"Let's Be Honest Here...FIDM Isn't All That Great!!"
**[okay, you know fidmlife isn't all happy go lucky, right? we started this blog to document the good, the bad, and the ugly. well, here's a blog rant from a fellow fidm student.]**
I’m going to keep it so real with all of ya’ll for a second. Tonight’s rant is going to be about FIDM and my experience, as well as my friends experiences.
Listen up…here’s my story and some advice for anyone who plans on attending fidm or is attending fidm or just graduated from this school.
I left community college to pursue my passion for all things related to fashion. At the time i didn’t know exactly what i wanted to do, but all i knew was that i wanted to work in the fashion industry. The only schools i knew and were familiar with and catered to my interests were The Art Institutes, The Academy of Art University and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. (Mainly West coast schools). I ultimately decided to go with FIDM.
I called FIDM, scheduled and went on a tour of the San Diego campus, had a meeting with the adviser, i was completely sold to move forward with this school, applied for the Merchandise Product Development program (for spring quarter 2012), did the whole entrance project requirements, paid the necessary fees, got accepted, received a cute black tote bag and i was happy as happy can be! felt so good about myself and it all felt so right to me.
After a few weeks of waiting to start school, i started doing more research about FIDM. I was just so excited about finally attending a college that was so ME that i had to learn and hear more about it. I looked up forums, chat rooms, blogs, tags on tumblr, facebook posts and i even asked my friends who were currently attending fidm or fidm alumni. And all of it was just mind blowing. Completely unreal. There was just so much negative and positive reviews that it was hard to believe or take anyone’s word for it. So i quickly stopped looking at all that junk and decided to stick with FIDM. Because i wanted to believe i could be successful. I didn’t want to let anyone’s review or experience dictate how my life was going to pan out.
Finally the day of orientation, registration and my first week of class at fidm arrived!!! i was more than excited! FINALLY a school that catered to my every need. I felt like i belonged there. Spring quarter at fidm was my first. And it was also my LAST.
And let me tell you how this all come to be. Here are the reasons why i left fidm:
- Curriculum.MY experience at fidm was okay. I just felt as i wasn’t getting the best out of my classes with the money i was paying for. So as i sat in my classes, i couldn’t help but feel as if my teachers were unmotivated. They barely cared. Yes, some of my teachers were nice and knowledgeable. But most of them were mediocre. The kinds of stuff/homework they had us doing seemed so…elementary. Sure, they provided us with the latest and greatest technology assistance and with all the cool art supplies, but the education level itself was poor. I knew that the things i was learning and the things i was going to learn down the road, only less than half of it was actually going to be used in the real world.
- The students. OH MAN. Fidm is filled, mostly with girls with no talent. THAT’S THE TRUTH. i’m not trying to say you have to have talent to go to the school, but atleast have something to prove why you’re here at fidm. SOMETHING TO BRING TO THE TABLE. but no. A majority of these girls just cared more about the name of the school and the fact that it was a fashion school. They loved to DRESS up; expressing themselves as if they were the shit, but in reality their outfits were mere tumblr inspired or copied fashion get ups—no originality what so ever. they’ed walk in with their coffee and handbags and yet, they turned in some of the most lamest projects ever. Clearly, these girls and some guys were there by the means of daddy and mommys credit card. Those people were just so sucked into the glits and glamour of attending FIDM. They were all snobs and acted as if they knew everything about fashion and style. Clearly they didn’t because why the fuck would they be at fidm then if they knew it all? precisely. But then, there were some girls and guys with the means of being there with their cool, humble and talented characteristics. THOSE were the ones that made fidm so awesome. Being around them, made me feel like i belonged. As if i was among my range of artists/designers/thinkers/scholars. Especially the graphic designer students…mostly all guys…but they were some talented mother f-words!
- Tuition: my program costed about 45-50,000 dollars. And that was only for 2 years to get an AA. Now, at the time. when speaking to my advisor i asked about this. I was intially skeptical about paying that much for only an AA. but she insured me that an AA at FIDM is equal to the likes of an BA in the fashion industry and with the help of their career center, it would help with getting a job. So, like i said before. i was sold. But then after attending fidm, i realized i wasn’t getting the best education for what i was paying for. and an AA for that much money was just NOT worth it. Think about it. With this economy now…it’s insane to pull out loans or pay that much for an AA!!! an AA will get you little to no where in life. or sometimes it can… but it will be one hell of a fucking struggle!!!! besides almost all require Bachelor degrees!
- Alumni testimonials. i spoke to my 2 friends (both visual communication majors) about their experience with fidm and they point blank said: It’s a good school (yes, it’s a good school, “well know” rep, and you somewhat learn somethings) but they said look into other schools, because they felt that they weren’t getting enough out of fidm for what they were paying for. And now they are graduated, they wish they went to another school, and went for their bachelors degree. They both say, “no regrets” but in all honestly, they regret not looking more into other routes of getting educated. Another friend of mine (product development major) went to fidm back in 2006. She graduated, but she didn’t find a job in her field as an assistant technical Designer untill last year. The thing with that is that she had the hook up. (and that’s basically how you get into the area of which you studied for, by knowing people!!!!! and sometimes networking can only get you so far, but by knowing people that KNOW you is what gets you in and it’s how it got my friend in!). But look at that. Finally landing a job after 5 years? AND she went through a hiring agency. NOT fidm’s career center. Because they didn’t help at all. She told me…that fidm is a good school and you learn good technical skill. But looking into a better school with a better and cheaper program is the way to go!
