Articles Written Within Art & Design

Queen Elizabeth II’s Hats from Canada 2010 Tour

July 7th, 2010 by Sarah Ward

Queen Elizabeth II recently completed a nine-day tour of Canada, during which she sported some incredible hats.

Hats as an accessory have a myriad of benefits.  In addition to being a status symbol, hats protect the wearer from the glare of the sun and can make one appear taller.  Hats also draw attention to the face for improved communication.

Not one to shy away from color, each memorable hat Queen Elizabeth II wore on her Canada 2010 Tour matched her outfit perfectly.  Even the bouquets bestowed upon her managed to match the color scheme!

Queen Elizabeth II Photo c/o REUTERS/Chris Wattie
Queen Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Photo c/o EPA/WARREN TODA
Photo by Mike Cassese/Reuters
Photo c/o Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II with WWII Navy Veteran Photo c/o Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Photo c/o John Stillwell/PA Wire

Hat design is an extension of fashion design and involves creativity, design, and working with materials of many kinds, and the delight that one day a hat you design may end up being worn by the Queen of England!

Beat Summer Boredom with Duct Tape Fashion

July 2nd, 2010 by Sarah Ward

Duct Tape Fashion: Duct Tape Wallet by Dr. K

School’s out.  You’re bored.  If you’re looking to beat summer boredom, look no further  Duct tape, the fix-it solution developed during the World War II to keep water out of ammunition cases, has many more uses than securing your bumper back to your car.  While duct tape is typically associated with handy These innovative designers created original pieces from duct tape!

Duct Tape Fashion: Prom Outfits

Duck Brand duct tape hosts a scholarship competition every year for duct tape prom creations called Stuck on Prom.  The innovative creations are unforgettable!

Duct Tape Fashion: Stuck at Prom Duck Tape Scholarship Competition

Duct Tape Fashion: Patriotic Stuck at Prom Duck Tape Design

Duct Tape Fashion: Accessories

Duct Tape Fashion: Rose Purse

Duct Tape Fashion: Rose Bag by Shelle T.

Duct Tape Fashion: Costumes

Duct Tape Fashion

Duct Tape Fashion: Wedding

This couple had their wedding outfits created from duct tape by designer Brian McKinney.

Duct Tape Fashion: Duct Tape Wedding

Who knew duct tape could ever look so good!  If you find you have a knack for creating duct tape fashion, perhaps you ought to consider applying your design savvy to fashion design classes!

And if your duct tape fascination goes no further than tom foolery, you can always try this on the first day of school:

Hilarious Twilight T-Shirts

July 1st, 2010 by Sarah Ward

The third Twilight movie, Eclipse, was released this week and since it’s the hot topic on everyone’s lips, here are some hilarious Twilight T-shirts we found.

Hilarious Twilight T-Shirt by Cafepress
Hiarious Twilight T-Shirt by Oohlalamb
Stay in school, girls! Hilarious Twilight T-Shirt by Cafepress
Twilight Bite Me. Please. T-Shirt Transfer by Faboo
Hilarious Twilight T-Shirt from Treasured Thoughts Vinyl
Hilarious Twilight T-shirt by Treasured Thoughts Vinyl

Even if you’re sick of Twilight, we’ve got amusing T-shirt concepts for you, too :)

Oops!
HilariousTwilight T-Shirt by Cafepress
Hilarious Twilight T-Shirt by Kosher Ham

One more we couldn’t find a photo for read:

If I were Bella, it’s a good thing Edward couldn’t read my mind because then he’d know how hot I thought Jacob was.

Kudos to these creative and innovative individuals that design these hilarious Twilight screenprints and T-shirt transfers themselves!  This very cool skill can be developed through a painting class that teaches screenprinting or a digital arts and design class where you get to learn the multimedia programs.  Talent is very cool, but talent that you can profit from?  Even better!

Video Game Career: Score Composer

June 30th, 2010 by Sarah Ward

There is much that can be said for doing what you love.  As they say, if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.

For people who would love nothing more than to enjoy a profitable career in the video game industry, there are available jobs other than just programmers, game testers, and computer animators.  After all, what would Super Mario Bros. be without the music?

One of the most popular video games of all time, the music for Super Mario Bros. was penned by Japanese composer Koji Kondo who has been on Nintendo’s payroll since 1984.  Talk about job security!

Since video games have become mini-movies, no video game is complete without a music score.  Music professionals adept in composition and arranging can enjoy careers with video game companies writing video game theme songs. Through a music or composition degree, you can develop the music skills necessary to have your compositions be immortalized in video game history like the Super Mario Bros. theme!

Career Spotlight: Fashion Designer

June 5th, 2010 by Sarah Ward

What does a Fashion Designer Do?

Fashion Design by Design Student Gabriela Hernandez

Fashion designers are responsible for the design and creation of clothing and apparel.  This includes creating the concept of the clothing on paper, creating a pattern, cutting patterns, constructing clothing, and adjusting designs.  They select the colors, fabrics, and textures that would be ideal for the construction of their clothing.  Fashion designers identify their target markets, conduct market research, and create clothing for their market’s lifestyle and preference.

Preparation: Fashion Designer

Fashion programs will teach classes on color, drawing, form, pattern making, draping, and cutting techniques.  Since fashion designers first capture their concepts on paper, it is important to be able to sketch their ideas.  While a formal education isn’t always necessary for becoming a fashion designer, having the credibility of a renown fashion design school on your resume can go a long way.  To become an independent fashion designer, business savvy is required.

Personality Profile: Fashion Designer

Since clothing is the outward expression of one’s personality, possessing creativity, vision, and individuality is invaluable.  Fashion designers need creativity as well as an understanding of drawing, sewing, and production.

By the Numbers: Fashion Designer

  • Fashion designers held about 23,000 jobs in 2008.
  • There are 7,200 projected job openings for fashion designers over the next decade.

Fashion Designer Perks

In order to stay up to date on the latest trends, fashion designers have the perk of attending fashion shows.  Many fashion designers are self-employed, giving them independence and flexibility in their career and personal life.

Show Me the Money: Fashion Designer Salary

In 2009, fashion designers made approximately $30.90/hour and $64,260 annually.

To find the ideal fashion design program for you to launch a successful design career, visit My Colleges and Careers!

(Fashion design sketch by design student Gabriela Hernandez)