Student
IMPD Student Victoria Luk Posts Her Portfolio Online
Each year, FIDM partners with a brand in our International Manufacturing & Product Development (IMPD) program where students master all facets of the product development cycle. This year, thirteen students were accepted into the exclusive program and partnered with Color Solutions International (CSI). We caught up with student Victoria Posh Luk, who was assigned the category of Travel for Youth, to learn about her IMPD experience and to find out how she’s staying inspired during these challenging times. During lockdown, she finished her portfolio and posted it here: victoriapluk.wixsite.com/vplportfolio.
What was one of the highlights of IMPD? One of my most memorable moments was our Shark Tank mock-up for our final. We were assigned into different groups and our goal was to create a product that is either whitespace or greenfield. We had about two weeks to create and finish our business plan; it was intense but very interesting to see the final results in a short time. My team and I designed a jewelry line that save lives by tracking the user, using live camera technology, and it can also provide emergency calls called “BOND,” an acronym for “Beyond Our Natural Defenses.” On presentation day, our instructor invited a few industry people as judges. We were intimidated, but it was a good experience. My team didn’t win the challenge, unfortunately, but we still managed to impress the judges and got As.
What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? My career goal is to build my own brand, but that’s not the first step I’m taking once I graduate. FIDM made me understand two things: it takes patience and experience to get what you want. So, I decided that I’ll aim for a corporate job, doesn’t matter if it’s not a design job, anything that relates to it can help me. I’ll learn as much as I can and earn enough money to support my own dream which is having my own brand in the future.
How are you coping with the lockdown? The lockdown has been very frustrating for me. I’m the kind of person who works well in a different environment. I need to be in constant motion and I take inspiration from observing things outside. It has definitely been difficult for me to be productive even though I have so much time on my hands. But, I have learned one beautiful thing through this lockdown—and that is we should cherish the time we spend outdoors with friends/families because times like this happen unexpectedly and you’ll regret not exploring more. One thing I do to cope with this frustrating feeling is to facetime my friends, and virtually do something together online like drawing and other creative things.
What are you doing to stay inspired at home during these challenging times? I listen to music, watch videos, go on blogs to see what is trending and what can spark new ideas for me to design. Even though we can’t really go outside, we have the internet here that helps reconnect people together and inspire each other.
How are you showing up for your community, your career, and yourself right now? I’ll go on social media like Instagram and continue posting pictures and stories to spread love and support to people. I encourage positivity and try to calm people down who are too intense and afraid by telling them that I survived the SARS when I was living in Hong Kong and we can do the same here as well!
What brands are inspiring you right now, in terms of their response to the needs of the world during this pandemic? One of my favorite and inspiring brands that is doing good for the world is Gypsy Sport, a streetwear brand committed to sustainability. They made their statement on their Spring 2019 collection during New York Fashion Week. All 21 looks in the collection were made using upcycled materials. On their Instagram @gypsysport, the brand detailed the percentage of textiles that were upcycled showing ranges from 80 percent up to 100 percent.
Right now during this pandemic, they are using their fabric from SS20 to make facial masks for essential employees and they also use their platform to spread awareness about the pandemic.
What are you most looking forward to once the pandemic is over? I’m looking forward to going back to FIDM and using their resources. Also, I can’t wait to reconnect with friends and create content for social media.
Anything else you’d like to share? During the pandemic, I finally finished my online portfolio. You'll be able to check out my final e-book for the IMPD Program and my other projects. Here’s the link: victoriapluk.wixsite.com/vplportfolio.
Keep up with Victoria Luk on Instagram @bad_luk666.
Categories: International Manufacturing & Product Development Student