- REP. They say fidm has a good rep in the fashion industry. Somewhat true. In reality, employers don’t give a single fuck about newly fidm graduates. Some eveb loathe fidm students! You have to face the reality that some places simply don’t hire you because you went to fidm!! and vice versa. it has it’s good and bad reviews, but in all honesty, it doesn’t matter where you get your education. If you’re talented enough and you got the chops. You’re in. Fuck the rep. saying, oh fidm looks good on you’re resume. Sure. it might look good, but that’s just your resume. Your skills say and speak louder. (just because your resume says UC DAVIS or Princeton doesn’t mean your top shit. It’s a different generation we live in now. Sure having attended prestigious or well known schools will get you looked at or potentially hired, but it all comes down to SKILL and if you’re good at what you do! Plan and simple! You WILL get hired over that one girl/guy who went to a so-called well known school.)
So that’s why i left. Mainly i left because FIDM AS A WHOLE DIDN’T SIT WELL WITH ME.
in all honesty, my fidm experience was decent. Made some cool friends, learned some…but it’s just not worth it. FIDM is a for-profit school. All they care about is money. If you’re willing to pay and you do the requirements…you’re in. They accept anyone. I wanted to expand my design and art skills, i wanted to broaden my interest for the fashion industry, i wanted to be surrounded by the same level headed people like myself. i especially wanted to go to school with the people who genuinely loved and breathed design and the arts! not just the bitches that loved fashion and shopping and clothes. I thought fidm was my everything. but it wasn’t. and i’m glad i decided to leave.
So here it is. If you’re like me…someone who has the genuine interest/passion for the arts, design and fashion, i’d say go look into other schools or programs. But if fidm is the only choice, then go. But seriously, there are other schools and programs out there! cheaper and better!
Fidm is just NOT worth the effort or money.
HOWEVER—i will say that if fidm is still something you want to do regardless of what i say or what anything or anyone else says…i’d highly suggest get your bachelors degree first in something related to your field! and then go to fidm for their professional designation program!!!!!!! it will help you in the long run!
AND i would say, if you’re going to go to fidm, GO TO THE LA CAMPUS!!! there is more opportunity for internships and job offers! it’s not guaranteed. And it’s definitely tough looking for a job at in LA with just an AA, but you do have a decent shot if you do your second year in LA rather than SF.
As for me. I’m happy and content with my decision. I’m now deciding on whether to go to San Francisco state university for their apparel design and merchandising program or cal poly pomona for their apparel merchandising and mangement program….definitely have to make a decision soon though!!
All in all….good luck to those who are looking into fidm, new and current fidm students and fidm alumni.
See ya’ll at the finish line…
Labels: Class Project, FIDM, FIDM Alumni, Finals, Financial Aid, Prospective Student, Random, Random Rants
posted by FIDM Blog Girl at
7:51 PM
64 Comments:
very helpful. i hope many students see this.
Totally agree w/ every little bit of this post! Others should definitely do more research on other schools and see what else is out there! Fidm is not worth it at all! It was my dream to go there as well but their educational plan to me is just BS. Fail one class at your community college and you can't just retake it, you have to retake an entire semester full of random classes just to make up for that one class you previously failed. That's when I said forget it, did more research and found out about the School of Style... Way more cheaper, more hands on, and more opportunities to get your foot in the door!
FIDM IS TOO EXPENSIVE SO I RATHER GET MY AA AT A COMMUNITY COLLLEGE AND THEN GO TO FIDM FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION DEGREE FOR BEAUTY INDUSTRY PROGRAM
THANKS THIS BLOG SURE HELPED ME MAKE UP MY MIND BEFORE STARTING TO GET LOANS!!
FIDM is a kinda a RIP OFF, but i started and feel like i might as well finish. a few awesome teachers that are challenging, caring--(nancy riegelman, ms. ferguson, cliff fleck) then teachers who are asleep on the job/obviously can't wait to get out of there. the other day i had a teacher let us out of 12:30-- class starts at 12 and is supposed to go to 2:45. Some teachers i like and are nice but they didn't teach me a thing, probably because they gave us all As no matter what we did. (think "writing for business professionals" where one homework after a three hour class was "write three phrases" and nice teacher who is kinda a hippie tells everyone how great they are. nice, but do I want to pay 5000 grand for that? no i don't, i can visit my aunt sara. she also thinks i'm great for no reason. same with my roommate's english class- a dude with a beard who gave EVERYONE OF THEM an A. The only way to NOT get an A in his class is don't show up for and don't turn in "assignments." Now why does she get an A for nothing, and I had to work for my B in what is supposed to be exact same class, but i had a different instructor? we should have a lawsuit, i swear. Man, FIDM has some good things, but the bad things are VERY BAD.
