Tips and Tricks: 2012/13 F.I.T (AAS Fashion Design) Portfolio Requirements

Some of my info is a little dated. I see F.I.T. shortened the requirements A LOT from when I applied.
I may add to it more if I think of anything, but I'm just throwing out a few ideas for you all working with the new requirements.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments:)

--also, I added a Google translator,  hopefully if you need it, it will work for you.


PART ONE: Design Test

PROJECT ONE:  MIX-AND-MATCH DESIGNS

1.  Create a mood/inspiration page for the following mix-and-match designs. The mood page should include an image(s) that has inspired you to create these designs. Include a short written explanation of how the designs have been inspired by the mood page image(s).  Also list the destination and season of the year in which these designs will be worn.

2.  Draw original garment designs in color using the medium of your choice. Show mix-and-match separates that work together.

• design a jacket
• design a top (use the top twice, once on each figure)
• design a pant
• design a skirt

Sketch the designs in color on two figures. Include back views of the garments on a figure or as a flat sketch. Attach actual fabric swatches and identify the fabrics on the front of the sketches. NOTE: Original artwork can be computer generated.  REMINDER:  Only color copies are to be submitted for this project.

A mood board kind of seems self explanatory, but you can pick a city and season and throw in landmarks from that city, famous people etc. I would avoid Paris, they probably get A LOT of those, but do it if you have a unique take.

 You could also pick a movie(s), but make sure if you pick more than one movie or place, or whatever you choose to do, let it compliment each other. A mood board is suppose to show them the focus of your ideas. (Don't do anything lazy like just rip out a couple advertisements from Vogue and glue them to board)

*An advanced option, if you want to take the time, is considering allowing you mood board to tell the story of the woman your designing for.

PROJECT TWO:  FASHION DESIGN ARTWORK

Submit four sketches of your original fashion design artwork.

• Draw original designs in color using the medium of your choice. NOTE:  Original artwork can be computer generated. Include a short written explanation of the inspiration.  Design sketches are to be on full-length fashion figures with back views.
• Include 2 inch x 2 inch fabric swatches on the front of each sketch, identify the type of fabric (e.g. 100% wool gabardine). 
• Include a short written explanation of the inspiration.
• NOTE:  Only color copies of your sketches are to be submitted.  

~~I know in my other post I advise you to do a mini collection, but under these guidelines, not sure if it's necessary. In my portfolio, we could submit up to 10 looks, but they've slashed it by more than half. So if I were you, here I would put showstoppers, evening looks, avant guard looks etc.

PART TWO: Sewing Test 
PROJECT THREE:  GARMENT SAMPLES

Submit photographs of a maximum of three garments you have sewn (include front and back views). Samples are to demonstrate knowledge of construction. Originality, creativity, and design aesthetic are valued. Clothing is to be photographed on a person or dress mannequin. Garments can be created from commercial patterns or you can develop your own patterns or drape the design. Garment examples should be sewn. Do not show existing garments that have just been decorated. <--LOL I didn't write that!! Wow.

Here are the actual patterns I used for my portfolio. Pretty plain right? But it's sportswear, and its straight forward. Check out my full portfolio page to see how it turned out.

 ~~They've dropped this down to 3 looks from the 10 I was allowed to use. MAXIMIZE your chances! They say 3 photos but don't limit you to showing one piece per photo. Show them what you can do! I.E. Do top and bottom looks for each photo, unless doing dresses. (You don't HAVE to do sportswear, you you're good at evening looks, do evening). The main thing is stay away from things that are too generic, t shirt dresses, etc. Classic looks always work, womens suits, blouses, dresses. When doing you're own looks from scratch, be careful to not go beyond your skill level. They will know. 

Take your time, don't be afraid to do it over if you have to, keep it clean, neat and well constructed.

*I would only show 1 separate if it was exceptional regarding design and construction.

PART THREE: Written Essay 
In 250 words or less, provide an example of when your point of view differed from a teacher or employer during an evaluation of your performance. How did you handle the situation?  
I might have mentioned this before, but I'll say it again, even if you haven't ever had this situation happen to you, explain how you would handle it if it did happen. Here's a tip, don't say you know you're always right:) They are trying to weed out the divas and troublemakers with this question.

Hope this info helps, as always
Good Luck

RC