Visual Communications
Profiles on Alumni, Faculty, and Students
Select a story below to read more about FIDM’s talented and successful students, faculty, and alumni in Visual Communications.
- Select a story …
Brad McCall – Faculty
FIDM Visual Communications Instructor
Brad McCall has worked in the industry for over 32 years, with 25 years in visual presentation for high-end luxury goods. He is an Outstanding Faculty Award winner, an honor given by the student body. "Brad McCall [is one of] the most amazing instructors who guide and inspire you," said Visual Communications Grad Ann Ro.
Do you have a particular style or philosophy about teaching?
Yes- I am very honest and frank about what I expect from students, and what they can expect from me
What classes do you teach?
Materials and Props, Visual Presentation, Survey and Footwear Design
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Angela Hicks - Graduate
FIDM Visual Communications Program
Freelance Buyer & Creative Director, FIDM Instructor
FIDM Visual Communications and Merchandise Marketing Graduate Angela Hicks is the visual mastermind behind the spectacular new Hollywood location of Rolling Greens. The Graduate freelanced as the Buyer and Creative Director for the home and garden store that is filled to the rafters with books, dinnerware, flowers, an other specialty goods.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Edward Dahl – Faculty
FIDM Visual Communications Instructor
San Francisco Instructor Edward Dahl, a 2010 Outstanding Faculty Award Winner, worked in department store visual merchandising for 20 years before coming to FIDM. Born in Heidelberg, Germany and adopted by his American parents, Ed is the proud father of three sons, pursues different music projects in his spare time, and has a visual communications company called After Science. Ed’s talents allow him to also teach classes in Merchandise Marketing and Graphic Design.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at FIDM?
The Students! Watching a student grow, mature, and come into their own as an individual is the most rewarding thing, aside from watching my own children grow, that I have ever experienced in my life.
What classes do you teach?
Portfolio for Visual Communication, Survey of Visual Communication, Materials and Props, Lifestyle Presentation, Digital Imaging, Website Design, Computer Graphics, Computer Rendering, Color and Design Theory, and Merchandise Presentation.
What is your favorite class project?
All of my class projects are exciting and dynamic and I enjoy them immensely. If I absolutely had to isolate one project out it would be the set design fabrication we do in Materials and Props.
Do you have a particular style or philosophy about teaching?
I basically want my students' time in class to be an enjoyable and engaging experience. I treat everyone with respect and as an equal. We all have something to offer.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Jana Garvin - Graduate
FIDM Visual Communications Program
Display Artist, Forever 21
Store windows and interior displays play a huge role in the shopping experience, and FIDM Graduate Jana Garvin keeps things exciting as the Display Artist for fourteen Forever 21 stores in New York City.
Going to FIDM was the best thing
I ever did - it gave me the confidence
and skills to succeed."
What are your future goals?
To be the visual force behind the trends, because I thrve on visually communicating fashion to the public.
What do you like most about you job?
I love studying the current trends and then translating them into visual displays that will showcase the latest fashion. I am trhilled to be part of a proces that thousands of New Yorkers get to see daily.
Why FIDM?
I knew I would be able to refine my skills and make up my mind about what I wanted to do for a career. I got a lot of hands-on experience, met wonderful people, and had the time of my life.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Meg Lewis - Graduate
FIDM Visual Communications Program
Owner, 1918 Vintage
Graduate Meg lewis is the owner of 1981 Vintage, an online boutique selling one-of-a-kind vintage pieces for men and women, as well as handmade clothing and accessories.
Give it 100 percent. It's tough
sometimes to pull an all-nighter
and work so many hours on a
project, but it'll be worth it!"
What are the best parts about your job?
Every day is different! I se my own hours and make each decision myself. Some days I'm shopping at thrift stores looking for new pieces or I'm doing a photo shoot, and other days I'm designing new graphics for the web site. Another great part of my job is getting to chat with and meet people people from all over the country. Being an onwer of an online shop, 60 percent of my customers are international! Ive made a lot of exciting contact and have made a lot of foreign friends.
How did you select your major?
I chose Visual Communications because it was a design major without Fashion Design. I love desigining but I've never like sewing. I wanted to style, photograph, an do graphics. Luckily, Visual Communications allows you to do so much in the fashion industry. From styling to space planning to logo design, it's such a versatile major! I wouldn't have my business today if it weren't for everything I learned in Visual Communications.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Denise Shaw - Graduate
FIDM Visual Communications Program
Wardrobe Stylist, E! Entertainment
I love that each day there
is a new challenge. I am always
searching for the perfect outfit."
Describe a typical day.
Learning about what TV shoots the on-air talent will be working on and preparing their wardrobe. The rest of the day is spent getting clothing from PR companies, retailers, factories, showrooms, and designers.
What is the biggest challenge in your career?
Since I work on a daily show, dressing three hosts, it can sometimes be a challenge to always have tons of clothing available. They generally only wear things once so I go through clothing fast!
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
