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Snag That Dream Job: I wanna be a fashion designer! Plus win a phone call the super star designer of Paul Frank!
ATTENTION! ONE FUTURE FASHIONISTA WILL WIN BIG!
Enter now to win a one-on-one phone call with this super star designer. Pick her brain, learn what it takes to be a designer and discover what really inspires her. It’s an amazing chance to take that first step in making your designing dreams come true.
Just send in a short essay (250 words or less please!) on why you want to be a designer to AskTracy@girlslife.com and you could be chatting it up with Tracy Bunkoczy, one of the creative minds behind Paul Frank.
Hurry contest ends June 30!
When I grow up I want to be… This is a question we ask ourselves from pre-K to post-grad. With so many amazing jobs out there, it’s hard to know what you want to do—and the “for-the-rest-of-your-life” part certainly doesn’t make it any easier to decide.
GL has been uncovering some of the world’s most fab jobs (hello! Who wouldn’t love to work with dolphins at Sea World?) and interviewing the peeps who hold these positions. Which dream job is next on our list? Being a fashion designer!
But this time, we’re doing something a little different—we’re letting YOU ask the questions. Tracy Bunkoczy is the VP of design for Paul Frank Industries and a fabulous designer. So here’s YOUR chance to have your “what’s it like/how do I break into the biz” questions answered by Tracy herself! But hurry future designers, Tracy will only be taking questions during the month of June 2010.
How do you get your question answered? Simply post it like you’d post a comment, then check back often to see if Tracy has answered your question
Paul Frank designer Tracy Bunkoczy
answers YOUR questions!
1. I’ve got a two part question: Is being a designer hard work? And is it as fun as it seems? —Titanicfanaic
To answer your first question—yes, it takes hard work and dedication. You need to know how to take constructive criticism and not take it personally. When you have a deadline you have to do whatever it takes to get the job done and sometimes that means working late or on weekends. Being a designer can be a rewarding experience, especially when you see your designs on the runway or in a magazine!
Now, is it as fun as it seems? Yes, it is but sometimes you are faced with situations that are challenging and there is a lot of pressure. Being decisive is a great trait to learn and will help you with decision-making.
2. How did you get into the fashion industry? How can I work toward a career in design? Also, is there anyone I could talk with to help me get into the industry? —Stargazin1
I went to school for fashion design and worked my way up the ladder. When it comes to snagging a career in fashion I say you’ve gotta live, eat, breathe fashion. Work in retail, be a dresser at fashion shows and go to school for it! I suggest working as an intern or as an assistant to a designer as the best ways to achieve your goals. Go online and look for opportunities and just go for it.
To answer your first question—yes, it takes hard work and dedication. You need to know how to take constructive criticism and not take it personally. When you have a deadline you have to do whatever it takes to get the job done and sometimes that means working late or on weekends. Being a designer can be a rewarding experience, especially when you see your designs on the runway or in a magazine!
Now, is it as fun as it seems? Yes, it is but sometimes you are faced with situations that are challenging and there is a lot of pressure. Being decisive is a great trait to learn and will help you with decision-making.
2. How did you get into the fashion industry? How can I work toward a career in design? Also, is there anyone I could talk with to help me get into the industry? —Stargazin1
I went to school for fashion design and worked my way up the ladder. When it comes to snagging a career in fashion I say you’ve gotta live, eat, breathe fashion. Work in retail, be a dresser at fashion shows and go to school for it! I suggest working as an intern or as an assistant to a designer as the best ways to achieve your goals. Go online and look for opportunities and just go for it.
3. How do you come up with these cool designs? What inspires you to design them?— thesandlotfan
I am inspired by everything vintage and things from my childhood. I love the 1950’s-1970’s with my favorite era being the 1960’s. I love to watch old films and old TV shows. I also check out vintage furniture and house wares at vintage stores or flea markets. I find that vintage clothing and accessories have more detail and longevity than the clothing produced today.
4. What kind of education did you need to become a designer?—Pink&MorePink
I went to Otis College of Art and Design for their Fashion program and received my Bachelor degree in Fine Art. Prior to being accepted to Otis I took my prerequisite’s and fine art classes at Community College.
5. Do you have to sew your own designs? If so, how did you learn to sew; sewing classes?—cutie4u
I do not have to sew my designs now, we have factories that manufacture our products. In school you have to sew your clothes for the runway shows at the end of each semester. We learned to sew on industrial machines that they use in the factories. It was very challenging to sew evening gowns and outerwear....everything you design you must make!
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