Attending Fashion School and Successfully Creating Your own Fashion Line

Scene of the set up at an Ottawa "Take Of...

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If you want to create your own fashion line, then attending a fashion school might be what you have in mind.

Fashion schools are different from standard colleges in that they are specifically run and organized around one area or discipline. By attending a fashion school you will have access to more focused classes and seminars. You are also more likely have access to industry professionals, as they are regularly the ones who are teaching the classes.

Here are some tips for attending fashion school and utilizing it to successfully create your own fashion line.

  • Many attend college in comfortable clothes, like old jeans and t-shirts. You simply cannot do this at fashion school! Many of the people that you meet at fashion school will pop up again in your career. You do not want to be remembered as the girl who went to fashion school dressed in less than desirable clothing. It may impact your career and clothing line further down the track.
  • As many of the teachers will be working industry professionals, such as the creator of Rocawear clothes Jay-Z, take note of everything they say. Form good relationships with them. They may be able to help you get your line up and running.
  • If you already make your own clothes, then wear them to school. You never know who you may impress! If someone asks you about what you are wearing, tell them you made it and give them a card with your contact details.

Starting a clothing line is hard work. Utilizing the medium of fashion school could put you a step ahead of the rest.

Filed Under: Careers

Making History Education Entertaining ? Be Proactive And Innovative As A Student

a picture of mine that i took in the puppet th...

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Studying history of our culture may seem like a fruitless task. After all, who is interested in what happened a thousand years ago? Our ancestors might have lived in a particular manner and might have preferred a particular type of pottery. Who is to benefit from retaining this information?

Those who ignore history are condemned to repeat it. If you find history boring, you should find ways and means to make it entertaining. This is easier than people think. Why don’t you request your teacher to opt for certain innovative methods for short period of time to improve the entertainment quotient in history lessons?

How about organizing a puppet show? You can have simple puppets that indicate the great battles of the past. You can have a few students research about the topic and present a narration that will be accompanied by the puppet show.

All those who from a part of the audience will be required to present a paper on the lesson that they have learned. This form of interactive learning will help students understand history better. Of course, it also goes without saying that the students will get in touch with their creative side as well.

If your teacher has misgivings about the seriousness of the issue, you can request the professor to carry on with the traditional method of teaching after the puppet show has ended. Once the teacher realizes that the class is more attentive, he or she will automatically encourage you to try out such methods. As a student, the onus is upon you to make your life at school most entertaining.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Careers, Education, The Arts Tagged With: , ,

Careers in Visual Arts

Logo for the School of Visual Arts 

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Visual artists create works of art using raw materials like color, film and stone intended to be beautiful, to inspire – and even provoke audiences. Artists who work in visual mediums have a surprisingly wide range of career options to choose from.

The prerequisite quality in a visual artist is a strong, almost burning, desire to create. People in this field must have an artist’s eye and a strong feel for color and composition. While some these skills can be taught and refined, the innate ability has to be there first. Persistence is also an important quality because as a freelance visual artist, success and a steady income do not always come overnight. Commercial art, on the other hand, can be steady work with an income range of $20,000 to $1 million for well established and known artists.

Statistics gathered in 2008 from the government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that of the 221,000 jobs held by people working in the visual arts, 60 percent were self employed. The BLS also noted that the career field is highly competitive and that working in the field of technical visual arts typically requires a bachelor of arts degree. At that time, the data projected that through 2018, there would be 12 percent growth in this career field. The accuracy of those projections may be lower due the effects of 2008′s recession.

It is important to note that Khake.com lists 120 visual art career paths covering very aspect of art that can be seen. For those who aspire to a career in visual arts, hard work and perseverance will make career dreams a reality.

 

 

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Audition for Performing Groups

Performing Companies whether it be a professional theater troupe or an elite dance company offer top-notch experience for talented performers and give the public a truly memorable exposure with the performing arts.

If you are considering a performing company, often an audition or try-outs are involved. This is the company’s way of selecting the very best talent available that will best suit the company’s standards and goals in performance.

As you prepare for an audition, it is important to keep a few key points in mind.

