Fabric Design Graduate Stories
The California School of Professional Fabric Design

Kirsten: "I had been so dissatisfied and bored in previous jobs. I remember waking up to go to work, resenting the fact that I had spent my day doing something I didn't feel passionate about. I felt like I was wasting my life wishing the weeks away. I had no idea what to do with myself. I had some design background but was not skilled or confident enough to land a job as a designer. All I knew was that I had a love for textiles. I loved the colors, the concept put on them, touching them, feeling all the different textures they came in. I knew I needed to learn the in's and out's of how to work for textile design companies in order to have a career that was satisfying to me. I wanted to know how to get my foot in the door, designing for major retailers.

I found out about the California School of Professional Fabric Design in Berkeley through an issue of OPEN EXCHANGE. I started studying there. I was reflecting one day that there is so much negativity and suffering happening in this world, I wanted to be on the opposite end of the spectrum and create beauty. It helps me keep my heart open so I can soften to a lot of the harshness that I see out there. After graduating and getting certified as a Textile designer, I started working professionally. I am now contented with my career, rather than bitter and resentful at having to be at a job that is unfulfilling. I can make a difference at work because I am pleasant to be around which makes me more supportive to my coworkers. My family and friends respect the fact that I created an artistic career for myself.

It is a thrill to see my designs out in the market. It takes a some months before my designs are out in the stores. By this time I have moved on to new collections. I'm so surprised when I go into Macy's, Norstrom's or Linens n' Things and see my designs on products. It feels like I've bumped into an old friend!

One of my design jobs was designing for a Tibetan Rug company. These were very high end rugs containing contemporary and classical designs. They were sold all over the US in various interior design showrooms. My designs were also featured in a national ad for Elle Decor Magazine.

Another job I designed for was a Home Furnishings company. This company manufactured bedding, shower curtains, bath accessories, dishwater and beach towels. My favorite part was designing for "pet accessories." What fun that was! The designs were extremely whimsical, making buyers laugh as they viewed the final product line. It was great seeing them from the beginning ideas to seeing them on the shelves in retail stores.

My current full-time position is designing sleepwear. I get to design fun pajama's as well as classical designs that are printed on them. My job doesn't feel like a job, it's so nurturing to my creativity. I no longer dream of a better career. I am so grateful for -my education at the California School of Professional Fabric Design. I now feel so much more fulfilled in my life."

Sue: "I heard about the California School of Professional Fabric Design through a friend.
She said that I really should check it out . She said the school was very professional and has a very high quality educational program. I was 49 years old at the time and a single parent of a pre-teen boy which I had to support. Regretfully, I had almost given up my life as an artist. I was told the only way to make a comfortable living was to go into the corporate world. So I left my love of art to be a "responsible" mother.

Several years passed since I picked up a brush and paint. Even though I kept up with drawing and had a small, and short lived, business hand dying silk fabric, I could not see a way to be a professional designer and earn a living.

My corporate job was draining the joy from the rest of my life, which made me feel quite depressed. I decided that I needed a life of creativity and passion in order to survive. That's when I visited the founder of the California School of Professional Fabric Design, Zeida Rothman. She was really understanding to where I was at. It was instantly obvious as I walked into the school and seeing a very professional Student Design Gallery, that I was going to study there. I could see that the environment and training was going to support my passion for a creative job in the arts.

I started regaining the love of my artistic self. Being in classes with other students who had the same desire as I did, stimulated me to expand my vision of design. I knew this was the path for me and was elated to know I could be passionate about going to work each day. When it came time for me to "leave the nest" I was scared, excited and very ready. I felt confident in my skills, which was apparent on my first interview at a local apparel company. The company was impressed at my design and business skills. They hired me immediately.

It has been 5 years on the job now and I am still amazed at how happy I am with this career. If I could give advice to people, it would be to not listen to the pressures of society in staying "safe." It is never too later to do work that is artistic and creative. A lot of people at my school did not have an art background and became successful designers. Listen to the voice of passion, rather than logic. You can do this too!"