Lorna Brody: Preparing for a Career in Design

Designer Lorna Brody’s successful career as at UFO Contemporary, Inc., a manufacturer of popular dance and street fashions anchored by in a military surplus inspiration, began with her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Question: If a teen knows they want to pursue a career in fashion or design, how should they proceed?

Lorna Brody: I would suggest starting by taking art classes in school. Study classic and modern art, architecture, and fashion in order to develop an aesthetic as well as gain an understanding of some of the basic principles of design. Good design is built on what has come before it. The more you can learn about what makes functional and beautiful designs, the better your own work will be. Learning basic art skills is a must, as well. Learn to draw both by hand and in computer design programs. Learning to sew is also a valuable skill to gain.

Question: What types of college work should I take?

Lorna Brody: If at all possible, try to attend a design or art institute. If you seek your degree from a four-year university, consider earning a degree in fashion design, fine arts, fashion merchandising, marketing, or business. All of those educational paths can help you get your foot in the door.

Question: What can I pursue outside of school that can pave the way for a design career?

Lorna Brody: Get to know fashion. Learn the major players, familiarize yourself with their lines, and study the trends that make it big, as well as those that flop. You can learn a lot about design by observing how the public responds to what is out there. I also suggest reading industry publications and trying to get an internship with an established designer. All are a great way to gain understanding that prepares you to work in the fashion world.

Continuing Support for Japan’s Recovery Efforts

by Lorna Brody

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 caused many of us to identify ways that we could help provide humanitarian relief. Together with my friends, I continue to assist in this massive recovery effort.

The scope of this disaster is hard to fathom. The earthquake and tsunami killed an estimated 20,000 individuals and destroyed thousands of residences and office buildings. About 90,000 adults and children lost their homes. Since that time, many international and Japanese relief organizations have distributed food and other items needed for everyday living. These groups have assisted in the cleanup of millions of tons of debris as well as in the rebuilding process.

An important local relief organization is Save Iwate, based in Iwate Prefecture, one of the areas hardest hit by the catastrophe. At their website, sviwate.wordpress.com, Save Iwate outlines their short-term relief efforts and long-term redevelopment plans. Please consider contacting this organization if you would like to help through donations of cash or supplies.

About the author: Clothing designer Lorna Brody serves as the Principal at UFO Contemporary, Inc., which offers a line of streetwear and apparel for fitness and dancing. In addition to her artistic talents, Ms. Brody possesses extensive experience in sales and marketing. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Lorna Brody: Dancers Care Foundation

UFO Contemporary, Inc., and designer Lorna Brody support the Dancers Care Foundation. With a stated mission of raising funds for breast cancer prevention, outreach, awareness, and cure, Dancers Care Foundation has galvanized the power of the dance community to help meet its important goal.

The non-profit organization launched in 2002 and has since held an annual benefit competition in Nutley, New Jersey, after the inaugural occasion raised nearly $10,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s New Jersey affiliate. Expanding their outreach beyond Komen for the Cure, the Dancers Care Foundation apportioned the $17,000-plus it raised in their second annual competition among multiple non-profit organizations supporting breast cancer patients and their families. With the ongoing success of its fund raising competitions, Dancers Care Foundation continued to expand their philanthropic efforts, and the organization has donated in total more than $350,000 to breast cancer charities. With no administration fees, a full 100 percent of the funds raised by Dancers Care Foundation raises goes directly into the breast cancer community.

Now affiliated with Strang Cancer Prevention Center in New Jersey, Dancers Care Foundation continues its mission as a collaboration of members in the dance community to help those in the breast cancer community. To learn more or to contribute, visit www.DancersCare.org.

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