Visual Communications Grad Is Visual Manager at Gap Inc.
Since graduating from FIDM in 2008, Claudia Avila has worked as a wardrobe stylist for music videos and commercials, a costume designer for TV and film, and in visual design for for H&M, Macy's, and now Gap Inc.
Where were you born and raised? I was born in Upland, California and raised in the city of Ontario.
How did you first hear about FIDM? My best friend had a sister that attended and I loved seeing the creative projects she had to do.
What was your FIDM major and which campus did you attend? I was a Visual Communications major at the LA campus.
Tell us about your career path since graduation. In my graduating quarter, I received an internship at Bluebird showroom where I learned about the buying process. I was also working as a dresser at fashion shows for Marciano, Teen Vogue/Vans, St. John, Billabong, Design for Humanity, and the LA Fashion Awards while in school.
After graduation, I landed a wardrobe assistant job on the CW television show Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious helping with costume construction and styling. I also worked with Marilyn Vance, who was the costume designer for Pretty Woman and many John Hughes movies, and Cendra Martel on a costume team for theatre. My first film as a wardrobe assistant was an independent film called Mr. Sadman.
I then got the opportunity to do a Doritos commercial that aired during the Super Bowl. Although I was working on amazing things, the Writers Guild of America strike happened and I decided to go corporate. For two years, I worked as a visual merchandiser at Macy’s and still freelanced and worked when I could. I then moved to Santa Barbara where I joined H&M. I started as a visual coach there and shortly became part of the expansion team.
I opened eight new stores in the U.S. and spent a lot of time traveling. I began to train new visuals and become part of the coaching and developing for them. In my last year at H&M I was a regional construction on-site responsible and a part of the building team working as the liaison between construction and H&M. I still loved working on set so I did a few music videos in between all of that.
What is your current job title and responsibilities? After eight great years at H&M, I decided to get back on set and recently did a music video and wardrobe for a TV series. I then was offered a position with Gap Inc. as a visual manager where the focus is elevating the Old Navy brand in the LA region as a test for future positions in the visual field.
What do you enjoy most about what you're doing and why? Seeing that the execution drives sales and makes the company profitable, but also coaching and developing people interested in the field.
How did FIDM help prepare you for your career? Bunni Hoffman was a huge part of my success at FIDM. She helped and gave me the resources and contact information of the fashion show styling team I first started with, which led to meeting people I worked on other great projects with. My jobs at H&M and Macy’s were found through FIDM. They prepared me on how to network, how to see on a professional level, and most of all the tools that made me stand out. Attention to detail was so important in college.
What advice would you give to current FIDM Students? Don’t think you have to stay in one role. Visual Communications Grads do it all: window displays, costume construction, and merchandising. I have helped countless friends and family with their homes, outfits, and graphic design, too. Continue to stay out of your comfort zone and be kind to everyone you have the pleasure of working with. Travel and see the world, it’s a remarkable way to get inspired and connected.
Categories: Visual Communication
