Start to the year

After not really knowing what to expect from today's events and feeling quite anxious about meeting the new tutors I feel much more relaxed about it all now! First thing this morning the new course leader Anne gave a presentation about what she hopes the students will be achieving this year and a little bit about herself. It was a really good way of knowing what to expect and even though it is quite daunting it was presented in an informal way to make it seam abit more familiar. Which I was very grateful for as I'm not used to the BA system yet, although I'm sure I'll get there. I have noticed some differences within the way FdA and BA Fashion communicate, but I do feel there is support there if I feel I don't understand something but do feel confident that I'll be fine, however it is reassuring to know that help is there if I do need it. Some notes I took in the presentation - - Quote by Martin Raymond, editor of Viewpoint - Designers are; concept creators, visualisers, provocative and visionary, opinion formers, pro-active, intuitive - Some opportunities in the current climate are greater overseas than in the UK, something to consider for future/career - The overseas global market is high - Possible trip to Beijing - Getting big companies involved in collaborations with student work to involve the latest technology - Project surgery; one afternoon a week to discuss any project / ideas / careers / further study, such as MA in 15 minute slots for any student - Identity/individuality is crucial - Fusion of tradition and technology - Awareness of craft and technology is essential - Career after BA - Need to understand and gain more knowledge of business, (eg. Richard Branson) - Need to be entrepreneurial - Help prepare/think about the future - Produce a concept that is not visual, use senses, smell, music - Possible collaboration with a 'communicator' - Make conscientious choices - Designers are decision makers/problem solvers - Trends and demographics - Conceptual, craft, market specific, opinion forming, styling, design and promotion, habitat, contract, group defined - Multitasking - Good websites; lifesigns network/all designers are wankers - Fashion event, end of year show (Bournemouth show) bigger than a catwalk show, its another option to graduate fashion week - Collaborative presentations - Selling collections, retail spaces - How is retail space used? - Decide what your specialism is - Networking is crucial - Proposals to fabric companies to supply fabric for collection - Design isn't always about signature acts, but about collective and interactive gestures So many of these points that were mentioned could open up all sorts of opportunities for me and improving my work, with the proposal to a fabric company. Open minded feelings about menswear, also bringing in menswear specialists and designers that I can learn from. A possible collaboration between myself another student whether it be a model maker (shoes), a communicator (promotion and retail of collection). I do feel like its a really positive start to the new year, whether I feel like that throughout I don't know but a positive start is always good to me.