Alumni

FIDM Runs in the Family For Sibling Grads Stephanie Suarez and Ben Suarez

Los Angeles natives Stephanie Suarez and Ben Suarez were both drawn to FIDM for their academic careers. Stephanie, who attended FIDM a few years prior to her brother, studied fashion and is currently a senior designer at Kate Hudson's activewear company, Fabletics. Meanwhile, Ben is currently a product designer working on Periscope at Twitter in San Francisco. We recently chatted with these successful siblings to learn more about their respective paths. 

FIDM Major/Grad Year:

Stephanie: Fashion Design, 2008 

Ben: Graphic Design (Branding), 2011

How did you hear about FIDM?

Stephanie: After deciding that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion, I begin researching college opportunities while I was in high school. As a local, FIDM stood out immediately. Once I visited the school with my parents, we knew we had found a match for me.

Ben: I heard about the Graphic Design Program and the exciting work they were doing through my sister when she was attending FIDM for Fashion Design. 

What have you been up to since graduation?

Stephanie: Since graduating from FIDM, I've been steadily working as a designer in the active/sports market. I've been fortunate to translate a passion for athletics into a career that has seen my designs featured on the Olympic courts and the pages of Vogue. With significant commercial success in fast fashion and landing professional athletes on best dressed lists, my work has spanned from surfing to skateboarding, tennis to triathlons, and everything in between. Past work includes K-Swiss, where I started as an intern prior to graduation, designing for Roxy swim and fitness, leading Forever 21's active division, and launching Carbon38's private label. 

Ben: Prior to Twitter, I've worked as a graphic designer for Disney Consumer Products and Disney Stores, as well as for NBCUniversal TV Consumer Products. 

How did FIDM help prepare you for your career?

Stephanie: My time at FIDM felt more like a full-time job rather than school, which I think is a really positive aspect that helps transition to the working world upon graduation. I was able to treat each class and project like an important part of my career, not just an exercise for a grade. 

Ben: FIDM's program gave me a lot of balance and design diversity, from branding and packaging to web design, which helped inform me as to what I enjoy best.

Categories:  Fashion Design Graphic Design Alumni