As the new secondary study year begins Samantha Docherty speaks to a former and current fashion design student from the Sydney Institute of Technology about their plans for the future.
With her heart always dedicated to fashion, Jennifer Drew started her design studies early in her schooling career. Studying textiles and design for four years at high school she then completed a one year Certificate IV Clothing Production course at the Sydney Institute of Technology (SIT). The course was a fantastic starting point, giving me necessary skills in patternmaking - manual and computer, garment assembly, product research and development, technical drawing, materials and design. I also participated in valuable work experience in the fashion industry with Seafolly, Charlie Brown and Studio For Brides magazine. Later deciding to combine fashion with her love of theatre, she changed tack from fashion design and headed down the costume path. Currently studying her third year of a Diploma of Costume at SIT, Drew finds it quite demanding at times but loves the creative freedom that comes with bringing characters to life and seeing a production through to its end. find costume more rewarding. It?s always exciting to start something new, something different. It certainly doesn't get boring. I've learnt so much from this course at SIT. The history of costume, corsetry and undergarments, period block construction, costume cutting and draping, costume supervision, script breakdown, hard and sort sculpture, art finishing and theatrical millinery just to name a few! In addition to the face to face learning at TAFE Drew?s work placement experience has been invaluable. Providing her with important industry contacts her recent jobs have included Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Co and a number of telemovies and feature films. All the work I have done in theatre and film was a result of those contacts made through work experience. I love the atmosphere on set and I find the work both challenging and fulfilling. I?ve met some fantastic people in the industry with whom I would love to work and learn from as much as I can. Due to complete her studies in June 2007 Drew finds the thought of graduating extremely exciting. Graduating means having more time to work in the industry doing what I love. I'd like to work predominately in the film industry on set as a stand-by then hopefully at some point as a costume designer. Travel is definitely at the top of my list. Working in costume in Europe and America would be fantastic.
For as long as she can remember Laura May has dreamt of finding success as a fashion designer. An opportunity to express herself and her creativity, May said she can?t think of anything more rewarding than having people walking around wearing her art. My ultimate goal is to create my own signature label Laura May and achieve international success. Graduating from the Sydney Institute of Technology in 2003, May completed a one year Certificate IV Clothing Production course at the Sydney Institute of Technology. Prior to this course I had lots of ideas running around my head and no idea how to make them a reality! I have found the depth in which we studied garment construction has given me priceless knowledge and understanding which is essential for anyone in the industry. Keen to find a job working for a top-end designer after graduation and to continue her studies, May was lucky enough to be offered both. Falling straight into a production assistant position at Leona Edmiston during her final weeks of study, May was recently accepted into the Summer Design School at London?s Central Saint Martin's. ?I received the phone call from Leona Edmiston on the day of our annual TAFE parade, so I ended up juggling the last few weeks of TAFE whilst beginning my new job. In July I'm spending three weeks at the Summer Design School at London?s Central Saint Martin's. To me this is an achievement in itself as I've wanted to study there my entire life! Thrust into the hectic world of a fashion house, May handled her foray into the day to day running of a fashion business like a duck to water. I don't recall being too surprised by anything. SIT had arranged a variety of work experience throughout the year so I'd had a taste of life in the design studio. I was ready for the hard work that lay ahead and of course any glamorous moments too! Over the past two and a half years my role at Leona Edmiston has grown considerably. Apart from my original production duties such as QC and overseeing local dispatch, I've taken on new responsibilities including weekly stock analysis for our stores, off-shore product development management and most recently assistant designer for two new ranges, soon to be released. So what advice would May give to other students wanting to break into the fashion industry Complete a variety of courses and as much work placement as possible. Everyone say's it, but work experience is so valuable and looks great on your resume. Job wise, expect to start at the bottom. As long as you work hard there will be endless opportunities to work your way into more desired areas.
