Job Responsibilities
Web Site design/ management; design and manage all aspects of website
business including stock management, database design, advertising, graphic
art, business plan/ budget, photography.
Computer Graphic art; Using PhotoShop, FreeHand and Dreamweaver I handle all
graphic art needs for the company, including packaging design, screen prints,
embroidery, Press Kits, ads.
PR rep; handle any magazine/ television/ radio exposure through product
placement. Design all POS signage/ promotioal design & distribution. Manage
our licensees.
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Job Requirements
I first went to FIDM SF, because FIT NYC was very hard to get into. Transferred
to
FIT after 1 year (w/ 4.0 average), and went through extremely rigorous Fashion
Design program (AAS degree). FIT was still hard to transfer credits to - they
hate FIDM. I had to beg and plead for every fashion-related credit transfer.
Worked as assistant designer in NY for 1 1/2 years, and familiarized myself with
the computer graphic needs of fashion industry. Moved to SF and worked as an
assistant/ graphic artist (doing pretty much anything that needed o be done,
including the entire smple line, R & D, database design, catalog layout/
production, advertising.) I moved to LA and concentrated on graphic art in the
industry. After 7 years I was getting bored, so I pushed my way into the website
at Paris Blues. I convinced the company to give the project entirely to me,
because the company running it was doing a bad job. I increased sales %100 the
first month.
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Uppers
Almost complete autonomy. In the fashion industry if you REALLY know how to use
the computer you are a novelty. If you can do something no one else can no one
ever bothers you because they know they need you. Presentation is extremely
important in the industry, and any edge on the competion is seen as invaluable. I
have never lacked work. I usually get jobs through word of mouth (the industry is
a tight knit family : NY/ SF/ LA). Fashion industry can be layed back if you know
how to work the system.
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Downers
People in the fashion industry can be shallow and dim. EVERYTHING is an
emergency! Sometimes the stupidest things are the most important. Designers
aren't big on "the big picture". It's hard to get people to prioritize to
benefit the
entire company.
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Lifestyle
Dress code is always loose (you can wear flip flops and jeans or 4 inch heels
and halter tops). Hours are up to you. There are an over abindance of
work-aholics in the industry - and they will reel you into 11 hour days if you
let them! If fashion design is not your life, make it clear from day one that you
go home at 5. I've pulled it off for 13 years - in NY, SF & LA. It can be done.
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Compensation
Salaries in the fashion industry vary wildly. It all depends on your company and
how tenacious you are about pursuing a raise/ changing jobs for higher salary.
Some corporate run companies (Like Kellwood/ Target) have fantastic benefits;
401K matching, full medical/dental for your family/ 4 months paid maternity.
Private owned (especially family owned) companies are really bad. They make up
for it by not paying much attention to sick days/ vacation (upper level
positions).
A graphic art position in fashion with 3 years experience shouldn't be less then
$60K/ year. With my experience (13 years) and addional responsibilities I'm at
$72K, and waiting for a raise this week (I'm looking for $85K)
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Advice to Jobseekers
The fashion business is especially effected by the economy, so lay-offs are
rampant. But, so long as you are the ONLY graphic artist in the entire company
(not part of a team) and you do a good job, they will hold on to you through the
tough times, because a good artist that undrestands this business is rare.
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