Student
Kamaria Davis Knew She Wanted To Be a Footwear Designer at Age 12
A student in the Footwear Design & Development Program, Kamaria Davis recently participated in a department field trip to Seychelles and Dynasty, footwear companies owned by Jack Silvera and headquartered in Los Angeles. We caught up with her to find out more.
What was the best part of the day at Seychelles and Dynasty? Witnessing a fit session as well as seeing the design process. I was able to make the connection of what I learn at school versus what working men and women are doing in the industry. It’s all relative. I’m glad to know I am on the right track and will be prepared once I graduate.
Why do you think it's important to meet and network with professionals in the footwear industry, as a student—like you did at Seychelles? Having connections will get your name out there and possibly new job opportunities and partnerships. Being exposed to different companies allows students to understand how the business truly works. Classrooms are different from a working office, and experiencing the differences first hand gives students an idea of how their working lives will be when they graduate.
Tell us a little about your interest in Footwear Design: I’ve always been a fairly artsy kid. I had a sketchbook in which I drew all types of doodles. One day I drew a shoe...and then another...and then another. I never stopped. Once I realized this wasn’t just doodling, I began to create a career out of it. I love the creativity that goes into footwear. Shoes are a wearable canvas. I have the power to decide how someone is going to express their individuality through my design. It would be a great feeling to see my design on someone walking down the street.
I decided I wanted to become a footwear designer at the age of 12 and I’ve been working hard ever since to achieve that goal. I will soon be graduating from FIDM with a Bachelor’s degree to pursue my dream career. I’m from Conyers, a suburb outside of Atlanta, Georgia—the 2,201 mile journey has been hard at times, but I know it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Why did you choose FIDM for Footwear Design? There are not many colleges that offer Footwear Design as a major. My options were big and scary New York City or easy-going and friendly Los Angeles. The option wasn’t too difficult for 18-year-old me.
What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? Once I graduate, I plan on working for many companies over the course of several years. I want to gain as much experience and connections as possible in order to eventually start my own line of footwear. FIDM is a great resource for networking and job opportunities. The school is recognized internationally and has a positive reputation, which inherently boosts my personal credibility.
Follow Kamaria Davis on Instagram @onllyadream.
Categories: Footwear Design & Development Los Angeles Campus Industry Partnerships Student