Appreciating the hard work you put into your site and in depth
information you present. It's awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same outdated rehashed material.
Fantastic read! I've saved your site and I'm including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Visit my blog post work at Home moms Money
Thanks a bunch for this post! I've been recently looking into fashion design programs as a second-degree applicant and, like you had mentioned earlier, really only knew about these three largely-publicized schools. Your post definitely helped me in narrowing schools I want to apply to. Thank you~! Saved!
You have brought up a very fantastic points , appreciate
it for the post.
Here is my site: adfly
Fastidious respond in return of this matter with solid arguments and explaining the
whole thing on the topic of that.
Feel free to surf to my blog post; cs 1.6 aimbot
This is really attention-grabbing, You are an overly professional blogger.
I have joined your feed and stay up for in quest of more of your magnificent post.
Additionally, I've shared your web site in my social networks
My blog: free virtapay
As a current 2nd year FIDM student. I would like to inform you that this post is not at all an accurate representation of 'The FIDM Life,".
1. How do YOU 'know' that nothing they teach will help you in the real world, despite the fact that the curriculum is established by instructors who have actual experience in the industry.
2. I agree that the first quarter can seem very elementary, but it is really just a warm up and a foundation for what is ahead. I have maintained a 4.0 all through high school and a couple of years at community college and I still feel that the work we do at FIDM is challenging and useful.
3. Saying that an AA will get you nowhere in life is BS. A majority of the most successful people in the fashion industry don't have a college degree, it is competitive so it will be a struggle no matter what.
I'm not trying to be a bitch, I just feel that someone who has only spent 10 weeks at the school should not be deterring others from looking into it. I personally have made amazing friends (yes there are some snobs, but thats not the majority). And it's already opened so many doors for me.
I hope that you find satisfaction at one of the other schools you mentioned!
There's so much positive/negative things about this school...it's ridiculous. But it's all about perception and what you want out of the experience of attending fidm. I agree with this blog...that if something doesn't sit well with you....leave it. No use in holding on to something that doesn't serve you or meet your academic standards. I also think this blog wasn't meant to deter anyone...it was just a rant of a former fidm student. The blogger clearly stated, in their own opinion that it was THEIR experience. Not every fidm student will feel this way. And the blogger is not saying how fidm IS, just how fidm was to HIM/HER. I also agree with the whole AA thing (slightly) of the annoymous responder above me. You can still do a lot with an AA degree,yes, but if you wanted to be validated and get paid for how much effort and time and money you put into schooling...an AA degree will not provide you with the proper validation and pay--that is a fact. Because, c'mon...we all look for validation in one form or another. But the blogger makes a point at skills. If most of the people who work in the fashion industry don't hold any degree...then why would you pay so much to fight for a spot in a industry that doesn't look at a degree but at skill?! Then again, it's up the employer. Overall, it's up to the individual...if fidm your choice, go! If you're attending now, but want to leave, leave--im sure you have your reasons. Just do what's right for you and the rest will follow suit.
You're in your second year. WAIT UNTIL YOU GRADUATE AND TRY TO GET A JOB. AND THEN COME AT ME.
Fidm Blog Girl said it best.....graduating and searching and landing a job is a WHOLE OTHER STORY!
And that one anonymous commentor who said about the whole AA thing. SOOOOO true!! An AA or a personal designation degree is NOT of the ranks of a Bachelors in the fashion industry. An AA is sometimes just not enough....it won't do a lot for you in the industry.
Don't think because you have a flashy/glammed up fidm portfolio, an AA and "FIDM" on your resume is going to get you places...it won't.
You need raw talent. Undeniable skill. And experience.
The fashion industry is filled with people who possess THOSE qualities. And every rejection from a potential job is telling you, you don't have THOSE skills. REALITY CHECK!!!!
THANKS for this post it helped me because I was thinking to move to LA from GA to go to this school for graphic and design or D.C.M.
Life is a hustle. No matter what school you attend; create your future through your vision.
I've recently been accepted into FIDM and I thought to look up reviews of the college now. I began to read this review and all I could think about was the grammar. I don't know if it's a joke or something but I would probably speak in a more professional tone when you are criticizing a school. Anyways, I feel as if FIDM will be one of those things where you can get a lot out of it and receive many opportunities if you allow yourself. I think you might of had a negative feeling from the get go and didn't feel the desire to push through it.
