This month we focus on textile designer and British transplant, Eliza Green. Eliza started the L.A.-based, children's clothing line Valize and she also teaches at FIDM.

As a child in her native England, Eliza loved to draw and even made her own doll clothes. After high school, she wanted to apply to an art program but her family encouraged her to choose a more traditional profession. She earned a degree in International Education, but throughout school and in the jobs she took after graduation, she kept finding herself volunteering for creative tasks. She finally decided, as she puts it, "to let nature take its course."

A move to L.A. was just the opportunity she needed to pursue her passion. She applied to FIDM's Textile Design Program where she learned the fundamentals of textile design. After graduation, Eliza was hired as Assistant Knitwear Designer at Zoology. A year later, Shyan, Inc. hired her as a Textile/Graphic Designer. When her son Max was born, Eliza was inspired to start a children's wear company, Valize. Fortunately Eliza has proven that it is possible to make a career out of doing what you love.

Eliza is currently designing her Fall/Winter 2003-2004 collection in preparation for a national gift fair. She's also working on production for her summer line, which she showed in January. There's really no such thing as a "typical" workday for Eliza. She explains, "The work I do varies because it's seasonal. I might check email, coordinate with contractors, or prepare samples for a show." FIDM taught Eliza the big picture so she understands all the facets of her business and the Textile Industry.

Eliza loves taking an idea from concept to final product, the freedom of designing her own lines, and "the detective work involved in sourcing fabric and trims." And, as a self-described "people person," Eliza enjoys interacting with people from all areas of the textile and fashion industry including other vendors, customers, and contractors like sample sewers, knitters, and printers. She adds, "It's a business that is always varied, never boring."

In addition to designing for and running her children's wear company, Eliza teaches Design Principles I, II, and III in FIDM's Textile Design Program. Eliza’s favorite assignments are those that are the most challenging, but ultimately the most rewarding, for her students. For example, she has them put their original designs into a "textile repeat format" so that the design could theoretically be printed as running yardage by the tools of the industry. Eliza says, "It's difficult but once they get it, it's really exciting. It's like riding a bicycle." She also feels it's important to encourage her students to have a positive outlook on their career. "FIDM is a stepping stone. I want my students to make the most of it. I encourage them not to get bogged down in the small details, but instead keep the big picture in mind. I want them to take advantage of all the resources that FIDM provides."

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication