Start your career with FIDM.


Los Angeles is a place where people who look a certain way based solely on physical appearance gain a wealthier lifestyle. It’s a place where girls and guys come here every day to follow whatever their dreams are. There is so much fun to do in Los Angeles and so many opportunities, and if you love fashion Los Angeles is a great place to start your career. FIDM has been a force in the industry and is very known for all the good the school has done with past students. It’s a great place to begin your fashion career. You have so much around you. Los Angeles Fashion Week, the beach (if you’re a photographer or blogger there are so many awesome beach culture pictures you can take, there is no limit), the city scenery, fashion events around LA and all the people you meet; networking, and so much more! I had the chance to speak with Mani O’Brien today, a blogger/writer and the Social Media Marketing Manager and Online Editor at FIDM about what she does and how FIDM can help you with your future.

Mani O'Brien with David Kester

What do you do at FIDM and how did you land a job there? -
I actually earned my Graphic Design/Branding degree at FIDM after which I started blogging for FIDM's Digital Arts Blog (blog.fidmdigitalarts.com), dedicated to the Graphic Design and Digital Media programs. I also have a B.A. in Journalism/Magazine Writing from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University so writing for the FIDM Digital Arts Blog was a perfect marriage of my interest and passion for both writing and graphic design. From there, I was promoted to the Social Media Marketing Manager for FIDM and Online Editor for the FIDM Digital Arts Blog. Currently I oversee a team that manages all of the FIDM's social media presences on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube, as well as the FIDM Digital Arts Blog.

What can new students experience the most about coming to your school? -
To get the best experience at FIDM, new students should definitely get involved in campus clubs and activities, and get to know as many of their classmates as possible, as well as FIDM faculty and staff. FIDM provides a wealth of resources for its students including internship and industry collaboration opportunities and students need to put themselves out there and commit themselves to their studies to take advantage of all that FIDM has to offer.

Fun events at FIDM? -
So many! Our most exciting event is the FIDM DEBUT Runway Show which attracts nearly 10,000 people over three days and features designs by graduating students in FIDM's Fashion Design and Theatre Costume Design Advanced Study programs, as well as work from Interior Design, Digital Media, and Textile Design students. FIDM also goes all out for graduation including the annual Grad Carnival. Our graduation is held at the Staples Center for LA/OC/SD Students, and Davis Symphony Hall for SF students. There are also plenty of social events held throughout the year through the Student Activities department including the MODE Magazine launch parties, volunteer opportunities, group outings to sporting events like Dodgers games and more. 

Do you participate in any big fashion events around LA? -
FIDM is constantly involved in various fashion events around Los Angeles. See a few examples of our recent Industry Partnerships and Collaborations.

How much do you go into helping students with classes, events, & getting future jobs? -
FIDM is very dedicated to arming their students with the skills necessary to compete in the fashion and entertainment industries. We pride ourselves on the fact that 90% of our eligible graduates actively seeking employment find full-time jobs within six months of graduating. In addition to their education, FIDM Students work directly with our Career Center Advisors (http://fidm.edu/en/Career+Center)  who assist students in finding internships and full-time work. 

What do you love about the LA life? -
There's no better place to live than LA! The weather is great, we are in the heart of the entertainment industry and also immersed in beach culture– an interesting juxtaposition. It seems everyone you meet is striving to be a creative professional whether it's as a designer, artist, musician, actor, stylist, filmmaker, writer, etc. There's a never-ending amount of options for dining and entertainment. 

What do you prefer on your pizza? - 
Lately I've been a carnivore! Pepperoni/sausage/bacon/the works!

Best pizza place in LA? 
Little Toni's in North Hollywood.

What are your fav summer fashion styles? - 
I'm a fan of all of the resurgence of '90s fashion: overalls, flower prints, high-waisted pants.

What do you prefer to drink?  - Coffee.

Who you have winning the Stanley Cup Playoffs? (Sorry LA, I love the Kings but I have to go with Sidney Crosby & the Pittsburgh Penguins)
KINGS, come on.

Fun things to do in LA?
There's really something for everyone in LA.



Thanks for reading everyone
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Mahipal SoCal & @mahipal_socal

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