Thank you so much for this post, i'm a senior in high school and have been pending for months upon months on whether to go to fidm or the academy of art university
Hi
Thanks for the advice. I am have a Bachelor's Degree in Fashion communication from India and was planning to AA professional designation. I am really happy i came across this to help me make a decision. I am definitely going to look into another schools
Did you ever pay anything once you started school? Besides the application fee
I am glad I came across this post but sadly I am more indecisive. I am so lost when you mentioned that they let anyone I could not help be happy, I am not naturally gifted in Art I don't know how to draw and my Insecurities keep me from seeking my dream it hurts to know that you might suck at what you love I don't see my self doing anything else but interior design but I don't know what to do go to FIDM and get ripped off and get accepted with my mediocre work or try my luck somewhere else for the person who posted this where did you end up going I would love to hear back from someone with feedback thanks so much.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I'm sorry but this article was pointless for a couple of reasons. "I left community college to pursue my passion for all things related to fashion. At the time i didn’t know exactly what i wanted to do, but all i knew was that i wanted to work in the fashion industry." So... you didn't even know which direction you were going in, you were just mindlessly searching around. But then you say: "OH MAN. Fidm is filled, mostly with girls with no talent. THAT’S THE TRUTH. i’m not trying to say you have to have talent to go to the school, but atleast have something to prove why you’re here at fidm. SOMETHING TO BRING TO THE TABLE. but no. A majority of these girls just cared more about the name of the school and the fact that it was a fashion school." UMM... wait, aren't you the same person who didn't even know what CAREER she wanted??
All in all, good article, but stop blowing smoke up your own ass. Anonymously calling people out who go to a school makes you look even more pathetic than them.
Andd your deleting comments... yikes!
I think I really need help with choosing a right school...especially I am an international students without a High school diploma.....I might have to take GED and some other test for international student....But I just want to learn all about fashion and stuff...I am considering to attend in FASHION MERCHANDISING or either FASHION JOURNALISM...I search for lots of schools that have this major....but just so many different comment of all the schools....that makes me a headache......I wish someone who's in these major or graduate from these major could help me with it....
Sounds to me like the school gave you an opportunity and you didn't take it. I'm sorry but its college, not everything is going to be handed to you. Jobs are not going to be handed to you. Its the real world and its something you need work for. Teachers don't seem that interesting? Its your job to go to them and take advantage of their knowledge. Don't expect people to help you if you can't help yourself.
:D
I've visited FIDM's LA Campus several times while in highschool for field trips. The whole "no talent" type students seems true because I saw quite a bit of them walking by. Honestly guys, don't just resort to FIDM because of the label. You could go to LATTC for WAY cheaper. Not as glamorous as FIDM, but the same AA degree!
hey yall
Thanks so much . You helped me..
I went to the Irvine fidm.the counselors there are sales reps. It's such a rip off the tuition is 70k for two years if you do all the math including interest ..
You get jobs with connections you know and out of luck and hustle
There is a 200 you pay once you get accepted . Prior to that you have a project do to be " admitted " and the 32k a year lol
Classes are not flexible . Sometimes you have to do it weekends
Graduated from fidm in 2007.......im still unemployed and living with my mother. This school will not equip you with the skills you need to become a successful fashion designer. After attending another fashion school, there are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many things that fidm did not teach me about construction that I learned at the new school in the first week. FIDM IS A RIPOFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll say that any arts college is what you make of it. I went to AI-Chicago with a BFA in fashion design. Of course there were tons of snobby people who weren't necessarily artists and there on their parent's money, but who CARES. Do your own thing! Overall, I'm glad I went for what I did but anyone should know that it's tough getting into job with ANY arts degree. You just have to be creative in how you spin your experience and skills. I got to meet lots of awesome people that I am still in contact with and many are running their own businesses now, related to their arts degree. Networking really is what the fashion industry is all about and nothing is ever promised.
I attended FIDM on my own dime. I got a student loan and was able to pay it back when I began working full time. I went to a University for my general studies and left to go to FIDM because I couldn't take it anymore taking classes that didn't relate to fashion. I loved being in classes with other creative people. They inspired me. My teachers inspired me also. It was hard work and lots of time intensive projects. I worked part time while I attended FIDM. I found jobs through the career center and word of mouth. The job experiences refined my skills that started at FIDM. I found my niche in the fashion industry and it came from a combination of a foundation of learning at FIDM but also the networking of the alumni support system. I definitely got my money's worth. I have never regretted my decision to follow my passion. I have continued to get education at many different colleges and I have to say that FIDM is intensive concentrated education in a short amount of time. This suited me because I wanted to get out in the world and find my favorite job.
how can i contact this person?
Hi, did you leave your university then transfered to FIDM's Professional Designation program? Or did you just transfer some gen ed credits to their AA degree?
I know this is old but my sister went to FIDM and did the AA program for fashion product development. As you said, I too seen her assignments and they were very elementary/middle school. She did not get a job and the career center was no help. She ended up working for a corporate job as a clerk. Her degree was useless. Now she is back in school and none of her units even transferred so now she has to start from scratch! All of her so called math, english, history was BS. If you want to do fashion, have the real talent and go to a junior college! You will get more for your money and wont be in debt unable to pay your loans back. IMO this school is a joke...they get you with the whole interview crap to make you feel special when in reality this is a low budget high profit school with no real reputation.
Hhahaha! I use to follow you on twitter back when we went to FiDM!
Glad you spoke out!!
Frustrated and angry with FIDM. My daughter is majoring in Merchandise and Marketing.She is struggling. She has tried all the avenues at FIDm but none work for her and the counselors really don't care at all about helping. Any one out there know where I can get a private tutor for my daughter.
