An End and A Beginning

For One Last Time… Hey Everyone,

Two days ago, I officially graduated from FIT. The ceremony could not have taken place on a more perfect day. Now that I have finished college and can look back on my four years, I want to share a few of the most valuable takeaways I have from attending FIT.

Your Hard Work Will Be Rewarding: One of the most important things I built at FIT was my work ethic. With every project I had, I set aside time in order to put 100% of my heart into my work. My work ethic grew stronger and more secure as the years went on. By putting hard work into everything I did, I came out of school with an internship I learned from, a GPA I am proud of, and a portfolio I am excited to work with.

It Is Okay To Make Time For Yourself: Do not forget to make time to relax and enjoy all Manhattan has to offer. There is nothing wrong with slowing down and taking a break from the hours of hard work. Sometimes, breaks from projects give more room for ideas and brainstorming.

Failure Is NOT a Bad Thing: Not every project or assignment is going to go as planned. Now is the time to take chances and make mistakes. It is the time to try new things and learn how to make something better for the next time around. Do not let failure discourage you, but rather inspire you!

Always Be True to Your Passions and Aspirations…and Most Importantly, Yourself: Never lose sight of why you are here or your passions. Be yourself unapologetically and take the time to come into who you really are. Now is the time to learn, grow, and blossom into the truest version of yourself.

It has been an incredible journey here at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I have learned so much and grown immensely; this chapter will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the next chapter ahead. Best of luck to all you soon-to-be graduates!

Thanks For Reading,
Annmarie X

Final Thoughts: Graduation

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Hey All,

I wanted to take a minute to write more of a personal blog. This Thursday I will officially be graduating with a BFA in Illustration from FIT. My journey has been rewarding in ways I cannot describe. I cannot believe the end of my chapter at FIT is around the corner, and a whole new chapter is about to begin.
I have grown so much as an individual at this school, and I am so grateful for the experience. Though filled with much hard work, without FIT, I would not have been able to bring my craft to a level I did not previously imagine possible. Without FIT, I would not have made amazing friendships and been taught by incredible mentors. Without FIT, I would not have been connected to my internship that I have now been working with for almost two years. Without FIT I would not be the independent, go-getting woman that I am today. I owe a lot to this school, a lot to my dedication, and a lot to my aspirations for the future.
I am excited for what the future has to bring, and the challenges that lie ahead for me. FIT has prepared me for the real world, and I am looking forward to taking on this new journey. This week, as I finish my last two classes of college, I look back with fond memories and important lessons.
Congratulations Graduates! Your hard work has paid off, and your new adventure begins now.

Best,
Annmarie X

Art and Design: Student Show

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Hello Everyone,

From May 9th-May 24th, the Museum at FIT is hosting the Graduating Student Show. This exhibition houses student work from 16 different majors: Accessories Design, Advertising Design, Computer Animation and Interactive Media, Fabric Styling, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Menswear, Packaging Design, Photography, Textile Surface Design, Toy Design, Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design. There is work displayed from 800 different graduating students in the Art and Design School.
The diverse projects feature thesis projects, award winning projects, juried work, and more. What is amazing about the student work is there are so many different niches and disciplines to explore. Students have created anything ranging from an entire toy design, to a piece of jewelry, to a video game, to an illustrative work and more.
My graduating department, Illustration, contributed to the show. At the Museum at FIT’s lower level, there are wall displays of BFA students’ Illustration work. Illustration students display their discipline through painting, drawing, digital work, and more. The work goes just beyond wall pieces; students illustrated books, made fashion items, costumes, 3D pieces/sculptures, and more. The exhibitions are on display at the Museum at FIT, the John E. Reeves Great Hall, and other locations on campus. Be sure to visit for details!

Until Next Time,
Annmarie X

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Next Stop, Brooklyn!

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Hey everyone,

Happy Weekend! Last week we talked about the Bronx, this week let’s talk about Brooklyn. The part of Brooklyn I am most often in is Williamsburg. With the weather on the rise, I feel that it is definitely worth the visit. My favorite part of Williamsburg is the Waterfront, which has a ton of seating and a dock. Here you can have lunch outside, go for a walk, or just catch some sun. Bedford Avenue is one of my favorite stops for food. They have any food you can imagine- from Mexican, to Japanese, to Thai, to even a simple deli sandwich. I have only explored a small portion of Brooklyn myself. The next stop on my list is Smorgasburg, which is also on the Williamsburg Waterfront. Smorgasburg is a market with different food stands from a variety of restaurants etc. Some of the vendors are very well-known around the city, such as Ramen Burger, Home Frite, and Big Mozz. I cannot wait to visit now that it feels like the cold is finally gone for good! What are you favorite parts of Brooklyn? Any recommendations?
Need to get back into Manhattan? Skip the subway! On nice days, I opt. for the East River Ferry. The ferry takes you right from Williamsburg to East Midtown. You can get to Bedford Avenue via subway by taking a train that transfers to the L train. I usually take the ACE downtown from Penn Station and transfer to the L train. From there, it takes me right to Bedford Avenue!

Where’s the next place you want to explore? Until next week…
Annmarie X

AAFA 2018 Sourcing Conference

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This last week, I had the privilege to attend the American Apparel and Footwear Association’s annual sourcing conference. This year, the event – Supply Chain Innovation: The Key to Success in the New Retail Dynamic – was held in the Ronald Reagen Center in Washington DC.

Who is the AAFA?

The AAFA is an industry organization which represents more than 1,000 companies, including name brands, retailers, and manufacturers. AAFA represents the voice of the industry regarding public policy and political issues. Providing knowledge and services such as supply chain management, trade policy, and brand protection, being a member of the AAFA has major benefits.

What was the event?

The AAFA hosts an annual conference which is mainly attended by group members covering topics relevant to the current standing of the industry regarding best practices, political issues, and global issues. This years event was: Supply Chain Innovation: The Key to Success in the New Retail Dynamic. Innovation was the main topic during this event. Innovation in supply chain methods, industry relationships, ERP, robotics and other machinery were all discussed. The conference is also a great time for industry members to network and expand their contacts to create new business relationships.