So you want to be a Creative Director, Top Five Tips from an Industry Expert
I’m a Sydney based Creative Director & Designer. I am fortunate to have worked with some incredible Aussie brands over the past 18 years; Seafolly, Tigerlily and now with @the_upside as well as creating my first solo project @boteh__. My days still involve a lot of hands-on designing which I love! as well as fittings, fabric appointments, collaborative creative sessions, chats with my makers and lots of Zooms at the moment…
My Top 5 Tips to Get Ahead :
#1 Set out with a clear plan, but let it organically change path when it happens:
Learn everything you need to know about what you want to create. I spent much of my High School and Uni days sewing and learning to pattern-make; I knew I had no intention of doing so long-term, but I needed to understand the intricacies of garment construction in order to be able to design the way I do. I studied Fashion & Textiles at UTS; it was here that I set my heart on the swim/beach wear path back in 2nd year and haven’t looked back since.
#2 Work experience:
It is so important and is the best way to get a foot in the door. I started at Seafolly in an internship before I became full-time and it was the best experience. I learnt how to sew and construct swimwear, taught by some of the industry’s best. Many of my closest collaborators in my design teams have been past interns that are now exceptional designers.
#3 Embrace tech:
Hand drawing and cardboard pattern-making are luxuries now a days, and whilst I have gone back to these more recently the reality of excelling in a fast paced design room is that you need to work digitally and become a master of Adobe programs, Illustrator, Photoshop & Indesign.
#4 Keep informed:
I love BOF for global fashion industry news; the podcasts are great! Also, @fash_rev_ausnz @raw.assembly because all designers have a responsibility to be aware of the impacts of our industry and contribute positively towards a better outlook for the future.
#5 The best skill you can have for this role:
Be supportive, encouraging and lead by example
With love,
Amelia
x
Want to know more? Check out Amelia’s experience on LinkedIn …
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-mather-b95584110/