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- :: Graduate: Eva Fredrickson
- :: Graduate: Michelle Liu
- :: Graduate: Suzy Magnin
- :: Faculty: Sarah-Jane Owen

Eva Fredrickson - Graduate
FIDM Film & TV Costume Design Program
Film & TV Costume Designer

Thanks to Costume Designers like FIDM Graduate Eva Fredrickson, who has an exciting career costume designing for shows such as How I Met Your Mother and America's Best Dance Crew, actors and actresses are able to bring their characters to life on the small screen through their wardrobe.

How did you get your big break into the industry?

While I was at FIDM, I was awarded an NBC/Universal internship in the wardrobe department on the soap opera Passions working for Emmy®-nominated designer Diana Eden.

What did you love about your program?

I loved the access we were given to so many resources in the industry. We were taken on some incredible field trips to television sets, costume houses, and studio lots. We had some of the biggest designers in the business come and speak to our class. Our professors were like bottomless wells of knowledge and experience. And Mary Kay Stolz, the heart and soul of the program, works very hard to give her students every opportunity possible.

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

Michelle Liu - Graduate
FIDM Film & TV Costume Design Program
Set Costumer

My instructors Mary Kay Stolz,
Susan Nininger, and Joanna Dendel,
and other professionals from the
industry gave me the ambition and
knowledge to fulfill my dream."

Michelle Liu is the Set Designer for Avatar, the highest grossing film of all time, and Motion Capture Key Costumer for Alice in Wonderland directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway.

How did you hear about FIDM and why did you choose to attend?

I was taking a sewing class for fun and my teacher, who was also an instructor at FIDM, invited me to a lecture. As soon as I walked into the lobby of FIDM, I could sense the feeling of creativity and knew that this was where I could acquire the knowledge and develop the skills to achieve my dream.

How did you choose your majors?

As a child I had an interest in fashion, however, my family members were not involved in creative fields. I had never taken art classes in China and had no experience in drawing, but after attending that seminar at FIDM, I decided to pursue my dream. After completing the Fashion Design Program, I worked for several companies, including Forever 21. My former instructor suggested that I should consider applying for the Film & TV Costume Design Advanced Study Program. I was accepted and received one of FIDM's Merit Scholarships.

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

Suzy Magnin - Graduate
FIDM Film & TV Costume Design Program
Costumer and Costume Designer for Film and Television

Working on television shows and films such as CSI: NY, Prison Break, War of the Worlds, Cold Case, and So You Think You Can Dance?, Suzy is living out her dream job as a Costumer and Costume Designer. She pulls from retailers and costume houses, dresses actors, and conducts fittings. Luckily, FIDM's Film & TV Costume Design program has prepared her for this fast-paced career.

FIDM taught me how to network
and really drove the point home about
meeting new people, being friendly,
and staying in touch."

How did you choose your major?

When I was in high school I was going in a completely different direction, but I was given an elective class in Fashion Design. It was the most fun class I had ever had, so I applied to FIDM and received an A.A. in Fashion Design. After I graduated from the Fashion Design program, I decided to continue my studies by applying to the Advanced Study Film & TV Costume Design Program.

Why Film & TV Costume Design?

You can go outside of the box a lot more because you have all ends of the spectrum, and it's just fun to costume people.

What do you love most about your career?

I get to do a job that's creative and spontaneous, and I never know who I'm going to see or meet. You just have to be ready for anything.

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

Sarah-Jane Owen - Faculty
FIDM Film & TV Costume Design Program

FIDM Instructor Sarah-Jane Owen has designed a collection that landed the front pages of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar; played guitar for and toured the world with The Belle Stars and The Bodysnatchers, two all-girl British rock bands; became an internationally-certified yoga instructor; and hung out with musical legends such as of David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, and Sting–all before she started teaching Film & TV Costume Illustration, Portfolio Preparation and Presentation, and Knitwear Line Development at the college. Here the 12-year FIDM veteran talks about her teaching experience and the many things that inspire her:

What do you like about teaching at FIDM?

I like having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students through my teaching, inspiration, and sharing my life experiences. My students continue to teach me how I can be the most effective in my communication and teaching.

What are some experiences that prepared you for your role as a FIDM instructor?

After three years of designing and producing my own collection in London, I taught fashion at three schools in England. I was also the Head Womenswear Designer for Jeff Banks (the Martha Stewart of the UK), Inega Jeans, and H.Q. London.

What inspires you creatively?

LIFE! Nature, first and foremost. Emotion, movement, sound, color, form, food, people...actually, just about anything can motivate me to be creative.

What would you like students to take away from your class?

I'd like students to leave inspired and with a deep passion for their craft. Also, a belief in their own ability to succeed.

What skills or characteristics do students need to succeed in the industry?

FIDM students are eager to learn, and they must also be self-starting, flexible, helpful, hard-working, enthusiastic, and, of course, well-ounded in all areas related to their craft.

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