I still feel so snowed by FIDM. about half way through my first quarter at FIDM I wanted to cry everyday about the mistake I made. I finished just 1 year at FIDM and that 1 year would have paid for a 4 year degree at a state college.
Nothing transfers correctly, even the GE you really have to push to get the course work accepted and I would have to petition to get all 3 units not the 2 most colleges want to give.
Hi, I'm currently I'm my last quarter at FIDM SF, and I totally disagree. I think that yes almost everything from FIDM LA is what gets broadcasted so people might receive the wrong information if you are NOT at the LA campus. Here at the SF campus I can honestly say everyone accepted at this campus is ridiculously talented. I own a swimwear label already and manufacture in Indonesia and everyone around me is actually fucking awesomely creative and it's a constant challenge on projects. I have listened to teachers repeatedly say that the SD campus just does not have the resources of LA or even SF has. With that said, in Product Development we have an absolute crazy amount of projects and work due every week and anyone that wants to say we do "elementary" should probably shut up with accusations of that because everyone including me spends atlas 25 hours a week doing homework. It's all how you personally learn. You will not be successful not talking to the career center, meeting teachers or networking throughout campus. It's not FIDM it's probably you not taking advantage of the crazy amount of opportunities.
Lol...such flame wars....Here's the deal with FIDM -
I've known about this "accredited Uni" since 1995...Do they turn out people who do well? Yes - BUT and it's a J-Lo sized one, its all a numbers game - If you have enough students attending one day a few FEW will do well just cuz.
Education wise - I came in already holding a BFA in ID - so I did the prof. AA. - Though I fought tooth n nail for credit transfers for 2 reasons -
1 - really? Remedial math? English? nuh-huh.
2 - by transferring in my credits I got them to lower the pricing by a couple grand. AND not take even some computer classes(this bit required testing) because honestly I didn't really need them.
Career - THIS bit was a total scam pulled by multiple people. - Here's the deal (at least in SF) IF they like you, then they may MAY make a few calls, if not, you are on your own honey boo-boo! I hauled butt and contacted everyone I knew to land an internship.
Final overview - The people who talk of amazing opportunities etc - look they probably came in with some contacts and some work already behind them. I admit if you do the work then FIDM is actually pretty easy(finished with a 3.9GPA) to get through. I did meet a couple amazing friends and mentors through it. Was it worth the 26K I paid...? Maybe. I honestly can say that I did get some cool contacts throughout my time there, but they were no cultivated by the school but rather through pure chuzpah. I really only furthered my career after I left and moved abroad and now back to the USA. As for campuses - look if they can;t even retain the BEST prof. they had for fashion....(sf/la/sd) then really I'd look elsewhere....seriously.
not cultivated* oops
This review and alot of other other reviews have got me so mixed up now...At my school in the Bay Area, almost everyone in my school interested in fashion is thriving for FIDM and according to many positive reviews, I was considering it to be one of my top choices since it's in state and close to home..But reading this makes me uneasy because some say it's terrible, less than mediocre, and I should go for a cheaper, better college while others say go for FIDM..anyways tomorrow is my first meeting with my college admissions advisor and I will make sure to keep all of these reviews in mind because I'm relatively poor and I don't want to waste any money.
Totally agree with you. A new student dies not have the experience to speak with depth about anything. love the programs, the curriculum, the environment , the LA location and the staff.
Totally agree with you. A new student dies not have the experience to speak with depth about anything. love the programs, the curriculum, the environment , the LA location and the staff.
This comment has been removed by the author.
thanks so much for this post! I'm graduating from UCLA soon but I changed my life/career path super last minute and now I'm kind of in a weird grey area as far as career/academics are concerned. Was really considering the AA professional designation vcom or merchandise marketing program at FIDM but after reading your post I'm definitely going to continue looking at other programs as well. If you have any suggestions that would be awesome!
I went to FIDM back in 2006. I never got a job in fashion. I personally went to open my own boutique but then the economy crashed. Anyhow, I do recall that when I did look for a job in fashion almost all of the jobs required a BA degree. Lucky for me I had one prior to going to FIDM. I think it might depend on your major in terms of what you get out of it or maybe your teachers. I think in some ways it was harder than getting my BA because it was hands on work. However, I would say unless you are REALLY planning to go into fashion don't go there as it is very expensive. I did know people I went to school with who got jobs in fashion doing what they went to school for........making less than $15 an hour! They had to have tons of roommates just to survive. I did end up owning my own company and appreciate the knowledge I gained at FIDM but it was too expensive. I don't regret it, it was a positive experience... but EXPENSIVE! LOL. I do agree you get a lot of young girls who just love to shop and watch the hills and there on their parents dime... at least when I was attending the hills was filming at school... and truth is Lauren never actually attended. She showed up on filming days. But I'm sure you know now that show was fake. Anyhow, great blog and everyone has a right to express what their experience there was. :) (I attended the LA campus)
I don't know if you all know about the fashion school hierachy. FIT and Parsons are the best in the US and you can land jobs in mainly US and some in Europe or if you want to start your own business. The best way to stay in the industry at a competitive level and get work in the luxury industry at Fendi/Chanel/Louis Vuitton is mainly through Central Saint Martins or Royal College of Art. The US schools are commercially driven with some art where as CSM and RCA are more artistically driven, but one can still get commercial jobs. A BA/BFA usually give you the technical skills and development of a fashion designer, but the MFA/MA is important for development of individual aesthetic. Good luck on everything and it all depends what level of fashion you wanted to work on.
