Student
Janella Amonoy Creates Installation for Macy's Flower Show
Janella Amonoy is one of twelve Visual Communications students in Roy Kunkle’s Design Installation class who currently has their work on display at the Macy's Flower Show in San Francisco. She partnered with Taylor Cole to create “Ms. Snowcone,” using food-dyed salt and flattened snow cone sleeves.
Tell us about your experience working on Macy's Flower Show: Each student was challenged by Macy's to design two concepts. Macy's then selected seven designs in total, for us to create. I had an amazing partner, Taylor Cole, which made the experience more fun. We challenged ourselves and worked as a team. We applied our skills and also what we have learned at FIDM. The sculpture piece I worked on is Ms. Snowcone.
We constructed the top part using a white bodysuit as the base. We cut off the seam of the collar to cover the neck with fabric, and folded muslin fabric like a choker to create a turtleneck. We dyed the bodysuit with food coloring and topped it off with layers of food-dyed salt. This was my first time dying clothes with food coloring, and I was amazed at the results. For the bottom half we formed a skirt with muslin and layered it with flattened snow cone sleeves.
I’m really excited to see the overall set up with all seven design installations on display, and to see the graphics on the Macy’s windows. I’m beyond proud of the outcome of our project. Ten weeks never felt so satisfying, culminating in seeing our work being admired by strangers.
Biggest lesson learned? This project taught me how to implement someone else's concept by solving 3-dimensional problems, and how to successfully work as a team. Listening to anyone's critique or advice into sculpting the piece.
Would you recommend the Design Installation class? Yes, Design Installation is a great class. It challenges you to apply what you learned in your first year from your ideation sketching class, computer graphics, or critical concepts. This class teaches you how to handle electric tools in sculpting the designs for display.
How did you choose your major? I have always been aware that art plays a huge part in defining who I am. I enjoy designing a lot of things, whether it's clothes, illustrations, or concept ideas for a specific project. I prefer working with my hands over a book related subject. It’s something about seeing the progress of a piece all come together.
Before I started at FIDM, I was attending community college majoring in Business Administration. I left there to pursue what I felt was going to make me happier, and it became the best decision of my life. All I wanted to be was a designer so I made the decision to apply to FIDM. I got accepted in the Fashion Design program, but then I decided I wanted to do visual displays and styling, so I switched to Visual Communications. I still enjoy making clothes, but only as a hobby.
What are your career goals? I want to do more set designing, styling, and creative directing. What I love about FIDM is how much your advisors, administrators, and counselors care about your success. They really push you to do your best and have one of the greatest support systems.
What would you say to someone thinking about going to FIDM? Take your time in thinking about what you want to major in. Once you have something in mind, I say go after it. It took me time and lots of consideration to make a wise choice. Surround yourself with influencers and friends. Explore your interests to inspire and motivate you, to help you decide what major to pursue at FIDM.
Read more about FIDM's partnership with Macy's Flower Show here.
Categories: Visual Communication Industry Partnerships
