Fancy Looking Presentations, No Big-Wig Design Skills Needed

Tip: Produce great work, as often as you possibly can. You never know who will recognize and even possibly recommend you for the effort. It doesn't matter if you are at school, work, or an internship, (or even working on a project of your own), do what you have to do to create something presentable that you are proud of.

If you are not familiar with programs like InDesign and Illustrator, but would still like to create documents that are appealing to the eye, and organized, use Powerpoint. While it is generally thought to be the software you use when you have to throw a class group presentation together, Powerpoint can be used as a design program to help you go from basic word docs, to branded/themed documents.

To begin creating a document, open a new presentation. I recently learned that you can select a vertical or horizontal layout [file-page setup-slides-vertical or horizontal].



It is good to figure out which fonts you are going to use. I would suggest not using more than two fonts. If you do not find any fonts that really stick with the message you are trying to present, download some new ones here.

If you have a logo, you will want to design your pages around the logo. If you don't have a logo, pick three colors that you will use throughout the entire document and use shapes offered in the program [view-toolbars-drawing/picture].



For a simple and organized document, it is good to create a layout for the cover page, subtitle pages, and then general information pages. Use the three layouts for the entire document to streamline the information for your reader by placing information on the correct type of page layout.



To save this as a document as a file that you can easily open, email, and print quickly, do the following:
+ File
+ Print
+ PDF (located on left bottom corner of print options window]
+ Save as PDF
...create your file name.

VOILA!

Any questions? Did that make sense/help?

Obviously this is the basic of all basics to designing a more professional looking document. This is not the only way, and in no way should you always stick to the three layout rule. You can create different layouts based on needs and length of the entire documents. In some cases, you may also want to create a layout for information that will also include images.

You CAN study fashion design at a community college!

I decided to conduct an interview with various fashion student across the U.S. to gain some insight on what fashion students at other schools are learning. This was a unique interview because it exposes a fashion program at a community college, a great way to learn design at a more affordable tuition cost.

1. About you...
Name: Susie, Houston, TX | Graduation Year: 2011

2. Why fashion?
I decided on a fashion because it was a secret passion of mine.

3. Why fashion design specifically? I was tired of never finding clothes that fit me properly. I also had a hard times finding unique things that I loved

When/how did you first realize you had a passion for fashion?
A few years ago, when I was tired of skimpy clothes that weren't for my body. I want to make my own clothes that are for people of all shapes and sizes, not just runway models or superskinny individuals.

4. What is your favorite element of the fashion industry?
I love YSL and Alexander McQueen, need I say more!

5. What is your proudest accomplishment thus far in your life?
I am proudest of having a 4.0 average in all my classes thus far and learning to sew at such a late age in life. I am proud that I didn't give up because of the skills that I lacked when I started on my journey to become a fashion designer.

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
1. What college/university do you attend and where is it located?
Houston Community College Central; Houston,TX

2. What is your major/minor? Fashion Design

3. What are the top 3 reasons you chose to attend this school?
Location,Cost, and the local talented staff and students that I get to associate with and learn from

4. Would you recommend this school to someone looking to go into fashion? Definitely!

5. What courses in your major have you found to be most valuable?
Fashion History, Textiles, and Ready to Wear Construction

6. Besides your courses, what have you done to expand your knowledge and passion for fashion?
I have begun to associate with various people in the fashion world to expand my personal knowledge outside the classroom. I will start a blog this year and try to get an internship before and immediately after my graduation with local designers and may be a summer internship in New York.

7. Does your school offer internship connections/ assistance in finding internships? Yes
Can you receive credit? YES

8. What unique features does your school offer that other fashion schools may not?
Students that went to Parsons, FIT and other schools that share their experiences with me. At HCC, I also have befriended a staff member that attended Parsons of New York.

9. What advice would you give to someone hoping to attend this school in your major?
Always be on time and prepared for anything... Apply for your classes early to be sure to get a seat.

10. What is the best advice you have been given concerning a future in the fashion industry?
Always be early, do more than what is expected of you, ALWAYS... and if I make a mistake, own up to it and correct it... LOOK the PART.. Be professional... know how to keep your composure even when your boss is screaming at you. Oh and the most important.. Keep a stash of chocolate on standby.

11.Does your school host any fashion events (fashion shows, networking conferences, etc.)?
They host several fashions shows yearly

LASTLY
What is next for you and what is your ultimate dream career?
I'm working on finishing my degree in fashion design. I plan on starting a blog this summer. My ultimate dream career would be to work for a major design house and to start my own on-line boutique.