brAinstorm

Featuring

VS

Graciella Colmenares

Guy

Girl

She gives the lowdown on what goes into making a fashion show.

Take a look at Vuong’s fashion process from concept to completion.

Who will win?

Container Park

Fashion Show

TakeAction

Amy

spring 2014 www.artinstitutes.edu/las-vegas

Save student choice by

raising your artistic voice.

MeetA Teacher.

A Designer.Find out from

her how to succeed in and out of

school.

School Events Inside

StudentFeature

www.artinstitutes.edu/las-vegas

The Graphic Design services for this publication were created by senior graphic design students enrolled in the Design Production Team class at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. This special projects course allows Graphic Design students to work cooperatively. Students utilize their knowledge of concept development, design, typography, production, communications, teamwork and organizational skills to execute a team project similar to industry experience.

BrAinstorm will be a creative platform for all Art Institute of Las Vegas programs.

Design Team: Gedalya Krycer, Cheri Norton, Chelsey Ruckdaschel

brAinstorm

Designers

Photography

Editors

Writers

Fashion Liaison

Gedalya KrycerChelsey Ruckdaschel

Graciella ColmenaresMel Dadulla

Gedalya Krycer

Gedalya KrycerChelsey Ruckdaschel

Graciella ColmenaresGedalya KrycerAutumn MeyersCheri L. NortonJenae Ribeiro

Chelsey Ruckdaschel


Every creative idea starts with a brainstorm.

The word brainstorm means a lot to an art student. It is the moment when the creative juices start to flow and the process of coming up with that one amazing idea that is brought to light.For us, this word and this process is a binding concept that brings all creatives together.

With that in mind, we welcome you to brAinstorm, the magazine. Here you can read about everything that has to do with the creative process and the Ai student lifestyle.

Enjoy.


TABLE OFthe the

the

the thePERSPECTIVE JOURNEY HAPPENINGS QUARTER - BOOK

01 05 17 21Guyvs.

GirlMeetAmy

BlogThis

LookBook

01Guy vs. GirlExplore the minds of males and female fashion designers

03The Face OffWhat’s hot? Fashion students and their counterparts tell you what they really think

05What’s in your closet?Find out what “must have” items are needed in your fashion arsenal

07Meet AmyFind out how to succeed in and out of school

09Student SpotlightDiscover what it takes to be a successful Ai student

11The Ai AlumniLearn what could come after graduating from Ai

13The CalendarCheck out our past and future school events

15Take ActionSave student choice by raising your artistic voice

17Blog ThisHow do you create an awesome fashion blog? Find out here

19OOTDCheck out the best Ai “Outfits of the Day”

21Look BookA look at the many fond memories that were made during this past quarter

brA

inst

orm


CONTENTSthe the the theOUTREACH TREND RESULTS OPPORTUNITY

30 35 39 43CPShowHead

totoe YourWork GetJobs29Operation OutreachWhy community partnerships are important to Ai

30Container ParkFashion ShowSee fashion creativity at its best during the CP Fashion Show

31Safe House Fashion ShowGo behind the scenes and see what it takes to put on an amazing charity fashion show

33Affordable ChicLooking good does not have to break the bank

35Head-To-ToeGet the break down of a featured outfit

37WTFaIs that really a trend??Students weigh in on what trends they hate the most

39Your WorkTake a look into Vuong’s fashion process from con-cept to completion

41The Written ProcessStudent reflect on how they went about completing a project

43Job Board ListingsFind out who is hiring in your industry

44VolunteerOpportunitiesFind out where you can volunteer your time within the fashion community

45Sign Up SheetLike what you see? Sign up to become an Ai student today

TABLE OF

www.artinstitutes.edu/las-vegas01

Name


Major

Gradutating

Years at Ai

Name

Major

Gradutating

Years at Ai

By - Chelsey Ruckdaschel and Graciella Colmenares

1 year2 year

Summer 2015Summer 2015

Aaron BaguinonGraciella Colmenares

Fashion Retail and Managment Fashion Retail and Managment


Fashion is a universal language that speaks

and appeals to both genders. It is a statement

of expression that shows the world what you think

is a trend and if it delivers the “it” factor. The twist

to fashion, however, is that it is viewed by both

genders differently.

We have conducted a fashion-based experiment

(shall we say) that will take you inside the mind

of both genders to get an insight of how fashion

relates to them and what they think fashion is. We

sat down with Graciella Colmenares and Aaron

Baguinon who both attend The Art Institute of Las

Vegas located in Henderson as fashion majors.

What is a trend in men’s wear that you like?

Graciella: A trend I like in menswear is that more prints

are being incorporated onto their garments, such as florals,

bold stripes, and abstract shapes.

Aaron: Right now, the trend that I’m really digging for

men is the jogger pant. I’m all about comfort, without

looking sloppy. With the jogger pant, you get the best of

both worlds; they are like wearing pajamas in public;

however, they are more socially acceptable.

What is a trend in women’s wear that you like?

G: One of the trends I like in women’s wear are floral

dresses. I think a floral dress makes a girl look more

feminine and make them feel pretty.

A: The trend that I am in love with for women is the worn

out boyfriend jeans. I love when women can pull off men’s

wear, and the boyfriend jean should be a closet staple.

You can wear them rolled up with heels or sneakers, and

you are good to go! They make you feel comfortable, effort-

less, and cute – and I’m talking about the jeans, ladies, not

the boyfriend! ;-)

Who do you think is a great designer for men’s wear?

G: I really like Valentino Garavani’s designs for men’s

wear. His suits are amazing to me, but he does an awesome

job with his casual wear too.

A: Hands down, Tom Ford - I love what he is doing in

men’s wear!

Who do you think is a great designer for women’s wear?

G: I’m caught between Charlotte Taylor and Burberry

Prorsum. I like Charlotte Taylor because of the bold prints

on the garments, and Burberry Prorsum because of how

luxurious the garments look.

A: I would have to go with Alice + Olivia. Their aesthetic

is feminine with a twist of fantasy and playfulness. It’s cute!

Which brand has the best selection for female apparel?

G: I like the UO brands: Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Anthropologie.

A: Free People

Which brand has the best selection for male apparel?

G: Again, I would have to say Urban Outfitters has great men’s wear, along with H&M.

A: Topman

Which male celebrity do you think dresses really well?

G: I think Bradley Cooper wins this title. He wear casual and formal apparel really well and picks such great pieces for his closet.

A: David Beckham

Which female celebrity do you think dresses really well?

G: Blake Lively has grown more into her skin as a fashionista and has impressed me with not only her red carpet looks, but her casual everyday looks as well.

A: Vanessa Hudgens

What style would you keep alive in men’s wear forever?

G: I would keep the business casual look alive forever. However, I think this type of style is a staple in all men’s closets, that it won’t ever go away.

A: Casual Grunge

What style would you keep alive in women’s wear forever?

G: I really like the bohemian-gypsy look. I know it’s not a style everyone can pull off, but I love the free-flowing spirit behind this style.

A: Tomboy Bohemian

What’s a current trend you do not like in men’s wear?

G: Tight pants that almost look like leggings on a dude is unattractive.

A: To be honest, this question is tricky to answer because I’m not a very judgmental person when it comes to fashion. I’m all about wearing whatever you want to wear, but I wouldn’t mind seeing anything Ed Hardy/Affliction/MMA fall off the face of the Earth. #sorryimnotsorry

What’s a current trend you do not like in women’s wear?

G: As much as I adore lace, I can’t stand it when a girl wears too much of it in separate pieces, such as lace shorts with a lace crop top. It should be kept to one article of clothing, paired with something other than lace.

A: Easy. UGG boots in the summer. Enough said.

If you were stuck alone on an island, what is something you would be grateful for?

G: I’d be grateful for no more bills to pay!

A: I would be grateful for not having to share my WIFI with anyone, assuming that there will be WIFI on this island.

