Alumni
Alumna Christine Cenon is Visual Merchandiser at Target
Christine Cenon, FIDM Visual Communications class of 2015, is now working as a Visual Merchandiser at Target Corporation. Follow her on Twitter @FIDM_Christine and ask any questions about FIDM, Visual Communications, and her career.
How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you are doing now? If you had met me two years ago, you would never have thought that I would be a visual merchandiser for retail. Those who have known me since would have thought that I would be a graphic designer and/or production designer, by now. But, considering that the Visual Communications program had an array of classes related to merchandising for retail, I have a consistent confidence of waking up every day and knowing that I am capable of any challenge and/or project that needs my attention at work. I am able to solve any problem, or am able to conjure up something exciting, memorable, special, and unique, all because FIDM taught me the necessary skills to achieve my goals.
How did you decide on your major? I applied for FIDM, knowing that I had an interest and passion in production design, so I looked into majors that touched on production design in some capacity, and eventually landed on Visual Communications upon hearing about the Materials & Props class.
Tell us three fun things about yourself: 1) I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Screenwriting as I aim to become a production designer and screenwriter for film and television. 2) I am the biggest Disney fan that you will ever meet. 3) I cosplay and attend cons. I want, one day, to get paid to dress up.
Bring us back to when you participated in the Macy's Flower Show as a student: I actually partnered with fellow social ambassador, Michelle Ortega, so that was fun. We had replicated one of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko’s infamous paintings onto canvas that we eventually sewn into dress form. We styled a mannequin in the dress, and also painted the mannequin to blend into the dress. I also remember dip dying a pair of stockings for the look as well.
Which classes at FIDM were most valuable to you? Aside from Materials & Props, I was partial to all of my classes that were related/similar to graphic design. Though I am unfortunately not exercising my developed skills at the moment, I am still very grateful to have learned what I had learned, for not only where the graphic design classes the most fun to me, but I was blessed with countless opportunities to take what I love and couple/integrate them into my work.
Any advice for current FIDM Students? Time management is the most important skill that you will need to learn and perfect when at FIDM. You will need to learn how to plan your time so that you have enough time to do your work. Also, do not be intimidated by the fast-paced quarters and the amounts of work given to you. Just be sure that you are doing what you love, and everything will be easy and fun. Everything that you learn at FIDM will be worth it in the end, for they prepare you so well for a bright, successful future!
What is your biggest goal right now? My biggest goal right now is to continue to ace all of my screenwriting classes and to write screenplays that will one day make it onto the big screen. I also aim to pursue production design simultaneously.
Categories: Visual Communication Alumni Careers
