Brandon Beak

Working the Heart of The Garment District

Brandon Beak graduated from FIDM's professional designation program in Fashion Design in 1997. He then went to work, as an assistant designer for such companies as XOXO, BugelBoy, Rampage and various other small manufacturing companies. Eventually Brandon found himself working for TSLA International in the heart of the garment district, first as a Designer, then as the Merchandise Director.

Prior to attending FIDM, Brandon graduated from USC with a degree in Political Science. He then attended Southwestern School of Law to embark on a career as a lawyer. Within a year, Brandon knew he did not want to practice law and decided to follow his dream of pursuing a career in Fashion Design. Manufacturing had been the family business for years and Brandon always wanted to try designing. He attended FIDM while working in the retail industry. Brandon is currently in the final stages of receiving his MBA in Marketing Management.

Brandon chose to study fashion because he wanted to use his creativity and didn't want to be stuck behind a desk. He chose FIDM because he needed marketable technical skills, and in his opinion FIDM's reputation is that of a leader in the fashion education industry. Brandon managed to balance his work life and college with the help of the career placement center. They placed him in a job that was compatible with his school hours.

Now six years old, TSLA is a multi-million dollar Junior manufacturing company specializing in private labels and mass marketing. TSLA's clothing line is distributed by outside sales reps in North America, Canada and South America. Their garments are sold mainly in specialty boutiques, department store chains and small outlet stores. They currently have a staff of designers, assistant designers, pattern makers, production managers, quality control coordinators, marking/grading people and a clerical staff.

When TSLA is looking to hire designers, their main requirement is "hands-on" industry experience from someone who is analytical, creative, and has common sense. Brandon's advice to prospective employees: "Take advantage of every opportunity to intern and acquire any experience you can whether it's paid or not. Also you need to develop a decent portfolio which can sometimes compensate for lack of experience. Expose yourself to the industry as much as possible, regardless of the position you have to start at. When I wanted to become a fashion designer, I wasn't aware of the duties required by an assistant designer, which is often where you have to start. Try and learn the small things taught at FIDM. Don't underemphasize the importance of the small things that they teach you at FIDM. Take the time to learn the workings of a manufacturing company prior to attempting to become a designer. Learn every facet of the process rather than expecting to become a full-fledged designer. It takes time and training."

TSLA currently employs three FIDM students. Brandon likes to hire FIDM students and graduates because as a FIDM alumnus he recognizes the training they've received as applicable to the industry, and he knows they are capable of handling the tasks before them. Brandon has come a long way in his career and he attributes that to his FIDM education, desire, motivation, and constant effort to succeed.

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