Student
Fashion Design Student and SVA President Amanda Vazquez Donates Handmade Masks to FIDM Staff
U.S. Navy Vet and SVA President Amanda Vazquez is studying Fashion Design at FIDM. Over the past few weeks, she has been thoughtfully making protective face masks for FIDM Staff. We caught up with her to find out more about this project, her switch from Visual Communications to Fashion Design, her favorite instructors, and her product development internship at Em Dash, a company owned by FIDM Grad Jen Brew.
Where are you at now in your FIDM journey? I've switched majors from Visual Communications to Fashion Design, and I couldn't be happier. It's a lot of time consuming work but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've also been interning with Em Dash Inc., doing product development. Jen, the owner, has been such a great mentor and has taught me so much. She's also a graduate of FIDM. Some of my favorite instructors have been Mr. Diaz (Fashion Sketching), Ms. Gonzalez (Critical Thinking), Mr. Walker (Digital Design), Ms. Angie (Computer Grading and Marking), and Ms. Thomas (Creative Design Applications). All of these instructors have left a very significant mark in my life and I honestly appreciate every interaction I have with them. They are all so motivating and are experts at their craft.
Tell us a little about your mask making project and why you're donating them to FIDM Staff: I've always been interested in doing what I can in times of need so being a Fashion Design major it made sense to put my skills to work and make masks. I feel like during times like these we need to do what we can; no good deed is too small. I heard that there are still staff working at FIDM and I decided that I wanted to give back to the people who have been there for me throughout my time at FIDM. Another reason why I'm donating is because during this crisis people are already worried about their financial situations and getting proper health care. Paying for a form of protection from this virus is the last thing they should have to worry about.
What are you doing to stay inspired, in general, during these challenging times? I've been rewatching some of my favorite documentaries, specifically Iris, The Gospel According to Andre, Obey Giant, and Bill Cunningham New York.
How are you showing up for yourself right now -- what are you doing to keep yourself safe, happy, and healthy? Social distancing, keeping in touch with friends and family, spending lots of quality time with my five year old son and catching up on my sleep lol.
What brands are inspiring you right now? I think it’s amazing how so many brands are halting all production in order to produce masks and gowns. By doing that they aren’t only providing direly needed supplies to the medical community but they are also providing jobs and income to people who need it (seamstresses, pattern makers, etc.).
What do you miss about being on the FIDM campus? Honestly, I miss staying late and working on homework. It's so motivating to be in a room full of other students working just as hard as you to get their projects done.
What are your career goals? In terms of career goals I'd like to land a job in either product development or design. It is very important to learn both if you want to be a great creative director someday.
Categories: Fashion Design Military Veteran Student
