Students at FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising may have earned their degree at different times throughout the 2014-2015 school year, but on a special day in June grads reunite with the rest of their classmates to celebrate their hard work at FIDM’s Graduation Ceremony.
For most college students, graduation represents the fact that school is finally over and inevitably, it’s time to try and break into the job market. When it comes to FIDM Graduates on the other hand, many already work in their desired career field long before walking in their graduation ceremony. We recently caught up with Graphic Design Graduate Jamie Long who celebrated her graduation in style at the STAPLES Center just a few days ago while already working as Junior Graphic Designer for The Welch Group.
(FIDM Digital Arts) Congratulations on graduating! What is your current job title/position?
(Jamie) “I am currently the Assistant to the CEO and Junior Designer for The Welch Group.”
Tell us a little bit about how you managed to get hired for this position.
“The company is owned by a close family friend who had a part-time assistant opening at the beginning of my 2nd Quarter at FIDM. The weekly hours worked perfectly with my class schedule so I was able to balance both responsibilities for the rest of my Professional Designation program. After I finished my time at FIDM, I was offered a full-time position and a promotion to a Junior Designer.”
“The weekly hours worked perfectly with my class schedule so I was able to balance both responsibilities for the rest of my Professional Designation program.”
What is the best part about your job?
“The best part of my job is the opportunities I’ve had to create and work on projects for the company’s top clients. I’ve been able to create with and learn from experienced professionals in the film and design fields. This range of design application has greatly influenced my own freelance work as well.”
Any favorite projects that you have worked on? If so, what made it your favorite?
“We’re currently working on re-branding a local Pasadena restaurant. Freshening up their look reminds me of the logo and brand development projects of Ria Lewerke’s classes. It’s been my favorite project so far because it has pushed me to think and create outside of my usual aesthetic to create something totally unique.”
“Freshening up their look reminds me of the logo and brand development projects of Ria Lewerke’s classes.”
Pank’s Pies Fictional Branding Concept by FIDM Graphic Design Grad Jamie Long
What was the best part about your FIDM experience?
“The best part of my FIDM experience was building relationships with my instructors. I loved soaking up their feedback and being inspired by their continued passion for design. Their enthusiasm for creativity was contagious and their great success continues to be motivating.”
What skills did you learn at FIDM that have translated into your career as a professional graphic designer?
“I utilize skills that I learned at FIDM every single day. Whether it is practical program shortcuts and tools, to organizing my creative thoughts/brainstorming, to overall presentation, I seek to use the best practices FIDM taught me in all my work.”
“I utilize skills that I learned at FIDM every single day.”
Any advice for current and future FIDM Students?
“Soak up every second you’re here! It goes by so much quicker than you could ever have imagined! Be disciplined in your decisions, your time, and your work. Explore your creative interests and experiment to find your personal style. Become a true student of this wonderful, great big, international and multifaceted world of design that you have decided to enjoy. Study the craft and push your creative limits. And have fun!”
“Become a true student of this wonderful, great big, international and multifaceted world of design that you have decided to enjoy.”
View Jamie’s Final Student Portfolio
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FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising isn’t just a recognized leader in the study of design and creative business– we’re a training ground for the exciting career in graphic design you’ve always dreamed of pursuing. No other graphic design program has the same unique focus on the fashion and entertainment industries, teaching creative expression in all aspects of print media, logo development, corporate identity, product branding, packaging, apparel graphics and more.
Creative careers begin here.
With four California campuses located in the heart of the fashion and entertainment industries, FIDM is a leading, accredited college offering specialized Associate of Arts and Bachelor’s of Arts degrees. FIDM has been educating students with creative and leadership skills for the global industries of fashion, visual arts, interior design, and entertainment for more than 45 years. Learn more at www.fidm.edu.
The FIDM Digital Arts Blog is dedicated to professional and aspiring graphic designers and filmmakers, illustrating the range of career opportunities within these fields written by FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. See more at www.fidmdigitalarts.com.