Student

VComm Student Sydney Shives Designs Installation for Macy's

As a Visual Communications student in Roy Kunkle’s Design Installation class, Sydney Shives had a unique opportunity this quarter to participate in Macy’s Flower Show, which this year is a carnival theme. Inspired by balloon popping games, she designed and created “Dart Boy,” which is on display now until April 9th at the Macy’s in San Francisco. We sat down with her to find out more.

Tell us a little about yourself: I live on the coast in Pacifica, California. Nature is where I draw most of my inspiration from. In my free time I like to hike in the redwoods and free dive in the ocean. I love exploring nature above and under water. I am happiest at the beach or in the mountains. I love to create things with my hands, therefore this installation at Macy's was very enjoyable for me.

How did you choose your major? I have always enjoyed painting and creating things. When I was fifteen I started working at a boutique, restoring and repurposing vintage items. I enjoyed the deconstruction/ reconstruction part of the job. I knew I wanted to do something similar as my career.

Tell us about your experience working on the design installation for the Macy's Flower Show: I had so much fun with this Macy's installation! The carnival theme is so whimsical and it gave me a lot of creative freedom with my design process. Macy's was very open to all of our ideas and helped make them concrete for the final display.

What was the biggest lesson learned from working on your project and with Macy's? With this project I learned how to design something with the client in mind. It was great experience to design something for a real client as opposed to just a class assignment!

What are you most looking forward to when the installation is finally open to the public? I am really looking forward to the public seeing our designs when the Macy's Flower Show begins! I hope they enjoy our quirky designs and are surprised they were made by students!

Would you recommend the Design Installation class to others and why? I would definitely recommend the Design Installation class to any VComm majors. It is a great experience working with Macy's and a great piece to put in your portfolio!

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? I would love to work for an event planner in the future! FIDM is great because as VComm majors we get to try many different job titles such as event planner, Visual Display Designer, and Graphic Designer.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about going to FIDM? If I could give advice to anyone considering attending FIDM I would tell them to be prepared to work really hard. FIDM pushes you to try your best and create your best work. The projects you will create at FIDM will prepare you for a future in design, but you have to work for it!