Textile Design

Lynne A. Salle — Faculty
FIDM Textile Design Instructor

Do you currently work in the industry in addition to teaching?
Yes, I am an Art Director in a Textile Design Studio

If so, what is the job and how do you apply that to teaching at FIDM?
In directing the studio I work closely with the artists to achieve the best possible design and layout as well as color for our customers through the use of Adobe Photoshop on the computer. I bring a lot of that same information to the classroom in the teaching of how to use the Photoshop program specifically for textile design. In the classroom we apply those same skills to textile designs/layouts/repeats the students have created. We work to achieve the best possible outcome given the knowledge they have acquired thus far in the classes they have already taken.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I like film, music, art, yoga, walking, cooking and of course, eating. Not necessarily in that order. I might add I dream of traveling again real soon.

Describe a favorite class project:
Having the students reference images that they like via the internet (i.e. landscape/organic imagery, product design, [shoes, furniture, etc.], then giving them 15 minutes to create an all over pattern/design that has been inspired by that reference.) The time limit breaks open a barrier, and the students really get in touch with their creativity . It is a very successful project. Whenever a student gets stuck coming up with an idea, I suggest they revisit that project.

Do you have a particular style or philosophy about teaching
I believe in creating an environment that is open, exciting and interactive in critiques. I believe that when the classroom experience of the student is stimulating the student carries their eagerness to learn outside the classroom.

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

Cassandra Durant–Hamm — Faculty
FIDM Textile Design Instructor

My goal is to help FIDM Students meet the industry need for informed, well–rounded apparel professionals."

A former New Yorker, Cassandra Durant–Hamm has worked in the apparel and textile industry in Los Angeles for over twenty years. With a background in textile and fiber marketing, production, and sales, she teaches Textile Science, Fabric Identification, Textile Testing for Quality Assurance, and Textile Application and Color Management. She has traveled extensively in Europe, West Africa, Canada, and Mexico, and she once studied French in Dijon, France.

What do you hope to instill in your students?
The demand for new fibers and fabrics that tackle specific problems is ongoing. When presented with new textile products, my hope is that FIDM Graduates will go back to their textile science foundation and use that knowledge to make sound business and creative decisions.

Do you have a particular teaching philosophy?
I take a pragmatic approach to instruction. In order to make the subject matter relevant to different majors, I address the question, "Why exactly do I need to know this information?" If I can make it relevant, students are open to instruction, no matter how challenging.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at FIDM?
I enjoy the variety of the students, the testing and dyeing lab facilities, and the scope and breadth of industry experience among the faculty, plus the general camaraderie.

What do you enjoy about FIDM's testing and dyeing lab facilities?
The most rewarding aspect of teaching at the lab is witnessing the moment when students finally "get it." Up to that point, lessons about fiber properties and fabric compatibility is theoretical in nature. In the lab, students experience problems with fabric dimensional instability, color loss due to perspiration, yarn weakness, or crocking, and they finally make the connection between theory and application. This validates the process and enriches the teaching experience as a whole.

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

Jimin Park Weatherly - Graduate
FIDM Textile Design Program
Textile Designer, Quiksilver

The reputation of FIDM has
consistently gotten me jobs.
Doors open for FIDM Alumni."

Jimin Park Weatherly absolutely loves her job as Textile Designer at the popular surf, skate, and sport brand Quiksilver.

Describe your typical day
First we have meetings to get ideas for the season and then we start creating textile designs in many different ways like watercolor, pen and ink, or computer. Lately I've been sketching a lot, but tomorrow I am thinking about stopping by at my favorite florist to get some flowers to see what inspiring designs I will come up with. On other days designers and artists will go to malls, vintage shops, art shows, or museums to look for inspiration.

How has FIDM helpled you in your career?
FIDM was an amazing opportunity for me. It gave me a new set of skills to translate my art into fashion!

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

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

Brooks Rawlins - Graduate
FIDM Textile Design Program
Head Product Designer for Bliss Studio

FIDM forced me to look at
myself in a different light. I have
always been a creative person, but
did not think I was going make a
living being creative. FIDM looks at
the creative part of what we want to
do as artists and designers and
balances it with the practical world:
getting a job."

While working as a Film Archivist for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Brooks Rawlins decided that he wanted to seek out a more creative career. After earning his Textile Design degree from FIDM, he now designs and develops furniture and home accessories for Bliss Studio. "My job entails hunting for inspiration-whether it is traveling to different cities or scouring the Internet," said Brooks. "I also work with factories overseas, creating line sheets and following through with original production samples, and I help organize and merchandise our product for trade shows in Atlanta, High Point and New York."

How did you choose your major?
Having previous experience in both graphic design and production design/art direction, the Textile Design program was a great compromise. I felt I was trying something new. It was both visual and textural. I could touch and feel projects I was creating-this was very important to me.

What is a typical day like?
I have a 10-12 hour workday. It can be longer and I often have to work on weekends. Usually, the mornings are spent going through and responding to e-mails. Answering factory e-mails can be extremely time consuming. I often have to approve drawings, finishes, materials, changes in design, etc. I like to keep a library of cuttings, tears, ideas, images, color swatches, etc. I will spend an hour or so going through magazines, web sites, photos and organizing them into folders.

I also set aside a certain amount of time to develop new products, or create new line sheets. This is the trickiest part because design and inspiration cannot be measured or quantified. So I may have a deadline to create a new pillow collection, but it doesn't always happen that way. You have to be ready to change directions quickly and attack something else. Often, this means coming back to things later or learning to focus on certain tasks.

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