Enjoy our Q&A with Assistant Technical Designer, all the way from New York, Soyoung Ha!!
When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?
I wasn’t quite interested in any other subjects but Art when I grew up. My parents were at work from early morning to late night, my older brother always spent time with his friends outside. Although I could have socialized with peers, I was introverted as I am now, so I rather spend time drawing or making mobile arts. From there I thought one of the related arts will be my career path for sure.
Is there anyone in your family that is creative?
Yes, surprisingly The female cousins from my father's side are working in the Apparel industry: Womenswear, kidswear, lingerie and Fabric expert. I believe that we have shared the same artistic blood from our ancestors haha.
When did you land your first internship and what was the most valuable thing you learned from this experience?
My first internship was part of the school curriculum that I could not avoid.
I was confused about where I should start my internship at the first time. I had no social connection and was stressed from high volume of homeworks. However, my dream fashion company I desired to work at from high school, they were looking for interns.
Honestly, the first internship wasn't that bad.Even though I was not allowed to participate in the deep part of business. What I did was, delivered samples to the factory in Brooklyn and came back to the office to organize documents, printing labels, etc. The most valuable thing I learned from there was that one person can do many things. That's why you need to trust people you work with. Empower their abilities. Each Individual can make the company bigger or smaller. Nobody can presume who can be. That's what I learned.
What was your first job out of college, and how did you land that position?
My first job was Assistant Technical designer. Luckily I got an offer where I did an internship during the school semester. Not the same company as my first internship.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?
I want to tell to past myself: Do not be afraid to get rejected. That doesn't mean you are not enough. Apply anywhere you want. Do not put yourself in limits.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a fashion designer?
Don't compare your aesthetic to other designers. Good to have inspiring muse but don't get frustrated by the fact that your ideas don't fit in it or your aesthetic is not mainstream. Art has its own characteristics. Does not have to be "Famous, Popular" to become a fashion designer. Enjoy the whole journey!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I've seen lots of opportunities where I can grow up in many different ways. For now I want to work in the wardrobe in the film industry in a few years but who knows I will become a painter one day :) I want it to remain as a white background.
Thank you so much for your time, Soyoung, and the best of luck to your future x
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