Photography by - Gedalya Krycer


theface off

fashion studentsMarisol Perez

(Fashion Retail and Management)“Fashion is a way to express yourself in a creative and unique way. To me, fashion is a

business card. It’s a way for people to see who I am and what I represent.”

Gabrielle Nix (Fashion Retail and Management)

“Fashion to me in general is uniqueness and individual personality, whether it’s with clothes or personality. Fashion to me means being unique.”

Labron Gantt (Fashion Retail and Management)

“Fashion from my perspective is character. It shows a sense of character, style, taking care of yourself. It means freedom and self-expression to me. It means doing what makes you feel good, wearing what makes you

feel comfortable as an individual. To me it’s feeling comfortable in what you wear regardless of what others may think.”

We asked the students of Ai what they thought fashion was to them and what it means to them. This is what they had to say...


face offfashion students non-fashion studentsInterviews by: Cheri Norton, Graciella ColmenaresPhotography by: Graciella Colmenares

non-fashion students

Ingrid Choi (Graphic Design) “Fashion is a culture, a group of people that dress to show the nature of what they do and their personality. To me, fashion doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be updated. As long as you’re well groomed, it shows you respect yourself and care about how you look. You don’t have to wear expensive pieces to show off that you’re fashionable.”

Ben Sahagun(Photography)“Fashion is what people wear that’s trendy and what the future trends could be. It depends on where you live in the world and varies from place to place. It depends on people’s culture. Fashion to me is a person’s outfit, but the real fashion is about who is wearing that outfit, which brings out their personality.”

Arda Mahserejian (Photography)“Most people think that fashion is a designer brand, a well-known name, or stuff you see on the runway. But to me, fashion doesn’t have to be a well-known name. It can be anything that looks interesting and cool.”

vs


your closet?What’s in “Leopard print flats, because the neutral colors in the print can match with

anything: jeans, skirts, different colored t-shirts.”

Atiya ClementeFashion Retail & Management

“A floral dress is important to have in your closet because a girl can’t wear pants every single day.”

Saisunee PiriyasathirakulGraphic Design

“A good cover-up, like a sweater or a kimono, because it’s always good to go on tanks and shirts.”

Alyssa BasconFilm

“A comfortable pair of jeans that fit you well because they are versatile”

Ingrid ChoiGraphic Design

“A pair of sneakers because they’re convenient and comfortable. Plus, they match with different color palettes.”

Alexis RevisFashion Retail & Management

“A black or navy blazer, because it’s easy to combine with any color.”

Antonio Quiles-CoronaGraphic Design

“A suit. I don’t understand why guys don’t have one or two suits in their closet. It looks professional.”

Andrew ValdeAnimation

“A lightweight neutral colored linen jacket for something you can pair with jeans or pants.”

Francisco CastilloGraphic Design

“A neutral colored tank top to pair with anything.”

Gedalya KrycerGraphic Design

Student Events

Featured HereTo Be

Quarterly


meetbondamyInterview by: Cheri Norton and Graciella Colmenares

Photography by: Gedalya Krycer

Amy Bond, a fashion design and fashion retail management instructor, has been teaching at the Art Institute of Las Vegas for over a year now. She started out teaching at the California Design College where she taught for eight years. We sat down with her and got a sense of who she is as an instructor as well as a designer.

1. What are some examples of the classes you teach?AB: The classes I teach are Sewing, Pattern Making, this quarter, and Technical Drawing. Technical Drawing will be taught by Tiki and myself, using Photoshop and Illustrator, we’re very excited about teaching this class, it hasn’t ever been offered.

2. Can students take any of the classes in Fashion Design as an elective, for majors other than fashion?AB: You can take Sewing 101 and be of any program, as an elective, it’s based on the number of the sewing machines available, there are 12 basic sewing machines, that’s how many students can sign up per class.

3. We hear that you are also a designer and that you make your own cloth-ing. How did you get started doing that?AB: It’s a mystery to this day. I taught myself how to sew, that was around fifth and sixth grade. I lived in a small town in Pennsylvania, and they just did not capture my personal style in anyway, shape or form and no one in my family sewed.

4. What was the 1st class you took to become a designer?AB: I graduated in 1992, with my BFA in Fashion Design. I tested out of my 1st sewing class. I shouldn’t have, it just made me cocky. So 2nd level sewing course was my 1st class. Where I spent the rest of my college years unlearning what I had taught myselfThat’s why they shouldn’t have let me test out of Sewing 1.

5. What are some things that you did in order to make yourself successful?AB: It’s a lot of risks; I took a lot of risks. I followed a fairly conventional route after my BFA, working for other designers, worked really hard; did what ever was asked of me. But then at one point I decided it was time to go. I quit my job and my boyfriend at that time, (who is now my husband), we both quit our jobs and within two weeks, we got a U-Haul, put my two cats and his dog in it and just drove to Los Angles from Pennsylvania. We did this with no jobs and no place to live, to start a fashion company. And we did. That was our goal. You have to be young or without responsibilities.


bondWhen I look at

something like this, (geometric circles),

what I saw in that, was beadwork.

Chanel. Who wouldn’t want to spend a couple of weeks with Carl Lagerfeld, one of my favorites, I would be able to comfortably work with Alber Elbaez. Nicholas Ghesquiere, also... this could go on forever [and she laughs].

13. What are three things that you think a women and a man should have in their closet? AB: A pair of sox, underwear and a pair of pants. I took the question very literally.

14. What is your favorite style to wear?AB: I wear button down shirts, classic sports wear, tailored pants. Not a lot of fashion risks myself. Other designers wear, black or look like they just rolled out of bed. However, their work speaks for them, not their wardrobe.

6. What kind of style do you incorporate into your collections?AB: I tend to be geometrically inspired so most of my collections have a lot of complex shapes. I’m inspired a lot by fine art that’s what usually drives me. When I do mood boards it’s usually from fine art, I just have stacks and stacks of fine art magazines, I go through them and rip stuff out, that’s usually where I start.

7. What kinds of things inspire you to make your collections?AB: When I look at something like this, (geometric circles), what I saw in that, was bead work. That lead me to go and get the beads, to start playing with creating my own fabric out of bead work, which is what this is, (4x4 inch fabric and beads square). Once I have finished the piece, I’m done. If asked what shoes do you want, I don’t care, what kind of jewelry, I don’t care, I’ve done my part.

18. What is your ultimate goal in life?AB: Currently I’m overtaken by ants, therefore the elephant is still fuzzy, but he’s in the room, just fuzzy grey. I know I’ve gotten distracted by that, it’s bummed me out. I’m trying to build this business, I’m about to a new open a studio downtown which is very exciting.

I’ve had this space for two months; it’s cleaned out, just sitting there, vacant. So the space is there, I have the clients, I think I know what I want to do, but I keep taking on all these projects that sideline me.

Just took on a sample making project, do I really want to be a sample maker; this is kind of stupid, when I really want to be a designer. Originally it was going to be a design development studio, and I would use it as a place of fashion resource.

it, it doesn’t come true. Love does not conqueror everything. You can’t eat passion. Just because you dream it doesn’t mean you can make it. You have to be realistic about what your skills are. And in fashion it’s broad, you can specialize, you can find out if you’re a very technical person and that can lead you to a pattern making kind of direction.

Or find out you’re a very creative person, that can lead to trend forecasting, fashion show production, there are a lot of divisions within that, but if you’re not realistic and say, “I want to be a designer of my own fashion collection” and you really don’t have the skills, you’re just wasting your own time. It takes a lot of good hard questions, and listening to your mentors, that’s what everybody is here for.

11. Can you spot the students that are making it? What is it that they do? That they’ve made it on your

15. What is a recent/current trend you don’t like?AB: Gosh, there are so many! Neon lace.

16. If you could vacation any-where in the world, money not being an issue, where would you go? Why?AB: The entire content of Europe, of course. Because it is the pinnacle of all style and, it’s Europe.

17. When you’re not teaching or designing, what do like to do on your down time?AB: [laughs] My what?? What I’m doing with my free time right now is freelanc-ing, which is wackier. I use to read for pleasure, stopped due to the work. I do like to cook, also rollerblading, but it’s been awhile for the rollerblading.

