Study Fashion Design Online: Sewing, Sketching, Pattern Making,Preparing Your Portfolio for a Fashion School by Paris-Based Fashion Teacher

Learn more about Maris

• Can you tell us about your first experience using a computer?

  My first time to use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator was in Paris where I studied fashion design. It was in French and it was a bit hard to comprehend as I speak better in English. But I managed to use it and I was so fascinated with all the features. I try to remember this point when I teach to my students who are not native English speakers and also people who are not really using this software as I know it can be baffling.

• What is the technological evolution that has marked you most and what will be, in your eyes, a turning point in this field?

  For each new version of the Adobe Creative suite, they simplify the steps of getting things done. I think with this development, people should have lesser fear for the software as it is modified to be easy to use.
  
  I think new features would also offer more opportunities to work with different software simultaneously and seamlessly.

• Explain your expertise, your interest in it and, more broadly, its importance in the computer world.

  My expertise is using the Adobe Creative Suite in the Fashion Industry. Having worked with ready-to-wear companies, I can share my knowledge of our process and help you with your own business or projects.

• Do so-called 'visionaries', such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg inspire you or do you have other role models?

  They inspire me to be rich. Kidding aside, I admire Steve Jobs' vision of making functional yet beautiful designs. There used to be a constant debate on which aspect matters more...and he goes ahead and say, why not have both?

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I remember when I was teaching in Fashion School, I would teach non computer subjects like technical drawing and the students would be unimpressed. But later on, when they meet me at higher levels and that's usually on the computer classes, I feel the way they see me shifts. Sometimes, I get asked, how do you remember all those info and shortcuts. I don't really know, it's just become something automatic when I work.

• What would you say to an uncomfortable person in front of a screen who says that "IT is too complicated"?

  I have had students of different ages, backgrounds and one was even a VET. I always assure them that I understand how daunting it all seems and that's only because they have not used the software before or maybe as often. But when you do, the steps become second-nature. I show them my process, but I also show them other ways to do the task and let them choose which steps work best for them.

• What are your other passions, related or non-related to computers?

  I like Sewing and making clothes. Also, I love doing fashion sketches by hand...but I always get lazy to finish them or color them as I know Illustrator would do a better job.

• What makes you a Superprof in IT?

  When I read my reviews or feedback from students, the best thing I heard is when they say that I made it all seem so easy. I was just telling a student in class, "See, you already did like half of the work!" And the student replied, well that's only cause you taught me. 🙂 I think what makes me great is that I make the lessons fun and give you information that you really need for your work or project. Also, I tailor my classes based on your needs. Thank you for reading my profile. See you in class.