AIFWDP Workshop 7 & 8

Heeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyy

Looking back it was Saturday 27 July since I last blogged... let alone have had the time to scratch myself! 

What a blur....where has six weeks gone? I think I am still dreaming!

Gosh what a journey so far and yet the program is nearly over... but my new business journey is just about to begin!

It was great to catch up with everyone again in Sydney and be able to reconnect - our little fashion family! In the last months I have seen everyone grow together and create a common connection that no one every thought would be possible.

Sydney you never seem to disappoint me... Adventures, networking and new opportunities!

Workshop 7 

Creative Development Workshop

(c) TJ Cowlishaw

(c) TJ Cowlishaw

Christina McLean from Christina McLean Designs. She previously worked for Think Positive and then began her own business by developing exclusive original artwork, configures existing art concepts into repeats, prepares artwork for printing and develops visual concepts for creative businesses. I was drooling as she showed examples of her prints and textile! This woman is INSANELY amazing!! Check out her website - http://christinamcleandesign.com

Workshop 8

Indigenous Business Australia - Financial workshop

Gosh we were in for a ride that day...everyone had the most confused looks during the whole session, but to gain relevant financial advice, information and networks for small businesses was amazing. 

At the end of workshop 8, I was able to gain a two hour fashion consultation - one on one feedback from Sophie Nixon. PEOPLE WOULD KILL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY I GOT! The feedback received was insane and put things back into perspective again. She made me realise just how far I have come and where I want to take my collection... to the next level!

Now I have three weeks until workshops 9 & 10 and then my journey in the first Australian Indigenous Fashion Week Design Program will come to a finish. Yon yon, I am going to miss my jet setting across Australia!

But now I am currently working on my 2014 AIFW Selection Criteria for October... fingers and toes crossed I get into the second round!

My selection criteria looks a little like this:

AIFW 2014 SELECTION CRITERIA:                                                                                            

* VISION STATEMENT
* (8) COMPLETE LOOKS
* ACCESSORIES
* COLOUR PALETTE
* FABRICATION PALETTE
* EXAMPLES OF PRINTS & EMBELLISHMENTS 
*RANGE PLAN

*RUNWAY PLAN

* PRODUCTION PLAN        
* BUDGET 

After workshop 9 & 10, I will have four weeks to prepare and finalise my presentation for the AIFW panel critique to be held at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney on 25 & 26 October 2013. Excited by so nervous at the same time! 

Also, I've had some great news since returning to Perth, Ive been asked for more samples from Shareena Clanton (Redfern Now, Wentworth) as she will be emcee for the 2013 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week - Indigenous Fashion Unearthed this week. She will be interviewed by Channel Nine, Koori Mail and NITV  at this event. I am so excited for the exposure!

Until next time...keep dreaming, keep believing and never give up on your dreams!

TJ  xx