Alumni
Grad Is Senior Director of Visual Design at Barneys New York (Interview)
Earlier this year, Alumna Theresa Silva was promoted to Senior Director of Visual Design at Barneys New York. We recently caught up with the Visual Communications Graduate, who reports directly to the VP of Visual and helps oversee all stores company-wide, to learn more about her exciting career.
How long have you worked for Barneys New York? I started my career with Barneys as a part-time visual for the San Diego store while I was attending FIDM in San Diego. I was promoted to West Coast Visual Coordinator and based out of The Grove in Los Angeles so I moved there and finished my second year at the LA campus in 2010. I transferred to New York City in January 2012, as the East Coast Visual Coordinator, and was then promoted to Visual Manager later that year, and Director in 2013.
What is a typical day like for you? I'm usually juggling multiple projects every day. Our Holiday planning begins in January and is a continuing project until the launch in November (we're in the thick of it now). I partner with all other departments based on business needs and company initiatives and plan out window installations here in New York City and how we can translate those into our stores regionally.
What do you love most about your job and why? I love that I'm able to be in a work environment that is open to thinking outside of the box and welcomes creative freedom. Also, that I've been able to work with such a diverse group of talented people and artists and have learned multiple skills along the way, from vinyl printing and installation to 3D sketching to working with power tools.
How did FIDM help prepare you for your career? The classes I took at FIDM helped to lay the foundation of how to execute a project from start to finish. From initial concept through drawing programs, then working with teams to source materials, budgeting, and even down to the final touches such as lighting techniques and portfolio design. All the things you wonder if you're going to use, you actually do.
Categories: Visual Communication Alumni Careers
