What brings you here?
Investing in higher education is one of the best decisions a person can make for their future. It is the foundation on which dream jobs and successful careers are built. For Fashion Journalism students Dwaine Hill, Marisa Tania, Brianna Wooten, and Faye Harris, pursuing a higher education at Academy of Art University has been a fundamental stepping stone on their journeys toward becoming the next generation of successful fashion journalism and social media professionals. Fashion School Daily sat down with each student to find out what brought them to the program and what keeps them coming back for more (fashion).
The Freshman: DWAINE HILL, BA Fashion Journalism
Name: Dwaine Hill
Academic Year: 1st Year Undergraduate – Onsite
Follows: Judson Harmon, High Snobiety, McSweeny’s, Carine Roitfeld
Dream Interview: Lady GaGa & Lana del Ray
Social Media: IG –@dweezyhillz
FSD: Why did you decide to study Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University?
DWAINE HILL: Academy of Art University was first on my mind about 9 years ago, after I graduated from high school. I wanted to come here for Fashion Design, but opted for a community college close to my hometown. I soon knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do so I jumped into retail. When I reconsidered going back to school, the Academy was it! I came upon the Fashion Journalism program, spoke to an advisor and went over the curriculum. It was such a different program, in every sense. It’s a great way to become a well-rounded student or professional, in general.
FSD: How did you prepare to be a Fashion Journalism student at the Academy?
DH: Working in fashion retail for several years and being in New York gave me a lot of perspective. Meeting designers, making friends in the fashion community, we all had great connections and experiences. Coming back to school, I felt a little bit ahead of the curve, so to say, which was good. It helped me to have a better understanding of what I was learning.
FSD: How challenging is the Fashion Journalism program? How are you dealing with these challenges?
DH: My biggest challenge is that I want to get as much as possible from this experience. I’m pushing myself to reach the deeper into what I’m being taught. I’m reaching out to my professors and seeing if they have more, more, more to give me. Looking at my coursework, at my mood boards in the design class, I’m constantly thinking: “How can this this take me farther than where I am now?”
FSD: What are your post-Academy professional aspirations?
DH: I’m a workaholic! I’ve been working since I was fifteen and I want to jump in as fast as possible. CR Fashion Book is absolutely my favorite publication right now. Since the first issue, I was in love. In terms of editorials, Carine Roitfeld has one of the most creative mindsets out there. The way she sets everything up gets me so excited every time. My goal is to intern at CR Fashion Book. It’s my dream job, too.
The Sophomore: MARISA TANIA, BA Fashion Journalism
Name: Marisa Tania
Academic Year: 2nd Year Undergraduate – Onsite
Follows: Vanessa Friedman, Tim Blanks
Dream Interview: The late Bill Cunningham
Social Media: www.marisatania.weebly.com
FSD: Why did you decide to study Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University?
MARISA TANIA: I did an internship with Dewi Magazine, one of the most prominent fashion magazines in Indonesia. I enjoyed every moment of it which surprised me. I’d never considered being a critic or a stylist. My understanding of the industry was limited to the title “designer.” I never saw any other possibilities to work in fashion. From then on, I realized that I want to write for a fashion magazine full-time. Academy of Art University is the only school I could find with a designated and accredited fashion journalism undergraduate program and I couldn’t be happier!
FSD: How did you prepare to be a Fashion Journalism student at the Academy?
MT: I took courses in fashion design at the Raffles Design Institute in Singapore. I learned a lot about the language of fashion and the design of the various products. It helps a lot in telling a story about clothing. Plus, I have a better eye now for what looks good.
FSD: How challenging is the Fashion Journalism program? How are you dealing with these challenges?
MT: Ah, grammar is my biggest challenge. Luckily, the school provides writing labs for those who need help. I also need to learn more about working in groups, delegating, being a team player. Sometimes, I feel it’s hard to keep up with technology. As a Millennial, I experienced this transition from “old school” to social media. You must write a perfect article and think about the visual content and then tweet it, post it, repost it, keep in mind the SEO (search engine optimization). Blogging class [at Academy] has been really helpful and now I am looking forward to the social & mobile reporting course.