8. How do you juggle your busy schedule?AB: When we were juggling the business, it was only the two of us, so we would take turns doing whatever needed to be done. When our daughter was born, we would have to go back and forth with her. 9. You have your Masters Degree, would you go back for anything else?AB: I would go back for Academic Administration or something like that. I like school; I’m dorky that way.

10. What are some words of wisdom you can give to students in order for them to be successful at the Art Institute and in their future careers?AB: Critical self-analysis. [laughs] Perseverance certainly, and realism. Unfortunately just because you dream

Clients could come to me and I would be doing what I’m doing now as a freelance. I could do designing for the clients or make patterns and samples or I could do correction patterns or I could do sourcing. I’m working with other designers helping their business grow. But I’m a designer, not just a pattern maker.

So I’m starting to gravitate away from all the services and thinking, hey, I have this amazing space, why am I not trying to build up my collection? It’s that same thing as, you’re 27 and moving across country, I know why I’m not starting my collection, I know what I need that I don’t have, I know what it takes todayUltimate goal in life? Happiness.

list, that they will probably make it?AB: It’s usually the perseverance, they’re the ones that constantly show up, the ones that constantly try and ask questions. I think any teacher in any field would say the same thing.

The students that show up, the students who ask questions, the students who do their homework, the ones who participate and the ones who are willing to change. Like, “you didn’t do this right, or would you be willing to approach this project from a different direction?” If instead they say, “no, that’s just how I see it!” or “Oh, ok, maybe I could do it this way.” And that adds another layer to their experience if they are willing to at least try it out.

12. If you could work with any designer, who would it be?AB: I’d probably hang out with Coco

“”


StudentSpotlight:Autumn Myers is an Ai student who is on track to graduate in 2016. She will receive a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Fashion Retail Management. She has been a pillar in the fashion department while attending the Art Institute of Las Vegas and has had a great experience so far during her years attending classes.

We sat down with her to get her opinion on a few things about Ai and about what she plans to do after graduation.

What’s been your most favorite class since being a student here at AI? AM: My most favorite class has been taking presentation and techniques. I choose this one not because the teacher is fresh and funny but because he has a creative eye and his work inspires me to get more creative. I used to look at the norm in fashion classes and see it just as designers and brand names but with his class you have the creative liberty to make yellow lizard skin shoes with patent leather skirt for designing fashion croquis. I wouldn’t recommend it but why not be crazy and go out of the box.

I learned how to use technology to create your personal brand and enhance it. I love Pho-toshop, so this class was just perfect already. Also it seems like I’m excelling and learning more than just handbags and what Beyoncé’s favorite color is. Of course I care for all those things but this class taught me how to really think out of the box and stay creative.

What’s been the most complicated class you’ve taken so far? AM: The most complicated class I have taken so far would be the event production class. I kind of despised it because we have so many personalities and different characters of people all coming together and trying to make an event work. It was frustrating because I fought so much trying to get my voice heard but then I gave up a bit and decided to go along with the ideas.

The event turned out excellent, however, I wish I had expressed my voice and my ideas more. I think that’s the hardest thing about group projects. We have to fight for our ideas to prevail and if no one agrees you just have to go along with what the team wants and swallow your pride. I know that’s what our future industry jobs will entail so it’s an early life lesson.

One of the best things about being a fashion student is ____________? AM: I used to have all my friends ask me to style them and find their outfits for dinners or just going out. I would be confused at why would they keep asking me. I soon then realized they look to you for that advice because being a fashion major is kind of a badge for you. They want you to show them how and what to wear and what styles to try out. I kind of love that part besides all the learning about branding and trend forecasting. I love having people ask me for fashion advice because it makes me seem a bit relevant to this fashion world.

As a fashion student here at AI, we’ve been on some pretty interesting field trips. What so far has been your most favorite place to visit?AM: The industry talk at the Stitch Factory was my favorite of all because during that time in life I was pretty much over school and wanting to quit on all I had done and just go to UNLV. It was one of my classes where I had kept skipping because I was over it and one day the professor announced we were going to an industry talk at the stitch factory and then I said, “Oh I won’t go.” My friend volunteered to take me and I did go and was a little sour but then the group of people came up and started talking and I felt a sense of inspiration from all of their stories.

They discussed the fails and success they have made while obtaining their fashion dreams. I will never forget what the Model/ designer said, “ I cried to myself and just wanted to give up until my mother had to pull me out of bed and told me to stop whining and try again.” She discussed her fails while building her swimsuit line and I kind of had a relatable moment. I seen that as a sign to shut up crying and quitting and to get up and make history happen.

We hear you have your own fashion blog. Tell us a little bit about it. AM: Oh gosh, this fashion blog started off as different names from sensei in the closet, closet guru, and so many crazy more. I had no idea what I was doing while designing the template and I remember I asked one of the teachers to take a look and tell me her opinion. She was beyond brutal. I almost gave up until a friend told me, “what does she know, she wears Forever 21.” I then took her criticism and rebuilt it all. I changed my name to City Girl Desert Doll because I was born in a small city called Syracuse in New York. The city was all I knew from baby to tween years and then I moved to this desert and it changed me in a way.


AutumnMyers

The doll means I started wearing dresses and skirts and make up. I was a tomboy growing up so that’s why I say desert doll. Being in Las Vegas made me more of a girly girl. So after that I had to start posting posts that people cared about and I started on my style Diaries because fashion is what I love so why not post my outfits and intakes on companies. I introduced myself as a blogger at the Magic 2013 summer convention and soon people were asking me to do reviews and buzzing and emails flew in. I never felt so important before.

Now I rebranded myself and people ask me to do company reviews and I do email interviews. People love my crazy creative photo shoots with my best friend / Photography major Clinton Wilder. I just received emails to after mix and mingles for upcoming MAGIC events and published in two different magazines. Now this one! I couldn’t figure out why this is happening but I know someone has plans for me and I am happy to keep writing and staying blessed.

What has your experience at AI been like?AM: Well, if I had to say two words to describe all of it I would say mind blowing. I came to this school fresh minded and straight from high school where everyone thought and told me my dreams would make no money or never get me anywhere. I was picked on a lot in high school because I talked about these dreams I had and everyone used to say you’re too ambitious and you’re too nice to make it in fashion. For a short moment in time close to graduation I almost went away to UNR (University of Reno) because I was quitting due to all the negative vibes.

Something happened to me where I didn’t submit that application and instead used my graduation money to submit my application to AI and then I did it. I came here shy and awkward and easily influenced that everyone was my friend. Soon then I learned on my own that we are all competing to do great in this industry. So I learned some people will love to see you grow as a person and some will never want you to have what they are afraid to obtain.

I went from being shy and silent to smiling and making sure my voice gets heard and that landed me so many of the opportunities in my life. It’s been like I said a mind blowing experience because it taught me my foundation of who I truly am and how I can truly express myself and be taken seriously. It allowed me to see my dreams are not too big to obtain, it may take a little work but I can do it.

What is your next step after graduation?AM: I am I believe super ambitious because I want to after I graduate of course I want to travel, but work with different companies such as Nasty gal for example. I want to contribute to building more their brand by working on their social media outlets, writing some of the articles they post and publish, helping build their brand even higher. I want to have my hands in the creative department if I could. My next step is building my own brand of cafe boutiques because my two loves are clothes and coffee. I know loads about coffee as much as I know about shoes.

It’s pretty funny how this obsession is how people remember me. They tell me, “ You’re always with a cup of coffee you should just own a Starbucks.” I took that and thought hmm, not a Starbucks but a cafe with more of a street urban Boho feel. Of course after that while building my little brand of boutiques and cafes, I want to go back to school for designing Jewelry. I always loved making headpieces, little bracelets, and earrings and it would be awesome to have two degrees under my belt. See, told you I was ambitious.

