Hi Chris!
First of all I want to let you know how much I am inspired by your designs; your collections always amaze me.
I am a recent graduate of NYU where I majored in art history (but originally started out as a studio art major). I have always known that I wanted to be in fashion design, however I decided to go to traditional liberal arts school instead of Parsons, etc. It took me many internships to figure out that I wanted to be a shoe designer, and I just returned home from school in Milan.
I have been to New York a few times to interview and I thought I was close to having a job when someone offered to start me as a permanent freelancer, until after following up with her three times, I never got a reply back to confirm the details. I was a little discouraged and since returning back to California I need to figure out my next plans. I want to know if you think I should continue trying to reach out to this woman, or forget it and move on. I am also considering moving back out to New York to figure out my job situation, as it has been difficult being on the opposite coast.
I wanted to know if you think I should take the chance and move back out to NYC to pursue my passion, by meeting and talking to as many people as possible, or if I should wait it out in CA until I have a confirmed job.
Dear Shoe-laced -
Listen, if you want to work in NYC, you ought to find a way to allow opportunity to befall you… Make a plan, get back here, and just go for it!
One of the best things about New York is that you could eat and drink for free every night of the week, if you really put your mind to it!
Get out your calendar, set goal dates and objectives, and make something happen. The universe will help you when you’re organized and commit to a direction. I always find things easier when there is a very strict plan and timeline because you can create small goals and achieve them.
If you love shoes and it’s absolutely what you want to pursue, then there’s no discussion, it’s up to you to make it happen. Forget trying to follow up on a dead opportunity. I like to look forward and plan for the future. Create opportunity for yourself.
Someone once told me that when Mary J. Blige was having trouble getting her career off the ground, Chakka Kahn rang her up and said something like, Mary, you just have to get outta your own way!
xx
CB
Got a question for Chris? Email him on askchrisbenz@fashionista.com!
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love this! great advice.
I'm not going into fashion but I think this advice applies to me and anyone who wants to do creative work. I've copied the part that applies to me and put it on my desktop as a constant reminder. Thanks, Chris!
As much as I admire impetuousness and drive, this seems kind of risky. Do you have money and someplace to stay? If you don't, I might:
1) Find a job where I am, save money for at least three months.
2)Take local shoe design and construction courses if available.
3)Send out resumes, although you're probably only going to get offers for unpaid internships unless you know someone.
4)Find a room in New York City.
5) Find a job (not easy).
6) Repeat steps 2 and 3.
7) After establishing New York residency, perhaps consider pursuing an Associate's Degree at F.I.T. (it's relatively cheap because it's a state school).
8) Repeat step 3.
If this person has already studied shoe design in Italy and has had several internships in the industry, I think he or she is a bit farther ahead than you're giving him/her credit for. I moved here with no job, found a cheap room, and temped until I got my foot in the door somewhere.
a few bits of inspiration: check out heyamberrae's blog (she moved on a whim to NYC and is majorly wired into the social networking scene) and luxirare's blog (she makes her own shoes and is in NYC, she might be able to give you some ideas too). GOOD LUCK! Also, you never know…LA has some amazing fashion opportunities so don't rule out our left coasters.
Check out stylecareers.com every week, they have the most jobs from all over the industry. If you can't find a paying job, take an unpaid internship and try to temp to sub your income for rent. Most GOOD internships turn into paying jobs, as employers like trying out people for free and most fashion companies appreciate loyalty and fear change. Good Luck!