Blog #10
Everything about my internship was rewarding, in the sense that it was full of learning experiences. My fashion design internship with Mondo really put it into perspective, the kind of lifestyle I will be taking on as well. Sure, just like with any sort of relationship, there was miscommunication, but how I could I not expect that when I am interacting with successful designer. This internship taught me a lot about flexibility and how to professionally deal with a mentor, or just any person, who is successful, busy and always traveling. My most memorable experiences of this internship are with a doubt the fashion show events I was able to attend and be present as part of Mondo’s team. As cheesy is this will sound, working amongst all the chaos that goes on backstage at fashion shows, was like a dream. It’s so hectic but exciting, and it’s just everything. I know that I can get used to dealing with that chaos for the rest of my life. Coming into this internship, I already knew I would be on a flexible schedule, which I liked because is creatives, we don’t deal with concrete rules and such. I imagined I would gain cool experiences like working on Mondo’s collections, or even just being able to see them, but I most definitely did not expect to be so involved as I was. Being thrown into the mix and allowed to contribute to in-progress designs and collections, be in charge with backstage prep for fashion shows, and just receiving feedback on my own collections was beyond what I was expecting. Communication and flexibility are the two strong lessons I take from this experience, where I will need to apply it to my own life and career in order to be successful in working with clients and others whom will work with me.
Blog #9
On the night prior to the big new year’s eve fashion show, Mondo, his seamstress and his interns, myself included, were working on probably the most time-consuming project of this internship. Between trying to finish up the shoe makeover, last minute alterations, hand-crafting head pieces, Mondo was also creating a custom gown for a performer at the show. When this client went in for a fitting the day before the event, she pretty much hated the look. As a team, of Mondo’s, we collaborated our ideas, completely scrapped the first look, and began a whole new gown in the evening. As Tim Gunn would say, it was definitely a “make it work” moment. While some of us went off to the fabric shop, the others began creating the bodice of the new gown. All the chaos that came with this custom design, reassured me that this is the kind of pressure I want to deal for the rest of my life. Although incidents like these do give a slight panic attack, that panic is because it is actually something I care about doing, and doing it almost perfect. I have always aspired to do custom designs for clients, because I feel like I am helping them express themselves through their style and garments. After experiencing this with Mondo, I am sure that custom design is something I want to focus on, as well as my own brand, when I have my business name brand established. I do well working under pressure and in a fast-paced environment, which is why I know that I am fit for the fashion industry regardless of whether I’m on the business side or the creative portion.
Blog #8
My internship has been quite the struggle. My project was introduced on the very first meeting with Mondo, where he told me that a an internship consists of personal projects and mentor projects. My internship project was divided into sections where I first created a mood board with sketches, fabric swatches, my inspiration. Then I narrowed down the collection and strengthened the pieces to make the collection cohesive. I have now been working on making the actual collection. Getting started on the Spring/Summer collection started off rocky because I was having issues with some of my fabrics, since I had ordered one online and created my own textile which also had to be ordered online. The biggest thing I have learned from this process, is that it isn’t as easy to bring your ideas to life as envisioned. There has been a lot of trial and error, and I am still working on perfecting my collection. This project makes me feel like Mondo does see me as designer because he assigned me something that he himself does, and I even contribute in completing. I have been working on my project on my own because I want to show Mondo what I am capable of doing, as well as to show him that on my win I have applied the techniques I have taken from his works. The last part of my project will be shooting it, whether it’s for my website or for a style/collection book where I’ll be keeping track of my designs. Although I have been working by myself on my internship project, Mondo has assured me that he is there to help as long as I put in the work.
