glass.
What inspires you when you are working on your designs?
I am inspired by nature. I am also highly inspired by the 1920s, '60s, and '70s.
My design was inspired by the unforgettable poppy scene. The ruby red poppies looked amazing against the vibrant blue sky and I wanted to capture that imagery with my design. The necklace consists of a large bib with varying poppy flowers, asymmetrical sky blue enamel chain, and a Dorothy-inspired gingham bow clasp. The poppy flowers have a gradient of ruby red to lemon yellow and have faceted iridescent stones in the centers.
How did you find out you were the winner?
After a studio class, we were told to go to the FIDM Museum to learn who the winner was. Warner Bros' representatives were there with roses and they made the announcement that I won the grand prize!
Describe how you felt when you won.
I was completely in shock when I heard my name called! Shock gave way to excitement and awe but the shock was there for hours. There are so many talented jewelry designers in the major; it was highly competitive! I immediately went out that day and found a dress to wear to the upcoming FIDM Oz Gala.
Here is Francesca with Tarina Tarantino at the opening night gala of the "Ruby Slipper Collection" exhibition at FIDM.
What was the prize?
A trip for two to New York to attend the Warner Bros' Emerald Gala!
After I won the contest I called in and requested an interview. I started the first week of July and I just completed the internship. I was fortunate enough to make a lot of jewelry while I was there. They told me I was the first intern to be allowed to work with the crystals! In the four months I interned, I created a lot of showroom samples, web exclusives, and special jewelry designs.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about going to school at FIDM to study jewelry design?
You must love jewelry to make a life and career out of it. If you are fascinated with jewelry and you want to learn everything about it I highly recommend FIDM as the place to achieve this. A major tip: I recommend exploring your design aesthetic and thinking about a possible self-brand of jewelry. This will come in the program but it is best if you are prepared for it! From day one, you need to be thinking about your grad collection, what your line will be called, how your branding will appear, and what inspires and drives you.
What is the next big trend in jewelry?
A couple of big jewelry trends for fall and winter this year are large cuff bracelets and statement necklaces. I naturally gravitate towards large pieces.
What is your biggest dream right now?
That one day my jewelry line will become a recognizable brand, and behind that brand will be a thriving design studio with a team of artists and metalsmiths.
--Gigi Hooghkirk