What are three tips for success that you would give in your field?AM: Three tips I would say would be 1. To never think your dreams are too big, that’s just you being afraid!2. Go out there with a smile and conquer it the best you can, if you fail wipe those tears and get up again.3. You will have haters and naysayers, that just means you are doing it right then.I started saying all these things to myself when I wanted to quit and give it all up and I knew I came too far to quit so why stop now.

Interview by: Graciella Colmenares


Interview by: Graciella Colmenares and Chelsey Ruckdaschel

WhitedKarissa Whited is an Ai Alumni who recently graduated in March of 2014. She received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Graphic Design. She did a lot while attending the Art Institute of Las Vegas and had a great experience during her years attending classes.

Right after graduating, she moved to Seattle to pursue a career in graphic design. We sat down with her to get her opinion on a few things about Ai and about her career now that she is a recent graduate.

As a student, who was your favorite teacher?

KW: Paul Thens and Laurie Nickerson were my favorite instructors while attending Ai. They are very No BS kind of instructors, which now being out of school, I appreciate. They were also the most informative and helpful. Paul Thens was there for me on an educational and a personal level from the very first day I attended Ai. He helped me through the rough patches of learning Illustrator all the way to reviewing my portfolio when I graduated. I absolutely adored Laurie because she was quirky and fun, BUT she also was all about teaching us the industry and showing us how things really worked. When I attended Ai, some of these instructors have a fantasy land of extending deadlines or approving late work. Laurie and Paul were the only instructors who gave a glimpse of career reality.

Which class at the Art Institute did you like the most?

KW: I liked 3D and Package Design the most. Just because it was an opportunity to break away from flat 2D and print design work. I was able to prototype and test my designs and make them into something other than a PDF presentation. Now looking back, those were some of the most important classes you could take at Ai because when you start working, projects are always changing and new. One day I work on apparel for Amazon then today I am designing boxes for a product that I need to have LED lights embedded to the sides of the box. When you think you know everything when you graduate, guess again and be prepared to get thrown to the wolves on some projects and know everyday you are going to learn something new.

What’s your fondest memory of being a student at the Art Institute?

KW: Being apart of AIGA and going to the meet and greet events were some of the best things I did at Ai. I think just being proactively involved going to AIGA seminars I benefited from the most as well. I met such great people that I still keep in contact with today. Connections are crucial in this industry!

Was there something you wish you could have done differently while at the Art Institute?

KW: I wish I had put more time into my Portfolio from my first year on. The instructors tell you to focus on your portfolio from your very first quarter and I guess I had this complex like, “Oh there’s a class for that, whatever I’ll get there then worry about it.” If I could go back and slap myself back into reality I would. Because as much time as you get in Portfolio Prep and Presentation it’s not enough. Everything you should do should be a potential portfolio piece. There is nothing worse than getting to portfolio and not being happy with your work or having the feeling that you need to create items from scratch for certain categories. Produce work you would be happy with showing to potential employers, ALWAYS.

What were some clubs that you were involved with while you were a student?

KW: AIGA, NAPP, and Adobe. AIGA I was involved with on campus, after just a few months I loved it and became a student board member. AIGA is how I got my internship, which was an amazing experience. I worked on Pacific Rim, Godzilla, and iFrankenstein. I also worked with major brands like Double Tree, Twitter, Zappos, and pretty much every company in DTLV. I would have NEVER gotten that internship without AIGA and networking myself. NAPP is an organization for photographers, but since I went to school for photography before attending Ai I had a foot in the door with this organization. They actually have scholarships where you can win a full pass to the Photoshop World convention, and I would apply and receive it every year.

Again, another opportunity to market yourself, network and LEARN. Adobe was another cool thing to do. They have a student rep program where you get Adobe CC for free for a few months. You take some webinars and they give you all this Adobe swag to be able to pass around at your school and even throw your own seminar or sorts on your campus. Really cool, and if any of you want to learn how to be apart of these organizations, get my info from Chelsey Ruckdaschel and e-mail me!

What are some words of wisdom given by a peer/teacher that you have carried with you into your career?

KW: Paul Thens once told me,“Everything I learned, I didn’t learn from Ai.” Let me be clear, this is not a statement to bash Ai in anyway. This has more behind it than what may come across. Ai is a great school, BUT you get out of it what you put into it. If you are just attending the classes, not making connections, and turning in work you slapped together the night before or even right before class, you are not going to get very far in this

Karissa is


alumniindustry. Ai is a place where you have to emerge yourself to really learn and grow as an artist. Because I was apart of AIGA and networked and had amazing internship opportu-nities is where I learned the most. Once you leave school, you learn even more. For me, Ai was like the safe nest before reality. I thought I was prepared for the industry and I had everything in the bag. I was so wrong. I am learning new design tricks everyday and pushing myself as a designer every single day. It’s true, everything I am learning now that is crucial to working no one ever taught us at Ai.

What do you think was your biggest accomplishment while you were a student?

KW: I think taking the time to learn to 3D print on my own free time was the biggest ac-complishment for me. I saw this new technology and dove right in. It was the best thing I could have done for myself, because now they are talking about 4D printing. Crazy, right?

What was the hardest project you were given as a graphic design student?

KW: PORTFOLIO. That in itself was hard for me because I had to mature as a designer and really look back at my work and was like, “I actually turned this in for a grade???????!!!!!!!!” It was a lot of back and forth with myself trying to figure out how I can effectively display my style and my work that conveyed who I am as a designer best also be good enough to get me a job. That’s your ultimate goal, is to graduate and to establish a career, and I was so wrapped up in just passing classes and graduating I would forget that at the end of all of this, you have to get a job! Those students loans aren’t going to pay themselves back, haha!

You graduated in March of this year, tell us about what you do now.

KW: Right now I do SEVERAL jobs. My daily grind is working with a company called Lapgevity here in Seattle. The website isn’t the most glorious if you so choose to look it up, I am actually in the process of trying to get my CEO to spruce it up. Basically, I work from home. It’s really cool. There is an office I can go to if I so choose, but my company loves me enough that they trust me enough to get my work done and meet deadlines and not micro manage me from an office.

Which you will come to find out is AWESOME. At Lapgevity I do a little bit of everything. Last week I did some clothing designs and swag designs for this new Xbox game called Watchdog. It’s supposed to be some super new game that came out or is coming out and Microsoft-Xbox is launching an entire apparel line for the game. I also just did this really cool design for Microsoft for the corporate office, I designed a pool table and pool ball sets for the new Surface 3 tablet that they are going to release. I do a little bit of

everything. I design clothes, packaging, pool tables, cufflinks ( did some for GM bigwigs a few weeks ago, random!), but you get the idea. It’s something new everyday. I don’t have a set schedule. I wake up at 9, rollover and work from my bed. Let’s just say I have it made and I don’t plan on leaving this job anytime soon. I also do freelance work when given. I actually just got an email from Dan Embry yesterday who wanted me to partner on a job with him that he just bid on. So that was really cool, I was honored Dan would even consider working with me.

xI also am a contract freelance designer for BuzzBee Ad Agency. Basically, I get work when their main staff is too busy and I get the jobs they can’t fit in. Which just this month it was some Xbox One advertising and marketing materials. AND, I also have my own Etsy shop open now. On my downtime I create minimalist posters for the pop-culture of today. So Doctor Who, Hannibal, X-Men, you name it! I also take custom order for business card, wedding invites, pretty much anything.

Looking back on your experience, how did the Art Institute prepare you for your career?

KW: Ai gave me the basic skills I needed to get out and get on my feet to establish a job. Which again, that’s your ultimate goal. I think Ai got me where I needed to be all in all, but I know I worked hard to where I was when I graduated. Again, you get what you put into it.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

KW: I have no idea. My life and work just takes me in crazy directions and right now I love it. I’m sure when I become more of an adult of sorts I’ll want something more corporate. Haha, yeah right. But in all seriousness, I just hope I am still working and love my job.

theAiis

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TAKE ACTION!

Story By: Jenae Hightower Photography by: Gedalya Krycer

Raise Your Voice,For Choice.

