Brittany SHAFFER

I am a full-time patternmaking major at Beverly Hills Design Institute, and expect to graduate with my Bachelor’s of Science in Patternmaking in December, 2017.

After completing a previous BA in Literature and Art History, and working as an ad copywriter in San Francisco for several years, I decided to return to school to pursue a lifelong passion for making beautiful things. My beloved, talented grandmother taught me to knit and hand-sew as a child, and I’ve been hooked ever since! After many years of exploring sewing, fiber arts, and needlecraft I felt a distinct calling to turn a passionate hobby into a fulfilling career at BHDI.

My interest in fashion is rooted in a love for the behind-the-scenes details of the production process. I love the little details of patternmaking, garment construction, and textile science. I strive to learn as much as I can about the steps it takes to turn a gorgeous sketch into an immaculate finished product. I am also dedicated to sustainable fashion and deeply admire companies that make responsible decisions in how they make their clothing and how they treat their workers.

I recently spent a semester interning at a brand that produces eco-friendly fashions locally in Los Angeles. Gaining first-hand experience in the day-to-day operations of a fashion company has given me great insight into the local industry as well as helping to solidify my own career goals. I am currently exploring post-grad apprenticeship opportunities with pre-production facilities and in-house patternmaking teams, which will help me gain the experience I need to achieve my career goal of being a freelance luxury market patternmaker. With the confidence and technical abilities I have gained from my mentors at BHDI, I am looking forward to what the future holds for me in an industry that is as fun as it is creatively challenging.