Category Archives: Subject

Achievements, Coursework, Internships, Subject

What I Do – At My Internship, Of Course!

So, it dawned on me…

When I was growing up, I, like many others, was curious about the world. Most importantly, what my parents did for a living. With a growing sense of exploration and discovery, I wanted to know more than just title. I wanted to know what they did on a day to day. Now, I never really got a full on answer (or a 5 page essay explaining), but I figured it out, – vaguely.

Now that I am an adult and have a fuller understanding of a particular workplace and the operations I can answer the question:

“What exactly do you do?”

I am an intern at Maxima Apparel Corporation. I spend a majority of my time retouching photos.

“What exactly is ‘retouching’ a photo?”

When a photo is taken, it is usually saved as a raw digital  file. The photo uploads directly into the Lightroom program through tethered shooting. I get that file, and start tweaking with the exposure, contrast, highlights, tones, color, photo clarity, and lens correction. Once I can see the clothing item in full detail, in its truest form, I then scan the photo for any imperfections. If I see anything they may be a distraction when glancing at a the photo, remove it with a healing or clone tool. Depending on how the piece of clothing looks after that is done, I would then take the photo into Photoshop for more corrections. This involves any further specific edits to the clothing item; a tag isn’t on the final run of the item and needs to be removed; the shape of the clothing item is a bit awkward or not proportioned; the model themselves may not be proportioned; or there is some severe wrinkling or odd thing in the photo that required extra attention.

Now, prior to photographing an item on the model, it has to be styled. In this case it’s simply making the garment look symmetrical and wrinkle-free. Pants are usually simple and no jewelry is worn for a cleaner look – a variety of footwear available for shoot bottoms. All else fails we re-shoot an item, if not, I am there to clean it up.

Although this may sound simple (to designers – but we now), it becomes a task once you have to do just that for maybe 75-100 items (at our busiest), and each item has a set of four photos, all at different angles; front , back, left side, right side. Once every photographed item is cleaned up, I would set them in a folder and send over to the respective marketing and e-commerce members.

So, there it is. What i do. And how I do it, essentially.

I ask you, now, “What exactly do you do?”

My intern report presentation:

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Coursework, Field Trips, Internships, Subject

Sailing

Like the wind getting caught between my proverbial wings, sailing the clouds and the wind currents. I only say I am sailing because how i feel in my place in this company, industry and my career.

Now, I didn’t say ‘smooth’ sailing – it’s a rough sport, actually. There’s a lot of rocking of the boat side to side, back and forth. Untamed waves that hit hard at times. And many different pieces of the boat that need to be maintained along the ride.

So what is it to me – I found that life is sailing, as explained by Dame Ellen MacAurther, a yachtswomen, who holds the record for the fastest solo-circumnavigation around the globe, in a recent TED Talk (June 29th). What I got most from that talk is that we will never have full control over any situation and often that my make us feel isolated – mind you this women was, at times, 2000 miles from the nearest coffee shop (or anything other than salt water).

What I realize interning at Maxima apparel and working in the fashion industry is that a feeling of isolation is temporary and often doesn’t last. Collaboration is key in any industry, while working alone creates those feelings of isolation, we as creatives, see it as a golden opportunity to express ourselves fully. But that is only half the battle.

Like MacAuther that expression was through her solo excursion around the world. As often as she was alone she always did things in efforts to have longer term effects. Isolation often means you have to be resourceful. She knew she would be the only one to depend on and critique her routine in order to survive.

As a creative, I found that this is true. Resourcefulness as an individual is key. Working toward a goal in the dark isn’t enough. Because resources can be scarce, naturally we ration what is left, because a situation may be difficult, naturally we ration that in the same way. What has to happen is an execution of ideas (i.e. sailing, or designing). Even when that is done, you can believe if you want that you won’t have to leave your isolated zone. But we are humans – you’ll go crazy! Ultimately your resourcefulness will involve all those who you have worked with in the past and who you will be able to express yourself with in the future.

What I learned from my time interning at Maxima and what MacAurther has expressed, is that you may want to be alone to work on those great ideas, but ultimately you must express those ideas to others with the same passion as you had when creating it.

People usually don’t get the roses while they can still smell them.

Achievements, Internships, Subject

Work Work Work Work Work… 🎧🎶🎶

…Playing in my headphones.

My head down. I have been examining photos all week, removing annoying blemishes, marks, wrinkles, and anything else that may be distracting. If the product looks good its more likely to be received well by buyers and trust is insured that the finished version will be up to par.

With a big week ahead, I am excited to get to the office. This week at Maxima Apparel, there are going to be at least 3 shoots, and I am guessing due to the holiday. With the work load backed up from the previous week, product fresh off the boats from china will need to be photographed as they are filtered down to the photo team. I will be managing inventory of the incoming product along side the marketing directors for each brand, including Justin, my supervisor and Brand Director for Black Pyramid, Chris Brown’s clothing line.

I’m constantly working on improving myself as a part of the team and as an individual. Having more responsibilities to handle day to day is attributing to that. My goal is to try to find the best work flow to make things as smooth as possible. I’m sure the Maixma employees may appreciate it but the CEO might be the most excited because organization within any company equals better time management, which equals better production, which equals more money in the long-run. He would definitely like that.

This is what it feels like…

…As I digress.

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Hudson Outerwear Spring Collection 2016

Achievements, Coursework, Internships, Subject

Higher Than A Mother F*%@#r

So, lately, I have been feeling like I am walking on air. Everyday provides a breath of fresh air. I am fulfilling my smallest desires as I journey toward the biggest dreams I have ever had. I feel the energy of the universe syncing with my own.

I am elevating my abilities, my awareness, and even my dialogue. You ever had a feeling you were unstoppable – yeah, that.

I realize that the best things that happen to you in life are the things you may be paying the least attention to. There is always someone watching, and those who do usually seldom do it. This is where you as an individual have to always be working – on yourself and on your craft. People attract to your energy, your willingness to accomplish, and succeed.

As we grow as individuals we are unaware of whats ahead, and even with the right advice, we tend to fall into the same issues along the way. That doesn’t mean we are failing, it means we are trying, doing, and ultimately going to succeed. Don’t give in when things are slow or terrible. Build yourself up to handle what is given, and be open to the idea that this may just be a test and not your eternal fate.

This is beyond interning, even beyond looking for a job. We have to develop every aspect of our lives in order to become – not perfect – complete individuals who are capable, ready, and willing to succeed. We should be willing to conquer any task and doing it with the same passion as for the things you love. Thats how you succeed in school, at work, and in life.

Cheers.

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https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/253364

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