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed new rules that will affect federal

financial aid and may limit choices for the types of programs in which you are interested and

the schools you may attend. These regulations could impact millions of Americans.

Jenae Hightower, an interior design student at the Art Institute of Las Vegas, wrote the

following article that outlines the issue at hand and talks about her opinion on the matter.

If you wish to share your story, visit www.SaveStudentChoice.com to learn more

about the rule and to locate your elected officials.


“”

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A few months ago... I was informed by the school’s administration that the Gainful Employment Rule is going to affect future students in the schools they choose and the amount of federal aid that’s given to them. I decided to go and research exactly what’s going on and come to a conclusion on my research.

I wanted to hear both parties so I can come to a sound understanding on exactly what’s going on. After a month of research and talking to people this is what I found out. To set the platform I will give you an unbiased opinion on what is taking place with our educational preferences.

The Obama Administration released final regulations requiring career college programs to better prepare students for “gainful employment” or risk losing access to Federal student aid. While many career college programs are helping to prepare America’s workforce for the jobs of the future, far too many students at these schools are taking on unsustainable debt in exchange for degrees and certificates that fail to help them get the jobs they need or were promised. These regulations are designed to ramp up over the next four years, giving college’s time to reform while protecting students and their families from exploitative programs.

“These new regulations will help ensure that students at these schools are getting what they pay for: solid preparation for a good job,” Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “We’re giving career colleges every opportunity to reform themselves but we’re not letting them off the hook, because too many vulnerable students are being hurt,” Duncan continued. To qualify for Federal aid, the law requires that most for-profit programs and certificate programs at nonprofit and public institutions prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

Under the regulations introduced today, a program would be considered to lead to gainful employment if it meets at least one of the following three metrics: at least 35 percent of former students are repaying their loans (defined as reducing the loan balance by at least $1); the estimated annual loan payment of a typical graduate does not exceed 30 percent of his or her discretionary income; or the estimated annual loan payment of a typical graduate does not exceed 12 percent of his or her total earnings.

While the regulations apply to occupational training programs at all types of institutions, for-profit programs are most likely to leave their students with unaffordable debts and poor employment prospects. For the Educator’s view point I received the facts that are detailed in the next few paragraphs.

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed a new Gainful Employment rule that would again limit educational and economic opportunities for students or

faculty/staff members of The Art Institute of Las Vegas. This proposed “Gainful Employment “ rule would make entire programs ineligible for Title IV federal student financial aid if they fail to meet two arbitrary measurements derived from a debt to – income ratio and loan default rates.

Essentially the proposed rule will limit choices and education access for students, while expanding the skills gap across the country. While considering the rule, the public has opportunity to provide critical feedback during an open “Comment Period”. The “Gainful Employment” proposed rule was published on March 26, 2014 and allows for a 60 day open public comment period concluding on May 27, 2014. In short, the Department of Education’s proposed Gainful Employment rule will limit educational and economic opportunities for millions of Americans.

Specifically, this rule will have a particularly adverse effect on degree programs offered to low-income, minority, women, working adult, and other undeserved populations. This will result in reduced access, less opportunity, and fewer choices for students.

In July I will be at the Institution of my choosing the Art Institute of Las Vegas. I have found that they have touched in all the areas that I will need to advance my future endeavors. I have been an Interior Decorator for ten years after attending AILV I will become an Interior Designer and accepted by the Design Community. I know that they teach the basics and are extremely experienced of Interior Design.

My conclusion, after researching both sides I came to acknowledge you can be taught everything you know in your field, you can learn all the programs, be versed in knowledge and education but if the student takes what they know and does not apply a sense of determination and a willingness for advancement than the greatest educational institution does not fail them but the unwillingness to succeed will cause their demise.

If you sit around after you have a diploma then how can one blame the educational system? Mind you there are wretched teachers but they come once in a while the great ones are there to see you grow and help you advance in life. . The old saying comes to mind, “You can give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime.” I know determination, being persistent and consistent is going to land me a job.

Not everybody will find a job immediately upon graduation I would advise dropping off resumes well in advance, intern so you can be hired later, start early for job opportunities so you can have a direction once you have graduated.

Essentially the proposed rule will limit choices and education

access for students, while expanding the skills gap

across the country.


I started writing this blog because I went through Instagram and saw so many people posting photos that were fashion bloggers. I thought about wanting to make and create one for myself. I thought it was a fun way to express how I felt about different things and try to find how to voice that opinion.

Whenever I would talk I would feel that my voice was not being heard, so I decided to blog it and see if anyone ever listened to what I had to say. It took awhile after loads of ideas and concepts of what and how to go with it.

I wanted to find something that described me as an individual and person growing in this "fashion world." So then after loads of researching and analyzing other amazing fashion blogs I learned how to design the template myself and add a little spin into it.

Most fashion bloggers would write about their outfits and the free clothes they received. I wanted to do something different where I would review companies and personally interview what their contribution was to the fashion world.

I wanted to post why I wore the things I wore to show people my style was not established. To show it's fun to mess around until you find your signature theme.

I am usually my harshest critic when writing my blog because I

tend to look at my photos and think, "oh lord why am I so fat or why did I make that face." I think that the hardest part is knowing how to have confidence. Some days I'm a little exuberant bubble of sunshine.

Other days I'm really malicious and evil towards self-image and myself. I have to remember at the end of the day beauty is in every form and not just in the maga-zines. That was hard for myself for a bit. Now I have more fun with my photos and remember to smile and be brave.

I know people want to see realistic girls giving style tips and advice and not these super paid to be perfect woman. It's a bit of reas-surance to myself. It allows me to grow more as a blogger and be able to truly relate to my readers. I love when people leave these comments saying, "oh that helped me with finding the right jeans for my curves too."

One of the other perks is, I love when companies to send me clothing because I talked about their company in my last post. It does make me feel like; “oh I'm making people happy”. Honestly, all I really am doing is just having fun with all of this. I had many occurrences in life where everyone seemed to be against it or to stop me but I found my way back again because this is my baby.

I built these ideas from dreams and from wishes. I wanted to wake

up and stop dreaming and make them reality. I love doing what I do, and if fame comes with it then I'm happy with that. For now, I know people enjoy reading it and looking at what I see as fashion. That's what honestly makes me happy. So for now, there is no way I am going to stop it.

I have many fashion inspirations but as for favorite blogs I use these ladies as style inspiration when I want to play with my outfit.

I would use this as my top four list of blogs to visit if you are feeling, girly prepster, hard core grunge, urban luxury, and bohemian rocker.

Recommended blogs by Autumn1. Songofstlye.com: This blog features fashion enthusiast Aimee Song and her blog is daily inspirations of how to dress casual and on trend while looking feminine and girly. She posts her adventures when traveling to different fashion weeks such as Fashion Week Paris and New York. She gives amazing detail on what she is wearing and why she recommends it.

2. Le-Happy.com: This site features New York street Grunge fashion lady named Luanna. She takes brands with controversy and edge and makes them into this stylish edgy punk princess look. She does not over do it by adding super Gothic items into her clothing. She makes them

fashionable by adding pieces you would see at Aldo or featured in Teen Vogue.

3. Jnelv.com: This blog is the urban luxury that Kanye describes in all of his songs and this blogger Jenelle says he is one of her inspirations. She is always in the latest street gear and wears it with gorgeous heels from Jeffery Campbell. She makes the urban trend look less hood and higher end. She is my favorite for the urban street wear trend.

4. Nicolealyse.com: This blogger named Nicole, is a Vintage buyer for Gypsy Warrior, which is an Boho rocker boutique in New Jersey. She is definitely artsy and has a vintage boho vibe to her. I love when she pairs her many metal rings with her signature wide brimmed hat.

She makes distress tees absolutely trendy. The style she has is edgy and artsy all in one. She takes vintage names and pairs them with fame brands like Nasty Gal or Motel Rocks.

If you are ever in a style rut and want to experiment then try out some of these sites and find your style. you can always play dress up with fashion. It’s made to be fun and confident for you. Take risks and make statements.

