Post #3: Dream It, Sketch It, Build It!

I moved to NYC just over 3 years now with every intention of going to fashion school. I interviewed, had a portfolio review, got accepted and never enrolled. I couldn't enroll full time because like so many of us, I had to work a full time job. And then I considered enrolling part time, but the hours didn't work with my job either. Sounds familiar? So many of us have had to make this choice at least once in our life, whether to get a job or go to school. And for those of you who have been lucky enough to have your mum or dad foot the bill, I envied you. Too bad for my mum who probably thinks I'm wasting my time pursuing a fashion career since it's “not a real job”. So with no fashion degree, no family support of sorts, off I go to NYC to divide and conquer..........I guess.

I'd always been a creative kid, and by creative I mean “special” and by special I mean gay [chuckle]. So fashion isn't too far a stretch for me, but I ain't no Picasso. With my hyper active imagination and my hopes set on New York City, I've learned to dream it, sketch it, build it. Or get in touch with people that can. I spend an incredible amount of time sketching bags, shoes, and more recently dresses. I also spend an equal amount of time day dreaming when I am not on the job. I feel like I have 2 full time jobs, and for now, it's the way of the world. No doubt, my abilities have evolved and I can communicate my ideas to the point where an actual handbag or garment prototype can emerge from my simple sketches. So looking back at the short evolution since moving to NYC, I am proud. Yes.

LESSON: You gotta start somewhere, get a journal. I remember being out at dinner and had ideas flash in my head and I would scribble it down on a napkin. Now I'm all high class, I got a leather bound sketchbook with my name embossed on it as Birthday gift last year. It's from Aspinal Of London, and it's oh so lovely.http://www.aspinaloflondon.com/

Indulge yourselves, since only a select few ever get an opportunity to see my sketchbook. The knotted sandal was my 1^st shot at making a shoe and I have to admit, it's pretty sweet. PS: I'm broke, so I re-use office paper to print my specs, so sorry about the glaring Handbag Designer 101 at the corner [snickering].