FSD: What are your post-Academy professional aspirations?
MT: I honestly no longer believe in a long-term goal. I live to do my best each day. I feel like people are focusing too much on the past or the future and they forget to live in the moment. It’s exciting to discover different opportunities that media life has to offer. My aspiration in ten years is to look back and be able to say that I did well.
The 1st Year Graduate Student: BRIANNA WOOTEN
Name: Brianna Wooten
Academic Year: 1st Year Graduate – Onsite
Follows: Robin Givhan
Dream Interview: Shiona Turini
Social Media: Nizhoni Moon
FSD: Why did you decide to study Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University?
BRIANNA WOOTEN: I picked Academy of Art University because of its first-hand connections to real world careers. For example, my instructors are from the industry that I am interested in breaking into and they are here for me one on one. I chose fashion journalism because I want to enter the world of fashion public relations and I love writing. Perfect match!
FSD: How did you prepare to be a Fashion Journalism student at the Academy?
BW: I wanted to form meaningful relationships with my fellow classmates and instructors that will be beneficial moving forward in our careers. Hopefully, I will be able to provide them with some insight and opportunities as well. More importantly, I hope to grow as a writer here.
FSD: How challenging is the Fashion Journalism program? How are you dealing with these challenges?
BW: What I find most challenging about my experience as a new student in the Fashion Journalism program is having to rediscover myself as a writer. It is a different form in comparison with research papers on Shakespeare! I am beginning to develop my voice and enjoy this process. In addition, being a recent transplant to San Francisco, I feel like I’m learning the city bit by bit.
FSD: What are your post-Academy professional aspirations?
BW: I’m an overachiever at heart. I want to be the editor-in-chief at a major publication such as Cosmopolitan. Or have my own publication!
The 2nd Year Graduate Student: FAYE HARRIS
Name: Faye Harris
Academic Year: 2nd Year Graduate – Onsite
Follows: Oliver Zahm, Pat McGrath, Alex Box, Bil Donovan, StreetArtGlobe, BOF, AlwaysJudging, ManRepeller, Caroline Daur, Louise Roe
Dream Interview: Meryl Streep
Social Media: www.fayeharris.tumblr.com
FSD: Why did you decide to study Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University?
FAYE HARRIS: I was already working in public relations for a beauty company and had done internships at fashion/beauty magazines in London. Being a foreign student, I had to think seriously about my choices. I know a few people who had studied Fine Arts and Styling at the Academy and loved it, so it was one of the first places I looked. After some research, it was a no brainer. I am really excited to be creating my own magazine and online presence.
FSD: How did you prepare to be a Fashion Journalism student at the Academy?
FH: At this level, I know I am only going to get out of it as much as I am putting in. Self-motivation is important and to constantly think bigger than the classroom. Don’t just do the required, go above and beyond! That will help you to stand out.
FSD: How challenging is the Fashion Journalism program? How are you dealing with these challenges?
FH: I’d say the most challenging part of being a student is time management; especially, if you’re working while studying. Some people use their phones and apps for reminders, but I like to use a good old fashioned planner and write absolutely everything down. Crossing out those completed tasks feels so good! Styling class was a big challenge because it’s not something I’ve ever done, but I “let go” and got my hands “dirty” and met some great people, too.
FSD: What are your post-Academy dreams and aspirations?
FH: After graduation, I’ll be working full-time at Juice Beauty as creative producer of digital content. I’d like to continue writing freelance and eventually to have my own online publication, creating and curating content.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in fashion media, consider enrolling in the Fashion Journalism program at the Academy of Art University; to speak with someone about this program today just fill out this form.
Interviews conducted by Kahea Montgomery, MA Fashion Journalism.