Blog This!featuring Autumn Myers & her blog City Girl Desert Doll

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Check out the best “Outfits Of The Day” from this quarter.

#Jacques Baugus

Audio Production

Ted LamisereGraphic Design

Jackie McMahan

Culinary

Alexis EscobarDFVP

Arda MahserejianPhotography

Asheley Sanders

Graphic Design

Antonio Quies-CoronaGraphic Design

Kahoku Carmichael

Film

Kyle SantosFilm

Ingrid ChoiGraphic Design

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lookBOOK

Check out some great memories from the previous quarter.


(Top) Hair styling and (Left) Makeup application at the Container Park Fashion Show.(Photographed by Gedalya Krycer)


(O.P.) Getting ready.(Top Left) Dress by Ai

Instructor Tiki. (Top Right) Winner of the

Container Park Fashion Show.(Bottom) Group Shot of models.

(Photographed by Gedalya Krycer)


(O.P.) Friendship!(Top) Fashion Director Sarah and community partner Winky Wu.(Left) Designer Vaugn and Model Graciella.(Photographed by Gedalya Krycer)


(O.P.) Ai film student Andrew Dang recording behind the scenes at the Aveda/Ai Fashion Show.(Left) Fashion Designer Aaron Baguinon with model.

(Middle) Runway(Right) Ai Models - (L) Graciella Colmenares and (R) Jasmine Bell.

(Bottom) Avada Institute / Ai fashion Show(Photographed by Mel Dadulla)

www.artinstitutes.edu/las-vegaswww.artinstitutes.edu/las-vegas

OUTREACHoperation

“What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?”

— Winston Churchill

At the Art Institute we are committed to our community. Our students and faculty work closely with outside organizations to

spread the goodness of art for all to see. We are a driving force with the help of community leaders, business owners and fashion pioneers to

make Las Vegas a better and more beautiful place.

29


The Container Park Fashion Show was a competition where fashion students of the Art Institute teamed up with tenants of Container Park, to design and create dresses that strongly represented the stores and their merchandise. This competition also gave AI fashion students the opportunity to showcase their talents, while also challenging their knowledge of apparel construction by using some not so basic elements. Some of these materials included kettle corn, pieces of glass, burlap, hand drawn artwork, and even scarves and watches.

At the event, a panel of judges chose two winners, awarding two students for their hard work and creativity. Also, audience members were able to vote for their favorite designs, giving one winner the “Best in Show” award. This interactive event took fashion shows to a different level, and it’s all thanks to one company who made this event possible: Winky Designs.

Winky Designs, a local watch brand created by owner, Winky Wu, brought this fashion show to life. Winky and her team dedicated their time to successfully create an event that looked effortlessly put together. However, as a volunteer of this awesome event, I can say first hand that a lot of time and preparation was done to make this the spectacular show it was!

The Container Park show was the first fashion show of the year that I was able to participate in, where I was active as both a volunteer and a model. As a volunteer, I was assigned by Winky and her team to help prepare for the show. One thing I did was help come up with ideas to execute a proper voting system for our audience. I also assisted the team with other tasks, such as contacting models for information about their dresses and helping sew part of the Winky Designs dress for the competition. As a fashion major, it was a fun experience to help out the team and see the hard work it took to create this event.

As exciting as it was to have a behind the scenes look at the preparation of the show, being able to showcase one of the designs was just as much fun! Art Institute student, Matu Cleaver, was partnered with tenants of Tennessee Loveless and BluMarble, where she designed and created two dresses that depicted each store in an imaginative and fun way. I was able to work with Matu and help show-off one of the designs by participating as her model for the show.

The dress I wore was inspired by the store BluMarble, a retailer that repurposes glass bottles and creates beautiful merchandise, such as jewelry, drinking glasses, and vases. The store was thrilled to work with Matu, providing her with pieces of glass rims from bottles to use for her dress. Matu then proceeded to create a two-piece garment consisting of a corset inspired top with a matching circle skirt, both made of burlap and lining.

Matu came up with the idea to sew pieces of glass on the front of the corset and stagger a few pieces at the top of the skirt. She also created a bracelet made out of wine corks to add a matching accessory to the outfit. I was so proud to wear such a beautiful piece for the fashion show. Although she may not have won an award during the competition, I give her props for having the extra energy to still create her dresses for the show despite her busy schedule. She helped make this whole experience for me even more fun than I imagined and can’t wait to see what other designs she will come up with next.

Over all, the Container Park fashion show was a great experience, both behind and in front of the scenes. A big thank you to Winky Designs for hosting this event and involving our students! The Winky Designs team put in a lot effort to this show and I’m grateful to have been part of the process. It will for sure go down in the books!

OUTREACHcontainer parkFASHION SHOW

30

Story By: Graciella ColmenaresPhotography by: Gedalya Krycer


Safe House Fashion ShowGo behind the scenes with Graciella and see what it takes to put on an amazing charity fashion show.

As a fashion student here at the Art Institute, I am always looking for ways to build my resume and my portfolio. Whether if it’s volunteering my time as a peer mentor, giving my input about fashion for a blog, or creating something for a school project, I try to put a 100 percent into it all, with the sole purpose to mentally collect my accomplishments and proudly list them down on paper.

But it wasn’t until recently that I was reminded of something: That even as a fashion major, the work I do isn’t just about putting something down on my resume for everyone to see, but to really enjoy the experiences I have and learn from them.

Back in March of this year, my fashion director, Sara Brinckerhoff, had encouraged me to coordinate a fashion show for a non-profit organization called Safe House. I gladly accepted the role and thought how great it would be to put “Fashion Show Coordinator” down in my resume.

Later on, I did more research and found that Safe House was an organization that took in and helped battered women, children, and men. Every year, Safe House hosts a luncheon on Mother’s Day weekend called Pretty in Pink. This fundraiser is a luncheon where they feature a guest speaker, silent auction, and some form of entertainment.

This year, Safe House wanted to incorporate a fashion show that would somehow fit the theme of what they stood for as an organization. After brainstorming out some ideas, I came up with the concept called “Empowering Women through the Ages”, where models would dress up as historical female figures that helped revolutionize women’s rights. After creating an outline of the event and compiling a list of historical women, it was time to get to work!

The PreparationTo plan this show successfully, I worked closely with Safe House’s Outreach Coordinator, Annette Scott and their student intern, Sabreena Hassim. Being a Women’s Studies major, Annette was very helpful in picking out which women in history made a great impact on society.

The list included inspiring women such as Madam CJ Walker, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, and Malala Yousafzai . With a total of 18 volunteer models, we picked out historical women that each model represented the best. After drawing up the final list, it was time to pick out clothing and accessories.

At first, we weren’t sure which stores would be best to work with for the show. After weighing our options, we decided it would be best to partner with a thrift store

that Safe House worked with called The Giving Store. The Giving Store is similar to a Salvation Army, where they willingly take donations from the community. Also, Safe House takes their unused clothing from the shelter and donates them to the Giving Store so they can sell it for profit. Excited to see what treasures we would find in the store, Annette set up a day with the owner where we could go in and pick things out.

With the help of Sabreena and FRM students Aaron Baguinon and Atiya Clemente, we rummaged through racks of clothing, shelves of shoes, and glass cases of jewelry until our outfits were set and ready for the show. A week before show time, Sabreena and I had asked our models to meet at the Giving Store for their final fittings.

Our models ranged from workers of the Safe House shelter, workers of the Safe House office, and volunteer students and friends from the Art Institute. As each model came in to try on their outfit, anticipation and excitement built up, making me more confident that this fashion show was going to be a hit.

It’s Showtime!May 9th was finally here and my team and I were ready to go. The event took place at the M Resort Spa and Casino in one of the

ballrooms. Along with Sabreena and Aaron, I also had help from FRM students Autumn Meyers and Tamara Croft. Aaron, Autumn, and Tee were in charge of any back stage help, which consisted of making sure the models showed up, that they got through hair and makeup, helping them fit into their outfits, and accommodate their models with anything else.