I agree with this post, however LA isn't any better! I graduated in 2009 (LA campus) and its now 2016 I still haven't found a career or company that is decent to work for. I had an extreamly bad experience and the career center -to this day, is still horrible, with no care or follow through. GO SOME WHERE ELSE... anywhere will be better!
I recently went to the LA campus to talk to an administrator about attending there and so far the girls you described are still like that but some seemed to work hard, I am only 16 and already going to college and I was so excited for FIDM but since I am so young and these comments really helped me so I think I might go to a community college first then transfer, I wanted to major in merchandise and marketing can anyone tell me about that?
Do not fall prey to this negative post. My first quarter (Winter 2014) was my HARDEST quarter. The work load is intense and requires a lot of adjustment in priorities. You either pass with flying colors or you fail miserably during this quarter. If you pass, you'll do just fine. Besides, everything in your 1st quarter is introduction to what you'll be studying for the succeeding 5 quarters. I'm happy to say I've graduated from FIDM c/o 2016 in Merchandise Marketing, received multiple job offers, hired to work with F21 in visual merchandising, went on to work for the Gray family who created Saint John Knit's and Grayse, before I became a mother to my little boy and getting married. I utilized the career center, I networked with many different people, YES it takes "connections" to get the job you want, but that is with ANY career you pursue. I know I can say I have true talent that has been fine tuned thanks to FIDM, and at the end of the day, I walk away with more experience and knowledge than my fellow competitors. Take into account those small details in perfecting your resume, invest in those proper business etiquette classes even if business isn't your major, it helps. I traveled 60 miles in one direction for 1 year and 9 months, gave 110% in every assignment, presentation, and in my personal appearance. I stood out - my professors from 3 years ago STILL remember me because of my work ethic and the fact that I branded myself. That's what you need in the RETAIL industry, (ahem, fashion industry is just too blasé to say). There are women and men who attend FIDM for the sake of daddy being proud of his children at the dinner table, but they're weeded out very easily. Trust me, they've dropped out by the end of their 1st year. I invested in my education there, both financially and mentally. I have no regrets on how much I spent ($29,405 for 1 year with MMKT A.A at FIDM LA). I will be attending FIDM for my BS in Business Management and I cannot wait to be back in my element. Go for FIDM if YOU desire to do so.
Great program, most popular program, and you should experience your education at its fullest in LA. I did my best ever in college at this school and have turned out some pretty awesome projects (both freelancing and with major corporations), best decision I ever made for myself was attending FIDM.
I am currently at UCSB in my third year of political science. I totally wanted to go to FIDM when I was a freshmen in high school and all the way up to my senior year but my father deterred me from even applying to an art school saying that it was a waste of money and time and the fashion industry was too competitive. He wanted me to become a lawyer. I am still at UCSB now but I have hated it since the start. Its full of snobby people. Not everyone is like that but the majority are like that. Its not that diversity friendly and the staff is somewhat even worse. Anyways I guess I was proud of being at a UC because of all the work it took in high school. I did all the AP classes, SAT, SAT subject tests, and ACT and even did community classes. I graduated top of my class with a 4.3 GPA. I have never paid a dollar for my education because of FAFSA and scholarships but it is not something I want to do in life. I want to pursue my dream in fashion but I am also scared of wasting time and money. I just need some advice on whether FIDM is worth it or not. I would want to pursue a degree in fashion design.
I went to Fidm and had a career as a designer for about 18 years. It was not easy. Jobs were very unsteady and when the recession hit, non existent. I tell others to go to business school and get a BA. Then you can start your own fashion line, if you have the guts. That way, you have many many options instead of one job title to apply for. The Instructors were great when I went there in 89/90. I didn't get one job from the career center though. You have to just put your resumes out there and NETWORK. Most of the jobs I was able to get were because I already new someone in the industry. I have been out of the industry for about 8 years now, pursuing steady jobs where I can work in any town and get paid!
I graduated FIDM in 2013. I had great experiences from networking with different people from the fashion industry and getting freelance jobs. I landed my first job working in Production through the FIDM career website after graduating. It was a great experience which led me to travel with my boss to trade shows. My recommendation is to definitely network and meet different people. If you are looking for a job in the industry, try using a freelance agency. That way you can gain skills to find a better job. Overall, it is an expensive school. The professors in my field were very knowledgeable and I still go back to them for reference. However, I gained the valuable skills to move up in my career.
