Angi Vail Rizzo
Great Graphics

Graphic design is one of the hottest fields right now and Angi Vail Rizzo has one of the coolest careers around! After earning a degree from FIDM in Visual Communications, Angi decided to come back for a second degree in Graphic Design. Originally from Orange County, CA, Angi first learned about FIDM through a friend's father, who was a designer. Fortunately Angi took his advice and now she has a dream job at P.J. Salvage designing everything from signs to fabric!

While studying in the Graphic Design program at FIDM's Los Angeles campus, Angi learned all of the computer programs she would need to work in the industry. "With Illustrator, Photoshop, and Quark (all computer programs used in Graphic Design), I made projects that I used for my portfolio to get my first job," Angi explains. She also learned about typography, logos, symbols, and color theory. "FIDM helped me to focus my creative drive," Angi says. "They provided the technical computer skills necessary to compete in the fierce world today."

After graduating from FIDM in 1999, Angi went to work for Strouds, the home linen chain. While there, she worked closely with the visual merchandisers and designers. During that time, Angi was responsible for all of the store's signage and graphics for three different divisions of Strouds, which included displays, tags, and posters. Angi felt prepared for a career in Graphic Design thanks to FIDM’s industry savvy instructors and class assignments that "closely mirrored" real job duties.

Then in early 2001, FIDM’s Career Center helped her attain a Graphic Design job with P.J. Salvage in Irvine, California. The hip sleepwear company makes high-quality pajamas, boxers, yoga wear, thermals, and slippers, which feature whimsical prints such as martini glasses, retro cars, dress forms, log cabins, and kisses. "I'm so lucky that I dig my job." Angi says. Sold at upscale boutiques like Fred Segal and at department stores such as Nordstrom, Marshall Field’s and Macy’s West, P.J. Salvage is made for infants, children, teens, and adults.

As a Graphic Designer at P.J. Salvage, Angi designs all of the company's catalogs, advertisements, packaging, hangtags, labels, and some of the textile prints for the pajamas. In addition, she works on the company website, which involves taking digital photos, retouching them, and posting them. The overall goal in all that Angi does is to maintain the P.J. Salvage brand image.

So how does Angi stay inspired? "I am randomly inspired by the world around me," she says. "Music, vintage clothing, furnishings and cars have a large influence on my designs and I am blessed to be surrounded by musicians and artists who spark endless creative energy." P.J. Salvage prints are retro-themed, which works out perfectly for Angi since she has a huge interest in vintage clothes and the past.

P.J. Salvage P.J.’s have appeared on shows like Friends and The West Wing, and on celebrities such as Sharon Osbourne, Oprah Winfrey and Cameron Diaz. So what’s it like to see your work show up on television and in your favorite stores? "It's pretty awesome," Angi says. "We see our stuff out there and it's exciting. Especially the fabric prints because it's something you can wear."

If you’re an aspiring Graphic Designer, Angi suggests getting as much experience as possible. "Internships are great, but take opportunities when they are offered," she explains. "Even if it doesn’t seem directly related to your dream career." Angi notes that a good attitude, strong communication skills, dedication and attention to detail are all important skills to combine with a strong work ethic. Whether you learn these skills working retail, answering phones or even waiting tables, they are "keys to your survival in any work place." Visit P.J. Salvage’s website and see Angi’s work at www.pjsalvage.com.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication