Graphic Design Graduate Jeff Poulin '00 Works With Some of the World's Most Famous Superheros Everyday at Marvel!
"I've been illustrating and designing my entire life," says Graphic Design graduate Jeff Poulin '00. "I remember drawing comic books and having my parents write in the words as I dictated. My family knew they had an artist, and a very passionate one, in the house from a very early age." Born in Rhode Island and raised throughout New England and California, Jeff Poulin has been used to moving around, so it's no surprise that his current job has him living in New York City. As the Senior Creative Manager of Creative Services at Marvel, Jeff is living out what many would consider to be a dream job. "It was my dream to work with Marvel as a young fan and it is my pleasure to work with Marvel as an adult," he says. "I love working in the Super Hero business because it reaches across so many creative mediums. In one day I can go from writing stories for our characters or fashion design, to reading an authentic comic book from 1972." Jeff has been able to conduct creative conferences around the globe on behalf of Marvel and says that his biggest challenge revolves around time management.
As a student at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, California, FIDM made a presentation to one of Jeff's senior year classes. "I knew I wanted to do something in design so I looked into it," he explains. "A major factor in my decision to attend FIDM was the fact that the program was so concentrated; I was in and out in two years." While attending the Los Angeles campus Jeff made the most of his time. He had a paid internship with Universal Studios' Consumer Products Group in Hollywood. "I was fortunate enough to turn that into a full time job even prior to graduation," he says. "My hard work really paid off." Jeff remained at Universal Studios as a Product Development Coordinator and Junior Designer until 2003. As a freelancer, Jeff has done everything from cosmetic packaging design to retail branding to mural painting. In his free time he works for himself designing and building accessories under the name Thou Art Uncouth, a handbag business he launched in late 2006. With all of Jeff's success, his advice to other grads and future alumni is simple: "You'd be surprised at how far a positive attitude and a little elbow grease will take you," he says.
Sexy meets spooky at Merchandise Marketing Grad Annette Figuera's '07 new shop The Witches’ Closet in Miami!
After graduating from FIDM with a degree in Merchandise Marketing, Annette Figuera '07 decided to move back to her hometown of Miami, Florida. She had scored a job at Perry Ellis International as a Junior Sales Coordinator and it was there that she met two co-workers, who quickly became friends too. "We were all at the same stage in life," Annette explains. "We
had graduated school, were in a long term relationships, and starting our
careers." Slowly, each of their relationships went sour so the three pals began using each other for support. Through a chance conversation about Halloween, the trio realized that there was nowhere in Miami for women to buy sexy Halloween costumes other than at sex shops (where, let’s face it, not everyone feels comfortable going to) or local boutiques that were overpriced. Thus, The Witches' Closet was born.
The Halloween shop, which made its debut last month, stocks a variety of sexy women's costumes and the response so far has been nothing but positive. "I am using this time to figure out my professional future and make a name for myself in the community," says Annette, who still works full time at Perry Ellis managing the JC Penny and Ross accounts for several divisions alongside the Senior Sales Coordinator. Throughout the month of October, Annette and her co-owners Sandra Medina and Carolina Ribero, will host several events including in-store makeup and hair consultations, demonstrations, and private appointments for customers who want help with their head-to-toe look. Annette says a lot of her success is a result of FIDM. "I had amazing teachers who were a huge influence and great role models," she says, noting that Felena Hanson, Chris Williams, Joy Sprink, and Mary Hakes deserve to be recognized. "They have the ability to make
you want to learn and be the best that you can be."
Fashion Design grad Joie Rucker '91 is Creative Director and
Co-Owner of Rich & Skinny jeans!
Joie Rucker '91, who designed for Levi's and Guess prior to launching the wildly
successful Joie, is now the creative director and co-owner behind the celebrity
favorite denim line Rich & Skinny with partner Michael Glasser, who founded
Seven For All Mankind and Citizen of Humanity. "He had the idea that there was a need for colored denim in the vast sea of blue," says Joie of the Santa Monica-based line that's sold at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Ron Herman, and a flurry of fashion boutiques and online retail sites. "He convinced me that, yes, there was room for one more denim brand in the market if we could figure out a way to differentiate our brand for all of the others out there and it turns out he was right!" Everyone from Beyonce and Leighton Meester to Paris Hilton and Teri Hatcher has worn Rich & Skinny and fashion editors can't get enough either. Differentiated by the fit, fabrication, and details that go into the product, Rich & Skinny says they have spared no expense when it comes to producing the best quality jeans for their price point. And what about that name?
"I think humor is a huge thing that we need more and more of in our lives," explains Joie. "The name makes me laugh and it has a vibe of not taking ourselves too seriously. Answering the company phone 'Rich & Skinny' never fails to make me smile." They offer 14 styles and fall highlights include the high-waist "Dandy" jean, the "Super Skinny" black jean, a Capri length "Ladylike" pair in ruby red, and the very chic "Sleek" white jean. There are varying shades of blue as well from light washes to dark rinses. A typical day includes everything from morning meetings with designers to fabric appointments, costing meetings, production meetings, and running all over L.A. "I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do with Joie Jeans, especially when it comes to the operations of a company," she explains. "But in every job, situation, or challenge I have encountered throughout my career, there has always been something I have learned and hopefully build on moving forward. I finally have a level of expertise that I can share with others, rather than just thinking I have expertise!"
Fashion Design grad Ahna Tillmanns '07 is the North American Director of Fashionspace.com!
Sure we all know about MySpace, Facebook and even Etsy. Fashion and art lovers
are coming together at Fashionspace.com, where you can purchase items from
up-and-coming designers and sell items in your personalized shop. Ahna's
responsibilities as the North American Director of Fashionspace.com vary
greatly each day. She may be hitting up the Rose Bowl Market talking to vendors
and collecting emails or sending promotional materials to art and design schools
or speaking to the CFDA about collaborations. "I keep up with all of the Web 2.0
expansion, as it's the future of the industry," says Ahna. "Being a start-up
company means that every involved wears a lot of hats."
A Louisiana native, Ahna attended Central Catholic High School and initially
heard about FIDM through a friend. Since fashion was always her forte and she
had been living in Los Angeles it seemed like the perfect time to go back to
school. "I use pretty much everything I learned at FIDM in my day-to-day," she
says. "The value of connections is huge. Never understimate the wonderful
people who teach you and your peers. We're all in it for the same passion."
Ahna's favorite designers include Chloe ("especially the Phoebe Philo era"),
Missoni ("always beautiful, colorful, and unique") and Dries Van Noten ("a
wonderful combination of femininity and masculinity in every collection"). The
fashion website offers independent designers and artists a place to buy, sell
or swap designed or vintage fashion and network with other like-minded fashion
lovers. Ahna says the variety and fact that she can "help people help
themselves" is the best part of her job.
Visual Communications graduate Denise Shaw ’01 Dresses On Air Talent for E! Entertainment Television!
When it comes to entertainment television, the on air talent can be just as
stylish and chic as the celebrities that they cover. Denise Shaw '01 studied
Visual Communications at the Los Angeles campus and says that FIDM taught her
to be "self motivated, on time and prepared." These lessons sure have come in
handy since Denise has a fast-paced job as Wardrobe Stylist at E!
Entertainment. She works with on air talent Jason Kennedy, Kristin Dos Santos
and Ashlan Gorse to get them camera ready, whether it’s for a sit down
interview, on the set at E! News, or on the red carpet at major events like the
Emmys.
"I've always had an interest in fashion and found out more about it at FIDM online," says
Denise, a Canadian native who moved to Phoenix during high school and attended
Mountain Pointe. "I love that each day I have a new challenge. I usually find
out the hosts' schedules on very short notice and I need to find them the
perfect outfit. I definitely put a lot of miles on my car!" Denise says that
she spends a typical day visiting factories, PR companies, the studio, stores,
showrooms and tailors. Since the industry is competitive Denise encourages
current students to get a part time job or internship to compliment their
education. Prior to E!, Denise worked at Tiffany & Co., as a freelance visual
merchandiser and Club Monaco Assistant Manager.
"I've been illustrating and designing my entire life," says Graphic Design graduate Jeff Poulin '00. "I remember drawing comic books and having my parents write in the words as I dictated. My family knew they had an artist, and a very passionate one, in the house from a very early age." Born in Rhode Island and raised throughout New England and California, Jeff Poulin has been used to moving around, so it's no surprise that his current job has him living in New York City. As the Senior Creative Manager of Creative Services at Marvel, Jeff is living out what many would consider to be a dream job. "It was my dream to work with Marvel as a young fan and it is my pleasure to work with Marvel as an adult," he says. "I love working in the Super Hero business because it reaches across so many creative mediums. In one day I can go from writing stories for our characters or fashion design, to reading an authentic comic book from 1972." Jeff has been able to conduct creative conferences around the globe on behalf of Marvel and says that his biggest challenge revolves around time management.
After graduating from FIDM with a degree in Merchandise Marketing, Annette Figuera '07 decided to move back to her hometown of Miami, Florida. She had scored a job at Perry Ellis International as a Junior Sales Coordinator and it was there that she met two co-workers, who quickly became friends too. "We were all at the same stage in life," Annette explains. "We
had graduated school, were in a long term relationships, and starting our
careers." Slowly, each of their relationships went sour so the three pals began using each other for support. Through a chance conversation about Halloween, the trio realized that there was nowhere in Miami for women to buy sexy Halloween costumes other than at sex shops (where, let’s face it, not everyone feels comfortable going to) or local boutiques that were overpriced. Thus, The Witches' Closet was born.
Joie Rucker '91, who designed for Levi's and Guess prior to launching the wildly
Sure we all know about MySpace, Facebook and even Etsy. Fashion and art lovers
are coming together at Fashionspace.com, where you can purchase items from
up-and-coming designers and sell items in your personalized shop. Ahna's
responsibilities as the North American Director of Fashionspace.com vary
greatly each day. She may be hitting up the Rose Bowl Market talking to vendors
and collecting emails or sending promotional materials to art and design schools
or speaking to the CFDA about collaborations. "I keep up with all of the Web 2.0
expansion, as it's the future of the industry," says Ahna. "Being a start-up
company means that every involved wears a lot of hats."
When it comes to entertainment television, the on air talent can be just as
stylish and chic as the celebrities that they cover. Denise Shaw '01 studied
Visual Communications at the Los Angeles campus and says that FIDM taught her
to be "self motivated, on time and prepared." These lessons sure have come in
handy since Denise has a fast-paced job as Wardrobe Stylist at E!
Entertainment. She works with on air talent Jason Kennedy, Kristin Dos Santos
and Ashlan Gorse to get them camera ready, whether it’s for a sit down
interview, on the set at E! News, or on the red carpet at major events like the
Emmys.