First off, preparation is essential. Do your homework ahead of time. Generally, the performance company directors will make it very clear ahead of time what will be required at the audition. If you are unsure of anything, ask questions ahead of time. Talk with those who are directing the audition and even those who have gone through the audition process in the past. Also attend some of the performances or see if you can view a practice or two. Gain a sense of what kind of performance style the directors prefer, and then emphasize these aspects of your talent in the audition. For example, if the director seems to stick with strict traditional dance technique, highlight that in your dance performance, rather than adopting more contemporary styles that might be viewed as more “sloppy.”

Next, prepare yourself mentally for the audition. Consider ways to keep yourself calm and to not get yourself worked up when trying to show-off your best.

Lastly, be sure to show up early to the audition to give yourself plenty of time. Come dressed appropriately and in a way that shows you are taking this audition seriously.

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Standing Out

Are you a high school student hoping to pursue a performing arts degree? Are you hoping to get accepted to a prestigious performing arts school?

You have a goal in mind, and most likely have got involved in your school’s performing groups as well as the community’s performance company. Now you need to do something a little extra to make your application shine above the rest.

One option is to attend a summer camp or a college seminar. Many colleges and universities offer week-long or two-week-long performing arts programs for teens. In these camps you have the opportunity to train with some of the colleges or universities most qualified staff and can receive superior training. This can also help you out if you attend a camp at the very school you are hoping to attend. This will allow you to get acquainted with the respective staff and give them a chance to become familiar with you and your talent.

Another option is to join a temporary seasonal performing group in a large city near you. Many times, larger city’s host performances or talent shows performed by a variety of people from the surrounding areas. Keep your eyes open for these opportunities because they are done on a much larger, grander scale than the average community performance and will look spectacular on your resume.

Lastly, do some research and participate in a performance competition. Whether it is in music, art, drama, or dance, competing will give you opportunities to perform and try out your talent against others. If you receive an honorable mention or an award this will also strengthen your application.

Do your best to find ways that will help you and your talents stand out?

Filed Under: Careers, Education Tagged With: , ,

Pursuing Culinary Education in Boston

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and its biggest city. It is known as an international hub for higher education, and it includes various colleges and universities located in and around the city. With its diverse educational opportunities, Boston is a great place to prepare for a career in culinary arts.

The top culinary schools include Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Boston University, and Bunker Hill Community College. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts offers programs that provide comprehensive classroom and hands-on instruction on classic and contemporary culinary methods and grant an associate degree along with the desirable Le Cordon Blue diploma. Boston University offers a unique culinary arts program where students are taught completely by working chefs and food industry experts. It grants a certificate in culinary arts. Bunker Hill Community College offers an associate degree in science in culinary arts program that includes a hands-on curriculum paired with instruction on operational procedures of the food industry.

Before applying to a culinary school in Boston, it is important to plan a trip to the city to get to know the areas and search for Boston apartments near culinary schools. Another thing to consider is searching Boston apartments that are located in areas with large populations of college students and young adults. Two popular neighborhoods that cater to college students are Fenway/Kenmore and Allston/Brighton.

Fenway is located in the southern part of the city and features an array of Boston apartments. It is made up almost completely of historic five- to six-story apartment buildings. Kenmore sits to the north and west of Fenway and is mostly occupied by college students from Boston University and Northeastern University. Allston resides in the northwestern area of the city and mostly consists of brick apartment buildings housing a vast student population. Brighton is also in the northwestern part and is near various colleges and universities.

Filed Under: Careers, Education Tagged With: , ,

Career Planning & Combination Of Student Curiosity And The Web Is Very Effective

There was a time when parents were the ultimatum source of information for any student interested in focusing on a specific educational field or career. However, things have changed beyond recognition today. Today, students are the ones who educate their parents by providing information about various career options.

There was a time when the prejudices and preferences of parents were given more importance. Today, the desire of the student to become a dancer, singer or even try his or her hand at acting is given more importance. So, what has changed?

It is the internet that is making a huge difference. No longer are students required to search for information only when they pass out of school. Career planning and focus on education has become a perennial affair. One can accumulate information over many years and use it accordingly.

One can even use friends on Facebook to get more information about different career options. The best part is that information is no longer restricted to the theoretical aspects. Rather, it covers all practical issues as well.

Another practical thing to come up on the web is online schools and degrees. Websites such as earnmydegree.com provide opportunities to working professionals and people who are always on the go. They have given an easy solution for all the aspiring degree holders

Does this mean that parents do not have any role in helping the child decide the career? Definitely not. However, the parents should not take up the task of searching for information and providing the same to the child. Rather, the parent should focus on being a mentor who shall provide course correction advice as and when required.