Blog #7
There is not much difference between my personal projects and those in the creative business of my internship, for we are both designers. The process of my projects are different because I work in steps and then receive feedback from my mentor, where with Mondo’s projects I am just doing as told and providing suggestions and ideas. I put in the same amount of effort into my work is do when I’m working on his projects, of course his works are more professional. The techniques I learn while working on with Mondo on his projects, I then apply to my own. Working with a successful creative, who pursues my intended profession, has helped expand my insight of the business side of the field. Yes, most of our time is spent working creatively but the work we are doing is always business related. For example, on a couple occasions Mondo was working with a client, to create a custom look, and I observed there fitting meetings and took what I saw and have applied it to my meeting with customers who want custom gear. With some experience of working with someone in the creative business and with someone who is strictly business oriented, I have come to realize that creative careers require more work. Working in a creative business has showed me that it is the equilibrium to life because you are working professionally and intensely, but it is also innovative everyday which makes it enjoyable. Creative business is not a routine-like lifestyle because every day the mind crafts new ideas.
Blog # 6
The best way to describe how I am treated at my internship, is imagine if you mixed how your friends treat you with how instructors treat you.. that is exactly how it is. We all joke around and it’s a very chill environment where music is blasting in the background while we are all hard at work. At the end of the day though, we all know that this is serious work we are doing and there are going to be projects assigned followed by feedback, just like an instructor would do. I do like how I am treated at work, in all areas. For example, when it comes to a serious work moment, Mondo will change his tone a little bit and let me know what has to get done, yet when their is some sort of emergency, there’s a certain approach is well, and then when we are in the studio for a day of work we have a particular ambiance too. Through this internship so far, the biggest thing I have learned so far is to make it work in the moment when time is crucial or there was an unexpected incident. Much of I already knew prior to the start of my internship I have applied to it. Becoming familiar with new textiles and new techniques for unconventional projects are two things i’ve learned. For instance, Mondo sent Kelle and I to the fabric store with a list of supplies to get and between the both of us we had to figure out what the things were or go to a sales associate to help us gather everything. If one day I have an intern of my own, I want to be able to provide them with a similar experience where they are involved in making big professional projects happen, learn and apply that to their own work, but also feel like I am their friend and mentor in one.
Blog #5
My internship is the s**t! On days where we are extra creative and doing some outrageous work, they mark the highlights of my internship. Then again, nothing beats fashion show days! The only things that kind of, just a little bit, suck are all the pressing and steaming of garments prior the show time. Oh, and we can’t forget all the hand sewing of seams that have to be raised, lowered, brought in, or fixing a tear in a garment. But hey, all of this is part of backstage madness to prevent any malfunctions when the models are strutting the runway. My “coworkers” are amazing, because we’re all pretty much the same. Not to mention, Mondo, Kellehanna, and I are all geminis and fashion designers. Kelle and I are both finishing up our senior year of high school so whenever we get to work together we discuss college, school dances, current sewing projects, and, well, life. The best thing about our relationship, Mondo, Kelle, and I, is that even though we are all designers we support each other’s work, and although, realistically, we are each other’s competition we don’t get competitive. We encourage each other’s work, while learning from primarily Mondo. As cliche is it sounds, there isn’t anything that I would change about my internship, or try to improve, because there is an equal amount of everything from constructive criticism, relatable conversations, intense work, and all the in-betweens. Working with a well-regarded figure in the fashion industry and someone who is also very “chill” creates an equilibrium between professionalism and a relaxed environment.
Blog #4
At my workplace, I do not have a primary task where I am always held accountable for. At my internship we just take it as it comes. Mondo will assign me different tasks to do at the beginning of a work day but they often change is the day goes based on progress or of he makes any changes. I know I always need to have my creative cap on, regardless of what a day at the workplace has in store for me. Craftyness, creativity, and a strong skill set is what I most contribute to this internship, for our duties can be very eccentric some days, then very traditional on others. Knowing Mondo, it is more than expected to do unconventional projects for every event we are getting ready for, whether it’s dying fabric and painting on garments,or giving a pair of shoes a complete transformation. A day in the workplace starts off with a casual conversation with Mondo, about, well anything, then go onto to discuss what has to get done. Based on the list of things to complete, we set a goal for the day and then divide the work between whomever happens to be in the studio to work that day. The day to day tasks vary greatly. One day I can sorting out shoes, printing the model name and measurement cards, getting out sewing bag packed with everything and anything we think we will need. Another day I can be experimenting with shoes: cutting out neon fur, super gluing gemstones and hot gluing pompoms, then we are off on an excursion to the fashion shop. The following day, it can be an intense day of sewing where I hand-sew embellishments onto garments, then do some sewing on the machine, and sometimes draft and cut some patterns. Needless to say, it is almost impossible to get bored at my internship because with a mad creative like Mondo is my mentor, it’s hard to know what’s coming at me the next day.
