Wincy Yau
Fashion DesignerWhat have you been doing since graduating from LCF?
Since November 2006 I have been working as a Designer for Clever Socks in Birmingham. They supply 10% of UK socks on the high street; if you look in Claire’s Accessories you will find that I have designed most of their ankle socks. The line that I have just designed for Dorothy Perkins are their most successful line this month so I am now looking at how I can extend this range in different colours. There are also stores in France and Switzerland who I work with as well as working with factories around the world.
I heard about this job through a recruitment agency but knew that they would not accept me as I did not have 2 years’ solid experience. I searched out the job online and called them direct. This was an unusual way to find a position but it paid off!
Before November I freelanced at Burberry in technical illustration as I had previously done one month’s work placement with them. In October 2006 I also did a placement at Dorothy Perkins, which has definitely been useful in my current job.
What expectations did you have?
It has been better than I expected it to be upon graduation. I thought that I would have to work as an assistant for ages and have odd roles here and there. Most of my friends haven’t found jobs yet.
What has the transition from your studies to your current life been like?
The one thing that I notice is that I have less time to do my own thing, my own designs, now that I am working full time. Working full time does not leave much time for anything else.
Did you feel prepared?
Yes I was, but some of my friends on the course didn’t feel that they were. I was upset that it took me so long to find a solid job. I felt really lost and couldn’t understand why no one was taking me on to work for them. I can see now that there are just not enough places in design and that you have to be open-minded as there are so many people going for the same positions. There are so many people all specifically looking to do design. I did not mind what I did as long as it was in the industry I wanted – I would have been happy to start off in administration roles. I now have the role that I want. I think I have been lucky.
Are there any opportunities you wish now that you had taken?
No, I am happy where I am now. I am hoping to stay here and get 2 years’ solid experience and then get a job back in London. So many people are looking for solid experience as this is required to get good positions. When you graduate you have lots of placements but nothing solid.
Is there one thing that you would tell a current student that would help them when they graduate?
Be open-minded when you leave as so many people want to go straight into design.
