Hot Topic Visits Graphic Design Students Via Zoom
Three guest speakers from Hot Topic recently visited FIDM Instructor Edward Dahl's Graphics & Licensing class via Zoom to share their industry stories and provide insight on how Hot Topic secures and produces merchandise with licensed content. FIDM Alumna Lenora Villegas, who works on Hot Topic’s Print-On-Demand eCommerce team, had recently connected with Kevin Keele, the Director of Alumni Relations & FIDM Career Center, and Lisa Hoffman, Director of FIDM’s Graphic Design Program, to bring these special guests into the virtual classroom.
The Hot Topic guest speakers, all pop culture enthusiasts, were Winnie Jaing, the Director of Licensing Strategy and Partnerships; David Baker, Manager of Print on Demand/Graphic Design; and Jose Alva, the Lead Graphic Designer for Print on Demand.
They provided background on the company whose headquarters are located in the City of Industry, explaining to the students that their core demo is 16-25. With 650 stores, Hot Topic is centered around music and pop culture. BoxLunch, with 160 stores, is geared toward a family friendly audience—“tall to small”—adults, kids, and pets.
David, an anime fan whose background is in streetwear design, talked about Hot Topic’s Print-On-Demand (POD) process. He showed the students the design direction of Dracula as an example. He also showed the students Creator Designs. “One of our creators has been blowing up,” he said, “and winning fan art competitions.”
Through their innovative Print-On-Demand program, Hot Topic launched the HT Creator Program to give artists and creatives a chance to showcase their designs. All types of artists are encouraged to apply, from graphic designers to musicians, gamers, social media personalities, and beyond. If they are accepted to the program, creators get to work with Hot Topic’s Licensing and Graphic Design teams to curate their art to sell on a variety of different blanks and colors, including tees, hoodies and sweatshirts. The program has since helped many creators gain a new audience of followers while earning a royalty for their designs. The Hot Topic team was excited to share the program with our students, encouraging them to apply themselves as a chance to showcase their unique artwork.
“Pursue what you love,” Winnie Jaing advised the students. “Don’t settle. Pursue your dreams!”
The Graphics & Licensing course (GRPH 2400) introduces students to product licensing through the development of original characters and their related products. The students create their own intellectual property and present it as a Style Guide.
Instructor Edward Dahl is a designer, an Outstanding Faculty Award recipient, and the owner of After Science, a full-service visual communications company that has been providing high quality design and project management solutions for clients since 1998. His specialty includes holiday decor design and installation, stage and set design, graphic design, visual merchandising and project management.
Categories: Graphic Design