Blog #3
All actions, both positive and negative, have an affect on your work and with those whom you’re interacting with. As for me at my internship, it is crucial that I am cautious of my actions. My actions have different affects due to the various tasks and events that go on. For example, the design work i do, sewing, cutting fabric, creating patterns, all have to be executed meticulously in order to ensure quality work. Even if Mondo does not call me on slight mistakes on my work, if I catch it myself, I will redo it on my own. The tasks I perform at my internship with Mondo are all things I love to do, so I always give 100% forward. Not to mention, the work and effort I put forth is a reflection of who I am to my mentor and to those working with Mondo also so I always give it my all. At my internship it is primarily just Mondo and me, unless we have a lot of work to do and there are other projects to get done, then there is Dorris, a seamstress, and another intern, Kellehanna. We all get along very well, for we all pursue the same industry. Even though the work we do with Mondo is very professional and well regarded, the work environment is very “chill” and relatable. We bump our music while we’re doing some intensive work, with a side of pizza and black berry soda and push through an eight hour plus shift. As fellows in the fashion industry all our actions reflect on our work, therefore we mustn’t act nothing but great.
Blog #2
“Can someone pinch me right now?!” It’s only my second week at my internship, only like my fourth day and I am already attending fashion shows. Perks of being mentored by Denver’s famous fashion designer. I thought it was already too much being allowed to have input in the finishing design details of Mondo’s collection but I also got to attend the actual show. The only time i had been at a fashion show, was when I was the designer and there weren’t other famous designers around. Although, it was pretty great to be at the show, it wasn’t necessarily the most exciting… The panic and adrenaline as I sew models into their garments, take up a hem, and stitch a seam because their was a tare only moments before they walk the runway is the real excitement to me. It’s reassuring as an upcoming designer to have a successful designer trust you with his work and rely on you to get these models ready and perfected for that runway moment. Attending fashion shows is probably the most exciting thing about my internship with Mondo, but being able to be creative and to challenge my creativity every time I meet with Mondo, is great and exciting in itself. With how busy Mondo is, I know I can always look forward to new and very innovative and outrageous projects to look forward to when I come to my internship because I know Mondo has different works lined up to get started on as soon as one is completed. As a fashion designer myself, working with a FAMOUS fashion designer and being able to interact like professionals and friends both at the same time is the best and most exciting thing about my internship.
Blog #1
On my first day of my internship with Mondo Guerra, I met his team. I met Doris, Mondo’s seamstress, and I also met Joey, whom is in charge of getting everything that is needed for events to the venue and back to the studio again. Since I had already met Mondo prior to the initiation of my internship it wasn’t an awkward experience. After our greetings, Mondo asked me about any work I’ve done, and after telling him about my business, Wholly Craze, he gave assigned me a project. He assigned me a 6 look collection for my website, which I then presented to him with a mood board for feedback and to continue moving forward with the project. That same first day, Mondo sent me to explore his fabric and material room to get inspiration and take swatches for potential ideas for my collection. The following day I went in early on a Saturday to dye some garments and help with finishing sewing on a collection that Mondo would be showing in a few days. The second I went in on Saturday I began by covering some mannequins, since we would me dying fabric. Mondo allowed me to create my own textile on the garment; he first showed me the technique he had used to make a swatch of what the final piece could look like, and then he told me to try his technique but add my own spin to see what the fabric would turn out like. After dying the garment, Mondo and I moved onto working on other garments. Mondo incorporated a lot of my ideas and input into the final design elements of his collection, which was very exciting for me. Being presented with a project within minutes of our initial meeting, and engaging in his current projects took me a little by surprise, but that’s what made me most eager about the future of my internship with him.