Congratulations all of you!!! It's a very exciting time. They are certainly prepared for their new adventure.
Several of these students started sewing at a young age - in Fact Maya, was my first child student at age 8 and both Lilli and Nyah started sewing and designing (with me) in Middle school. It was very important for them to have the early experience of both Drawing and Sewing, prior to getting into their respective programs. This gave them a better foundation and easier experience, not to mention a competitive advantage, once they were already in the program.
Over the years, I've had students audition and get in and students audition and not get in (to these Fashion Programs). It's a bit disheartening for those who didn't get in and for them I have these words of encouragement:
Don't take it personally!
You might just not be ready for the level that is required for the program and that's OK
They might have had too many applicants to choose from within the school itself and THOSE students got priority.
You can still study FASHION DESIGN and SEWING in Middle School and High School without going to a program in your school!
For those students thinking about auditioning or re-auditioning, I've inquired with prior students as to what these programs might be looking for:
For Middle School - they really want students TO KNOW HOW TO DRAW already & it doesn’t hurt to have a good foundation of sewing experience.
For High School - This is a whole different level. Students need to know all of the above (some schools do not require prior sewing experience), plus they need to have a basic and practical understanding of Conceptual Design. That's a pretty big ask, but that's super important. What that means is that students are able to take an idea or theme (a "concept") and turn it into an original design.
I've started a new program that will serve those students who are interested in auditioning or re-auditioning for a FASHION PROGRAM and those students interested in studying FASHION, DESIGN & SEWING outside of that environment.
Are YOU trying to get into a Fashion Program? Do YOU or someone you know want to learn more about FASHION? or maybe you want to LEVEL UP your drawing and creative skills ?
If you answered yes, to any of these questions, I may have JUST the program you are looking for. I work with young Fashion Designers-in-training and Sewing Enthusiasts wanting to take their skills to the next level.