In order to eliminate confusion, I assigned Aaron, Autumn, and Tee each six models to work with throughout the show. This made the process of monitoring the backstage area stress-free and a lot easier for them.

For the show, we had the pleasure of working with some very talented people. A production company named GlamSquad702 was in charge of setting up the Safe House event. They also provided make-up artists and hair dressers for the fashion show portion of the event.

Our models were thrilled to have their hair and make-up done, which really put the look together for every model. Another person we were able to work with was a lady named Coni Meyers, the founder and owner of Trunk Show Specials. Coni runs an online retail store where she sells beautifully made jewelry, handbags, and scarves. She also believes in giving back to the community, so

Story By: Graciella Colmenares Photography by: Gedalya Krycer, Unknown


she works with non-profit organizations like Safe House for any events. Coni was kind enough to loan our models accessories for the show, which really put the perfect touches on every outfit. Once models were put through hair and make-up, it was time for a quick dress rehearsal before the doors opened.

We had our models lined up in a specific order, where they each took turns walking the runway. Sabreena and I were chosen to emcee the fashion show, so when every model walked down the catwalk, we both took turns explaining to our audience which historical figure they were representing and why they were considered an empowering woman.

As this was happening, we had Deejay Montello, a former Art Institute Audio student, play his own mix of songs that really set the mood for the show. After a few practices, we all headed backstage, where our models ate a quick lunch provided by the hotel. After 45 minutes of relaxation, it was time for our models to get into their outfits and accessories.

The AftermathThe show was a success! Each model walked down the runway with smiles on their faces to the beat of the upbeat music. At the end, we received a round of applause from many grinning faces in the audience. I felt

so accomplished at what we had done and felt proud of the team that made the event successful. Afterwards, we received numerous compliments about the show and how great it looked. It was then that I realized that the show was over, that it was successful, and that all the hard work I did paid off.

I also realized that this was a way for me to see first-hand what planning a fashion show was really like. Although I can honestly say that I had a lot of ups and downs during the preparation of this show, I will take it as a learning experience and apply what I’ve learned into the next fashion show I do. I’ve always been taught to do what I love

and to love what I do. The Safe House fashion show reminded me why I decided to get into the fashion industry. Even though clothing, shoes, and accessories are a big part of my major, it’s also about the experience, and that goes with any job field you are in.

This experience refreshed my mind, made me fall in love with connecting with people all over again, and reminded me that I make my own experiences by how hard I work. This experience isn’t just something I can put down on my resume, but a wonderful memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life.


Affordable Chic$$$21

3

4

5

(1) Bralette Lace Crop Top - $20.00 www.notestyle.com(2) Forever 21 Lady Lace Maxi Skirt - $27.80 www.forever21.com

(3) Mossimo Weave Crossbody Handbag w/Fringe - $12.00 www.target.com(4) H&M Cuff Bracelet - $9.95 www.hm.com

(5) Mix No. 6 Lacey Wedge Sandal - $34.94 www.dsw.com


Affordable Chic1 3

4 5(1) H&M Cotton Tank Top - $5.95 www.hm.com

(2) Destroyed Denim Cutoff Short - $29.99 www.ae.com(3) On The Byas Marcus Printed Pocket Short Sleeve Woven Shirt - $34.95 www.pacsun.com

(4) Classic Club Sunglasses - $14.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com (5) World Cup Plisol Sneaker - $24.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com

2Photo credits belong’s to each items respected company.


Jeans

Tilly’s

$40Jea

ns

Target

$35

ShoesCharlotte Russe

$12

Tank TopH&M$10

Total - $57

Head-To-Toe Photography and Story by: Gedalya Krycer


Jeans

Tilly’s

$40

VansFoot Locker$50

T-ShirtOld Navy$15

Total - $105

Ever wonder which shirt looks great with your jeans? Or what types of shoes goes well with your favorite dress? Well find out the answers here as we break down great outfits for guys and gals.


WTFa?!What The Fashion

Is that really a trend??Students weigh in on what trends they hate the most.

“When girls wear sweats.”

Robert HicksAudio

“Leggings.”

Jamal WilsonGame Art Design

“Giant sunglasses.”

Andrew ValdeAnimation

“Rompers.”

Joseph D’AmoraAudio Production

“Thick knitted sweaters.”Elias Gomez

Culinary

“Goldchainzzz.”

Lisette NunezGraphic Design

“Mini dresses.”Alan Becker

Interior Design

“Baggy pants, but still wears a belt.”

Melissa DadullaDigital Photography

“Men that wear ripped jeans. No, no, no!”

Sindelly OvdonezDigital Photography

“When guys wear floral clothes/hats.”

Saisunee PiriyasathirakulGraphic Design

“When they wear shorts with long socks.”

Danielle SykesCulinary

“Mens cut off shorts! ICK!!”

Kiera MooreDigital Photography

By: Graciella Colmenares

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your workVuong Tran Fashion Design

Most students of the Art Institute usually have this mindset when it comes to school: Go to class, learn, graduate, and never look back. However, some students find that after graduation, going back to school and gaining another degree isn’t such a bad idea. Fashion Retail & Management alumni student, Vuong Tran is back at AI, but this time, he’s taking what he’s learned as an FRM student and enrolled himself in a major where he can use what he’s learned while also learning more about his field: Fashion Design.

Vuong has loved drawing since he was three years old. Although his father discouraged his skills, his mother encouraged it, allowing Vuong to practice his talent. “I would draw and my father would yell at me to stop drawing. My Mom would tell my Dad to leave me alone and let me draw.” As Vuong grew up, he developed his artistic skills while also developing a strong interest in the arts. In the beginning of 2009, he made a decision to mold his craft and enrolled at the Art Institute of Las Vegas as a Media Arts and Animation student.

Although his work was admired, Vuong felt that the major didn’t suit him the way he thought it would. After two quarters, he switched out of Animation and entered the Interior Design program. However, he found that Interior Design also didn’t hold his interest. Unsure about his next step, Vuong realized something. Although drawing was his skill, he also had a talent for something else. “People would tell me that they thought I was a fashion student because I dressed so nice. They would say ‘Why don’t you enroll in the fashion program’. So I did.”

At the end of 2009, Vuong became a Fashion Retail and Management student, where he learned about the business side of fashion, such as marketing, sales, business planning, and merchandising. After three and a half years of studying, Vuong graduated from the FRM program, but decided that he wanted to go back to school and learn about the design aspect in fashion. “I was going to enroll as a student at AIDT and major in their design program, but then I heard AI finally started their Fashion Design program. I enrolled here right away.”

Now, as a design student, Vuong has decided to put all he has learned about the fashion business and use it in his new major. “Learning about the business first is helpful with designing. It helps with calculating out construction costs for a garment, the science of textiles, and marketing. I can now actually use what I learned and apply it to what I’m learning to do now.”

It also has helped him in his extracurricular activities, such as design competitions. Vuong has participated in two different competitions in the past two quarters where his talents have been put to use. Back in February, he signed up for a shoe designing competition called the “Pencil Master Class Competition”, where 10 participants from four different states were chosen to take a 2 week master class. In the classes, participants were challenged to come up with a shoe design that would wow their audience at the fashion buyer’s convention, MAGIC, held here in Las Vegas. Their work was then displayed during the convention, where one winner was chosen.

During the 2 weeks of work, Vuong brainstormed ideas on what kind of shoe he should make. (1) He created a design brief, which includes the entire breakdown of what brand the shoe would be, the inspiration of the shoe, what the shoe would do, what it would be made out of, and its target demographic. The shoe Vuong imagined was a bootie shoe with an interchangeable heel that would let a woman go from wearing a 5 inch heel to a 2 inch heel. “I wanted to create something that would change how women wear shoes.”

After laying out the plan, it was time to get to work. (2) Vuong drew out sketches, where progression could be seen picture after picture. After figuring out his final image, he created a prototype, which was displayed during the MAGIC show. This particular competition taught Vuong a lot. “I don’t think I ever had to think about a shoe so much in my entire life. However, it was a great process to go through because I learned what it was like to really create a design and work with it.”