My daughter is graduating tomorrow from FIDM with her AA in Vcom. She attended the LA campus, commuting from Orange County. She enjoyed her school experience, her projects were amazing, and she is very talented. The majority of her professors seemd to be accomplished in their fields and she really learned a lot. You are right in your post that many students are not as talented and obviously unappreciative of their opportunity to attend FIDM. My opinion of the experience is that it is a trade school. When we were looking into the school the advisor's used the "2nd year internship that often leads to a job" as a huge selling point, but when my daughter got into her 2nd year internships were simply not to be found. The school didn't help at all. She asked several teachers for letters of rec, throughout this process and still hasn't received them despite multiple requests. It is very pricey for what you get, and she is now looking into the community college with hopes of transferring to Cal State to obtain her BS in interior design. The portfolio she made featuring all of her work is impressive and she is going to continue her search for an internship. She does have some anxiety over her future, and with the giant student loans that will have to start being paid in December if she doesn't start school again in the fall. I would say from a parent perspective that finding a job in this market is challenging, you need to be persistent, and also knowing someone would definitely help. I wouldn't say I regret the experience, if my daughter didn't go there she would always wonder about it ...I just wish it wasn't so expensive, and that the classes she took at FIDM transitioned better to the Cal state system.
Attended FIDM in the late 1970's when tuition was $2,500.00 a year, approximately. Sounds like they still have a problem with instructors who really want to teach. I had a few of those instructors. Graduated from FIDM in 1977. I was talented, gifted and smart and would land jobs only to be hired on Monday and fired on Friday after the company or designer sucked all of my talent out of me. I was green and dumb, until I caught on to what they were doing. I remained in the "rag" business for two years after graduating from FIDM and then went into a career in law. The school was a bit compromised when I attended and being a black women, it was really difficult in those years to find a job. Because I could illustrate and design well, I was hired. I basically had to really hustle to find work. As I stated above, after two years I changed my direction and began a career in law and remained for approximately 40 years. FIDM is just too expensive...you can just start you own business and hope for the best. By the way, the students at that time were not so stuck on themselves or snobs. For the most part, the students were normal people with a lot of hopes and dreams of becoming whatever in the fashion industry. If you have talent and want to have a career in the "rag" business, I would suggest attending a regular college or university for what FIDM charges and branch out in the business after you attend a four year college. In this business it is who you know and who will sponsor you.... even if you do not have talent.
I'm attending FIDM right now and I get where you're coming from but I think attitude really matters, no school is perfect and if you're constantly expecting them to be perfect well then I don't know if you're ever going to learn anything. I don't know if your major sucked or what because I'm majoring in apparel industry management and I can say that I've learned A LOT. I know so much about fabrics and their properties and how they react to certain things, I learned how to make patterns, to sew, marketing, learning about Human Resources right now, and Im learning about how to test fabrics and what type of fabrics work best to make certain garments, and I'm only in my first year. I think if fashion is truly your passion then you will enjoy it, yes some of the teachers are super hard but I notice when they see you know what you're doing and they see you're trying your best then they'll see that and most of the time give you a good grade. Talking to teachers and being friendly with them helps too.
At first I hated all the girls that went to FIDM cause yes they were super basic and weren't creative at all but I've gotten to know a few of those girls and they're extremely hard workers and are devoted to what they are doing though there are definitely a few that are going just cause they think fashions cool but they don't know about it or really care but still most of them are trying really hard. I think maybe my major is different, my major is for people wanting to open their own business and so I'm surrounded by very passionate hard working people and good teachers. I'm enjoying FIDM I don't care about what it looks like or who goes there I care about the things I'm learning and I'm learning A LOT, not there for the experience there for the knowledge, I recommend FIDM for students to attend, it's a good schools that has taught me a lot.
I attended FIDM few years ago and I loved being in school and classes with all the lovely people. I've never regretted my decision!
I am a graduate of FIDM LA. Upon acceptance at 17 yrs. I was pulled aside by my dad and told this truth, “you will get out of this what you put into it” and so I did. I immediately got a job at the Boadway Plaza where I met Gloria Vanderbilt, I got a job at the Cal Mart where I made valuable contacts. I even sat in showrooms in exchange for merchandise. Many good things happened from my efforts and focus. I graduated and was offered positions w Paris Diffusion
as designer a year later became the Designer for Jourdan I stayed until I retired at 36. During those years I started my own rep firm. It grew to 62 reps. I travelled everywhere searching for new materials and findings for the design lines I did on the side.
The fashion business is not easy and it helps to just be lucky by being at the right place at the right moment. It calls for a quick thinking, astute, shrewd, person. Speaking other languages really helps. You MUST have the raw talent and vision of things to come. Science and economy are factors. The world stage and following Pantone etc. Of the three of us from High school that went to FIDM we all made it in the business.
That being said you must really know what it is that you are aiming for and be strongly driven to get there. You have to work really hard to forge ahead and survive. The business is not nice
Or kind if you are you won’t get in or they’ll spit you out.
FIDM was great I wasn’t too friendly to share my plans after all they are the competition.