If the child is focusing on the positive aspects or is overestimating his or her capacity, it is essential for the parent to step in and speak the harsh truth even if it will be disliked. If this is not needed, then there is no need for parents to provide specific advice in career and studies related preparation. Kids are smart enough to use the resources at hand to take the right decision.

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Building your Experience

It’s pretty obvious that you’ve got talent. You find yourself singing wherever you go, lingering after a theater performance to soak in the atmosphere or trying out that new dance move you saw on your favorite music video. If you wake up thinking about a career on the stage, you know you’re born to sign, dance, or act.

Although that career may seem out of reach, start now to make your dreams come true. You don’t have to be college-aged to start fleshing out a seller resume that colleges and academies won’t be able to resist.

Although many high schools do not offer performing arts programs, take advantage of classes and opportunities that are offered. Take an extra art or drama class. Try-out for as many school theater performances as your schedule allows. Join the dance team or sing in the choir.

Next, seek out opportunities in the community. Many communities have local theater groups that are open for public try-out. Take dance lessons or singing lessons from community professionals.

Look into what your local college has to offer. While they may not allow a high school student to act in a leading role in their shows, they probably won’t turn down some volunteer help for assistance with costumes, make-up, or stage set-up. Consider doing a mentorship with a college professor who teaches drama, dance, or choral directing. Shadow a professor as they go about their work. Many high schools have programs to help students make career choices and gain experience, take advantage of the opportunity to see an expert at work.

If options are slim, consider heading up your own group. Teach a group of children to dance or sing and have them perform.

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Making Your College Education Count

If you are majoring in the arts in college at a mainstream liberal arts school, you can still make the most of your career opportunities. You do not have to be accepted to a strictly performing arts college to have a successful career in the arts.

You do have to make the most of your opportunities though. If you want future employers to notice you, you need to have the needed experience under your belt that will attract future job opportunities.

Your art education and major classes will be essential. Learn all you can in your various drama, dance, art or vocal classes. Take advantage of the college’s variety of choices in courses. Don’t just focus on getting out, but take an extra class here or there to round-out your education in your particular major.

Next, gain experience. Course work and classroom lectures are valuable, but they do not make-up for a lack of experience. Try out for your school’s choirs, theater shows, or dance teams. You will have an advantage since this is your particular interest and you will probably boast more of a background in these areas than the average student.

Next search out off-campus opportunities to make your resume look even better. While a college-performed show looks good on a resume, noting that you performed with a professional group or a down-town theater can look even better. Get involved with the community’s performing arts Groups, by either volunteering or finding employment in these areas. The more experience you have the better.

You can make your college experience a spring board for future professional opportunities. With a little time and research, you can find those opportunities that will give you the needed experience and will help you stand out. This will boost your chances of finding meaningful and satisfying employment opportunities later on.

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Bringing Local Culture To The Arts

Many cities and towns throughout the country have local theater.  These are small venues that allow the local talent to strut their stuff.  Attending one of these performances is usually quite a unique experience, and almost never disappointing.  Some of the shoes you can see are abbreviated versions of Broadway productions, or even shows that are written by local writing talent.  These are some of the best performances to see.  How many of us know someone in our area who has an amazing voice, a gift for Shakespeare or can make us laugh with a bevy of one liners?  How many local high schools give amazing performances.  All of this talent goes where after high school?  Not too many of those talented young people are heading for Broadway right out of high school.  Not that it is impossible, but it is highly improbable.

So they turn to local theater.  Most local theater groups run auditions for their shows.  These are open auditions and anyone can come and thrown their hat in the ring.  There are rehearsals and set production and then usually a weekend or two of performances.  Most of these theaters are nowhere near the size of the Broadway houses, most of them holding less than 200 people.  There are performances for children around the holidays, Christmas and Easter, and during the summer months a lot of these small theaters hold acting classes so that the younger children in the community can get the theater bug.

The neat thing about local theater is that you just don’t know.  You travel to Broadway and you know you are going to see a lavish production.  In local theater the production may not be lavish, but the talent could rival any Tony winner out there.

Filed Under: Careers, The Arts Tagged With: , ,
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