Fashion degree students benefit from Creative Technician Jess Downes’s extensive industry experience
The Creative Technician for The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Fashion degree, Jess Downes, has extensive industry experience, working prominently in television and film as a stylist for commercial and press shoots.
Her impressive portfolio includes working for clients ranging from BBC, Netflix and ITV to US TV channel AMC. Since returning to her native North East and joining the School’s Fashion degree programme team, Jess has continued to work in the fashion and screen industries, alongside her role supporting students.
We caught up with her to find out more:
- Tell us more about your role and how you work with students
I deliver technical workshops to students throughout the week based around pattern cutting and construction as well as the 3D fashion design software program CLO3D. Throughout this time, I facilitate the students with their projects, guiding and supporting them when needed.
- Outline what a typical day in the studio for a fashion student looks like – if there is one!
Each day for a fashion student could be completely different from researching and designing to pattern drafting. Their days will include working towards their final outcomes, each student is unique and has a different focus and area of interest. Whether they’re designing, marketing, exploring new techniques in a workshop or working with cutting-edge digital tools, we make sure they have everything they need to bring their fashion ideas to life and achieve their final outcomes.
- What projects have you worked on previously or are there any other industry/workplace experiences that influence your teaching?
I have worked in TV and Film for most of my career which included styling for commercial and press shoots. Working between studios and locations has provided me with the skills and experience to enhance the students’ experience here at The Northern School of Art.
- Any advice or tips for success for current or future students?
Reach out to people, follow it up, all they can do is say no. You would be surprised how many people are keen to help and offer help/guidance or even opportunities.
Further information about The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Fashion degree course is available HERE