That’s why Mr. Bob Mackie and other designers have decided not to teach there, he told me “Your the competition” he’s right as I was working on his retrospective show at the LA museum
FIDM is not for lazy untalented whimps. It’s for those that will work and taste success to shine like Hollywood Stars ❤️
I went to FIDM straight out of high school for the same reasons, really loved fashion but wasn’t sure where I was going with it and hoped FIDM would help me figure that out. I basically realized half way through my first year that I had made a huge mistake for the same reasons, work was ridiculously easy and elementary, I felt I was learning nothing, I almost felt embarrassed to share what I was learning with my parents and especially my friends from high school who had gone on to attend real schools. Yes most of the teachers are not really motivated to teach, definitely give easy A’s - which unfortunately made me kind of a lazy student over time. As for the snobby girls, I really didn’t even care for them or notice them, they didn’t affect me - but yes there are SO many girls there just to party with USC guys. Anyways so I pulled through and got my AA just because I didn’t want to quit and hoped to transfer to a normal school and finish my bachelors. But here’s what happened, I had no way out of there; I tried really hard to transfer to any university and was told repeatedly by counselors how it’d be impossible and that I’d have to retake all general ed courses at a community college and most likely be there for 2-3 more years and even after that, there would be a slight chance that I wouldn’t get accepted into University because although none of FIDM units would transfer, they would always in a way be with me on my transcripts (basically as useless electives) and because of that I might face was is called “senior standing” which means having too many units altogether from FIDM and community college, this was all very discouraging so I returned to FIDM to finish my bachelors because I thought at least they are accredited and maybe one day I can apply to grad school. Well here I am 5 years after having received my BS in Business Management, I have struggled very hard with getting a stable job that pays above minimum wage which has ultimately prevented me from having any substantial career history that would qualify me for an MBA or even a specialized Masters degree. Not to mention, my entire FIDM degree (both AA and BS) cost me about $100k which is RIDICULOUS for what I got out of it. FIDM’s career center (online and on campus) is a joke. Literally all the jobs that are available, you can absolutely get as a high school graduate or even student honestly. Over 90% of them are commission retail positions that pay no more than $13/h. There are very few worthwhile job listings on there and they’re only geared towards fashion design degrees. So my advice to anyone considering going there: If you already have the pure raw talent, you don’t even need the education, just go out there and gain experience and make connections. If you don’t have pure raw talent and enjoy fashion as a hobby (like me), really consider your career prospects and possibly pursue something else that won’t cost you anywhere between $50k-$100k (depending on how long you go there and which degree you get) while giving you very very little or practically nothing in return. Keep fashion as a part of your life on the side while attending school for something else or working and building a real career, something you won’t look back and question or regret in your 30’s. I’m almost 28 and all I keep thinking is yes, I like fashion very much but I should have tried harder and studied science or engineering or something because I’d have a real job right now.
I graduated from FIDM San Francisco,2015. I was shocked that one of the admissions advisors tried to weed me out, from applying, because my back is handicapped,so I had to bring a tiny smart cart, to carry my books, & supplies. She told me they "don't have an office for handicapped students," though I told her "they have academic accomodations." She said, "I've never heard of them." I said, "They're in the Idea Center, in the library, where Jeremy works. I'll introduce you, when I'm on campus, & your catalog page 196 says FIDM has a non-discrimination policy." She was saying all this on a phone call, to avoid a paper trail/law suit. Then she tried to foist me off on Academy of Art, which I would have had to walk several blocks between classes, as it's more spread out. I had briefly, mentioned in my essay why I chose FIDM over Academy of Art. She used this as an excuse, saying, "You talk about Academy of Art, a lot." I said, "No, I mentioned it once, as to why I chose FIDM over them. I'm paying cash up front. I'm transferring my 2 other AA degrees, on in Small Business Fashion, & my other sewing/fashion classes from 3 other community colleges, & 4.0's, I've collected over 10 years, waiting for my chance, to attend FIDM, while I put my kids through school first. And I've attended every one of your open houses for the last 5 years, & your catalogs." My husband was sitting next to me, & could hear her on the phone. The more she tried to get rid of me, the more pissed I got. We had just sold our rental property, to get the tuition $, since hubby had been out of work, & was about to start a new job, in the Great Recession. I almost sued the school. She relented, & told me to rewrite my entrance essay. I already finished my project, & included my Letter for making the Dean's list, Student ambassador, College Diplomas, & I'm a Phi Theta Kappa. I got in anyway, struggled with Adobe' computer classes, but the other students & I traded help, since I helped them in sewing classes. I've been sewing for 45 years. The impression they give U, on open house is that you're going to get 1 on 1 tutoring, on Saturday, if U need it, but you DON'T. You have to share that tutor with 6 other ppl, & she got burned out on me in Photo shop. After she had done really well, pulling me through Illustrator. I had to pay an extra tutor from WiseAnt for $65. an hour, from home, & she wasn't worth it. When I graduated, they announced that I was a "Non Traditional Student." Meaning I was old.
you can get an AA degree at Los Angeles Trade Tech they have degrees is fashion and visual arts. get the tution waived with the The California Promise Grant and get FASFA to help you through the semester. Wish I had known that before I went to FIDM.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home