Story By: Graciella Colmenares


Another event Vuong participated in was a collaboration competition held by the Stitch Factory and Chaser Brand called the “Made in Downtown Las Vegas”. This competition allowed any emerging designers in the Las Vegas area to create a piece that encompassed the cool and modern style of Bungalow Clothing. One lucky winner would be given the opportunity to have their winning garment manufactured at Stitch Factory and sold in stores for Bungalow’s 2014 Holiday collection. The winning designer would then be paid for every piece sold in the store.

With the help of Fashion Design teacher Amy Bond, Vuong created a garment that he thought encompassed what the brand was looking for. (3) “I wanted my garment to have an urban style to it, yet still look sophisticated and have high fashion flair. So I decided to create a jacket out of synthetic leather with gold metal embellishments, like zippers and buttons.” It took two days to create the garment, where Vuong and Amy created the bodice, the collar, arm sleeves, and back skirt of the leather jacket.

(4) “I learned a lot from Amy and I’m thankful for her help on the project.” Although Vuong did not win any of these competitions, he is grateful for the experiences. “I do these competitions because it strengthens my craft as a designer and challenges me to work hard.” He also learned a few good lessons along the way.

“I learned not to give up, to not be intimidated. I learned to keep going, pursue my passion with a level headed attitude.” When asked about his favorite designers and artists, Vuong enthusiastically talks about fashion designer Alexander Mc Queen and artist Jee Young Lee. “I love how McQueen combines art and fashion so beautifully together. I admire Jee Young Lee because she creates amazing 3-D art that inspires me. Both of them are not only creative thinkers, but they’re also business savvy. They know what it’s like to be in the art business. They’re smart about what they do.”

With knowledge about the fashion business under his own belt and being on a journey to gain more understanding of the design aspect of fashion, Vuong hopes to create an apparel line of his own someday. “I definitely want to create garments for the runway and develop 3 fashion brands.” His ultimate goal as a designer? “I want to revolutionize clothes.” With his determination and passionate spirit for design, Vuong Tran is sure to reach this goal in the near future.

DESIGN BRIEF

BRAND: Nina ShoesPROJECT: Design an adjustable heel for fashionable women PRICE: $190DISTRIBUTION:Nordstrom, Macy’s, Zappos

CONSUMER: PROBLEMS: SOLUTIONS: NEW & BETTER:

INSPIRATION: STORY: MATERIALS:

1. Comfort2. Heel Slip

1. Strobel Tech. 2. Built in Heel Grip

1. Adjustable Heel 2. Weight on Heel

1.Furry Boot2.City Winter

1. Bald Eagle 2.

1.Nappa Leather(Upper)2.Calf Leather(Sole)

COLOR:

1.Business Women2.Active Mom

1. Black 2. White

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3

2

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theWritten process

Jocelyn Lopez featuring

Each day, we have the opportunity to create a new piece of art. For me,

my art is styling myself everyday. I have the opportunity to dress in the

colors I want, the accessories I love, and the shoes I adore. I believe it is a

direct reflection of my mood and personality, something I showcase

to the world.

Every morning, I think of my body as a canvas. I wake up and think

about how I want to paint my body. I think about the person I want to

portray, who I want to inspire, and what I want to accomplish. As the

famous Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion has to do with the ideas, the way

we live, what is happening.”

I express myself through my style, but it is a process I build up until I put

on the last piece of my outfit. The first thing I do check is the weather. I

determine the color scheme of my outfit depending on if it is a sunny day

or a cloudy day. On sunny days, I like to wear bright colors, preferably a

bright colored dress. For the past couple years, I have invested in dresses

and skirts in order to embrace my feminine side.

So any opportunity I get to wear a dress, I’ll take it. On cloudy and chilly

days, I choose a more simple outfit, but still fun. A neutral colored dress

and with a colored cardigan on top is my go-to outfit for days like this.

After choosing which garments I want to be the center of my artwork,

I determine which accessories accentuate my outfit best. The fabric and

print of garments are important because they can help determine what

accessories to wear. If your garment is a solid color, you can make the focus

of our outfit on accessories in order to play up your outfit. If your garment

has a fun print or bright color on it, you can keep your accessories simple.

One rule I follow when choosing my accessories is this: Only pile up on

one accessory at a time.

If I choose to pile up on bracelets, I wear one ring. If I wear bold earrings,

I limit the jewelry on my hands. This keeps the outfit balanced and not

overpowered by jewelry. Think of accessories like your make-up. You want

just enough to accentuate your garment, but too much can be an overkill.

When it comes to shoes, I either go with neutral colors like black, white,

or nude. I would definitely invest on shoes you can match with anything,

but it is okay to splurge on fun colored shoes as well. Colored shoes are

perfect when you wear neutral colored garments because it adds a pop of

color to your outfit.

Some of the types of shoes I love right now are open-toe shoes, flats,

sandals, and gladiator shoes. Also, I love combat boots because you can

wear them all year round if you want. But one thing I always avoid is

wearing flip-flops. Keep those strictly for the beach or the pool.

Your outfit is a direct reflection of how you feel, so it is okay to change

up your style whenever you feel like it. When I want feel preppy, I wear

a white button-up, dark colored cardigan and pair it with dark denim

and white flats. I top it off with white studs and a long simple necklace.

When I want to look girly I wear a dress or blouse that makes me feel feel

feminine and confident so that I stand out.

I believe you should always dress like you are walking on the runway. Your

canvas is your body, so it should always show off what you want the world

to perceive about you. What you wear should make you feel good and

confident. That way, when you show off your finished work of art to the

world, you can conquer your day comfortably and in style!

Want to share the process behind your creations?

Submit your work to Sarah Brinckerhoff in Academic Affairs.

For more info email - [email protected]


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Job Board Listing

Tix4Tonightwww.tix4tonight.com

Sales Associates

Home Depot - Eastern & Serenewww.homedepot.com

Sales Associates and seasonal employees

West Elmwww.westelm.com

Part time and seasonal employees

TopShopwww.us.topshop.com/careers

Seasonal employees

The M Resortwww.themresort.com

Various full and part time positions around the Las Vegas area

Chipotlehttp://careers.chipotle.com/en-us/careers/get_rolling/get_rolling.aspx

Part time and full time cashiers and food workers

Lucky Brand - Miracle Mile Shopswww.luckybrand.com

Sales Associates

H&M - Town Squarewww.hm.com

Part time sales associates

Charming Charlie - Tivoliwww.charmingcharlie.com/careers

Sales Associates

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Volunteer Opportunities

Fremont East Studioswww.fremonteaststudios.com

Visual Effects, Animation, Photography, Audio

Boulevards Magazinewww.blvdslv.com

Graphic Design, Web Design

Tao groupwww.taolasvegas.com

Graphic Design

Louis Vuittonwww.louisvuitton.comFashion, Graphic Design

Studio Centerwww.studiocenter.com

Audio Production

Pinnacle Studioswww.lvpas.com

Interior Design, Drafting

Shoreline Entertainmentwww.shorelineentertainment.com

Digital Film

Las Vegas Informerwww.lvinformer.com

Web Design, Photography, Graphic Design

Kravet Inc.www.kravet.com

Interior Design

For more information contact Nick Willden at Career [email protected] - 702.992.8538


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The Graphic Design services for this publication were created by senior graphic design students enrolled in the Design Production Team class at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. This special projects course allows Graphic Design students to work cooperatively. Students utilize their knowledge of concept development, design, typography, production, communications, teamwork and organizational skills to execute a team project similar to industry experience.

BrAinstorm will be a creative platform for all Art Institute of Las Vegas programs.

Design Team: Gedalya Krycer, Cheri Norton, Chelsey Ruckdaschel

2350 Corporate Circle, Henderson, Nevada 89074702.369.9944 | www.artinstitutes.edu/las-vegas

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