Your FIDM Story

Marisol Diaz chats with special guest host Fanny Ramirez about launching Marisol Diaz Boutique as a fresh college grad in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. She shares essential business tips that she’s gained first-hand as she discusses the challenges of running a small business while also working as a freelance seamstress for clients including Karol G, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Megan Thee Stallion. She also shares what it was like to work with Doja Cat for her 2022 Coachella performance.

For today’s episode, we are diving into the world of graphic design in the entertainment industry. Our special guest, Nima Neemz Nakhshab, recently collaborated with Universal Pictures on a 40th-anniversary project celebrating iconic Steven Spielberg films Jurassic Park, Jaws, Back To The Future, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. A movie poster and key art designer based in Orange County, California, Nakhshab has worked with studios Universal Pictures, Spotify, Netflix, and Sony Music, as well as musical artists Machine Gun Kelly, Camilla Cabello, Blink 182, and Lil Nas X. 

For today's episode, we are joined by not one but four designers who just wrapped up an incredible project. In celebration of the launch of the new film "The School For Good and Evil," FIDM partnered with Netflix to reimagine the “Never” and “Ever” costumes from the movie. Inspired by the film, four designers were hand selected to create custom ready-to-wear outfits that debuted at the Los Angeles red carpet world premiere.

Authenticity is a buzzword many creatives crave to express how they want to be in the world for themselves, others, and their business. Let’s unpack what authenticity is, what it isn’t, and how to remain authentic throughout life. FIDM Personal Counselor and Faculty Member Dr. Gwenael Matos joins Your FIDM Story to share her perspective.

Imagine flying to New York City and showing in New York Fashion Week just a year after showcasing your first collection in FIDM’s DEBUT Runway Show. In this week’s episode of Your FIDM Story, Spencer talks with designer Fabian Renteria. Listen along as Fabian discusses his journey to FIDM, his premiere collection inspired by Mortal Kombat, designing a collection for the 15th annual Supima Design Competition, working with a dye house, and the importance of time management.

In this bonus episode of the Your FIDM Story podcast, FIDM Senior Writer Gigi Hooghkirk talks with FIDM alumna Kim Culmone. Since February 2019, Kim has served as the Senior Vice President, and Global Head of Design for Barbie and Fashion Dolls at Mattel Inc. Kim is entrusted with the creative direction of Mattel’s flagship brand Barbie – a category leader in innovation and a source of inspiration to children around the world for over 60 years.

Listen along as Kim talks about her FIDM Story, her career with Mattel Inc., and a new dynamic partnership between the Barbie brand and French luxury fashion label Balmain, launching a new global ready-to-wear fashion and accessories collection. The venture also marks the first time Barbie is entering the digital art world, dropping three one-of-a-kind NFTs.

In this week’s special season two finale, Caitlin is joined by not one but three FIDM alumna from the world of social media! Whitney Sutherland (Creative Producer for Remi Cruz ), Mina Sanders (Social Media Marketing Assistant at Kora Organics), and Fanny Ramirez (Sr. Social Media Coordinator at FIDM) join the podcast to talk about their FIDM experiences, getting their Bachelor's in the FIDM Business Management program and the changing social media landscape.

A longtime instructor at FIDM, Los Angeles native Randy Dunbar has enjoyed a storied career in the world of magazines and graphic design. He’s worked as a Designer, Art Director, and Creative Director for numerous publications, including GQ, Self, Health, Home, Muscle & Fitness, and The Advocate, among others. He’s currently the Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director of SoCal Magazine. In this week's episode, Caitlin talks with Randy about his incredible career and his work with the FIDM student-run magazine, FIDM Mode.

This week’s episode is hosted by FIDM Senior Writer Gigi Hooghkirk who manages our online Success Stories. Listen along as Gigi speaks with Chidimma Abuka about her position as a Sustainability Specialist at Gensler, a global design and architecture firm with offices in 49 cities in 16 countries worldwide. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Global Leadership and Change at Pepperdine University, Chidimma holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Concordia University, a Master of Interior Architecture degree from the Interior Designers Institute, and a Merchandising & Marketing Degree from FIDM. Learn how layering her education and combining both her analytical and creative sides has uniquely positioned her in her field and continues to propel her career forward.

FIDM Instructor Joanie Willgues aka Joanie Coyote has extensive industry experience as a theatre costume designer, artist, and fashion historian. She's also a stand-up comedian. In this week's episode, prepare to laugh, learn, and get inspired as Caitlin catches up with Joanie about her career, their mutual love for theatre and fashion history, the creative environment at FIDM, and the power of dreaming.