Shelley Victory is a women’s sportswear designer for the designer/young designer/ contemporary market who is currently freelancing for Calvin Klein as an illustrator and Bonnie Young as a design consultant/designer/illustrator. Shelley gives us some insight into her unique and challenging career!

FWO: What are the responsibilities of a design consultant/designer/illustrator?

My duties include developing seasonal inspiration -from sourcing fabric and trim, to working with merchandisers to develop “line plans” (i.e., how many tops vs. pants, etc. there will be for a season…), and then finally, on to the design process – sketching new designs and tweaking old best sellers.

I work with the technical teams to develop first prototypes and make changes to the actual garments during fittings. Once the product hits the floors, I get feedback from sales about performance to determine what did and did not work with the designs.

FWO: Was this something you were always interested in pursuing?

I always knew I wanted to do something creative. At first I wanted to be a fine artist; however, once I was in high school, I knew that design was for me. After I graduated from Howard University, I taught art for 5 years in Brooklyn, N.Y. until I finally decided to follow my heart and enrolled in The Fashion Institute of Technology.

FWO: In your career, have you experienced a “defining moment” – something that assured you that this career choice was right for you?

I knew design was for me when I grew tired of juggling teaching art with my design studies and internship. I was still fearful of leaving my teaching job for the unknown fashion industry. I finally declared that if I were offered a job designing anywhere, I would leave the safety of teaching. I was offered a job at Nicole Miller 4 days later!

FWO: What are the sacrifices you’ve made to get to where you are?

Because designing was a second career, I found that I was the oldest at everything in the industry. I was the oldest intern, the oldest design assistant, oldest associate and the oldest designer. By changing careers, I had to humble myself to work with co-workers much, much younger than myself in order to navigate the industry.

FWO: Where do you think your career will take you?

I am working diligently to become a Creative Director for a designer brand.

FWO: Are there any mottos or mantras you live by to help you through the rough days?

In an industry that values the superficial and rewards cattiness, I keep myself grounded by being truthful to myself. Also, acknowledging that there are things in this business I know very well and other things that I do not helps. I can remain grounded in times when the industry rears its ugly head by saying a little of the “Lord’s Prayer ” under my breath, especially during design meetings. I find that works wonders!

FWO-Forwomenonline.com, fashion fitness and lifestyle for every woman!