Reason #5 Bob Mackie Should Hire Me

Reason #5 - Learning

Just like little Ralph Wiggum I too have been learning.  I feel another reason Mister Mackie would benefit from hiring me is because I constantly take it upon myself to soak up information and learn skills. 

I have always have been proud of my self discipline to learn as much as I can and further my knowledge on the talents I possess.  I've always been the kind of person that goes out of their way to research information that improves my abilities.  I do this not only for my computer based skills, but I also love learning new things in sewing and garment construction.

Case in point, in college I took a machine knitting course.  It was a pretty basic class, but I loved the concepts.  After I finished the class I purchased two different gauge knitting machines with ribbing machine attachments.  We didn't learn the ribber in class but it came with a manual so I figured it out.  I pride myself on experimentation.  I love reading the information in a book while sitting at the machine so I'm able to try out the theory right then and there.  I feel that I have taken in a ton of information on how to use these machines and still there is more they can do!

In addition to the machine knitting I taught myself the Tambour technique of embellishing.  I have been hand embellishing and have constantly thought that there has to be a faster way.  After seeing videos of The House of Lesage on YouTube I realized that the hook tool was the key.  So I researched where to buy the tool and how the technique was done.  I had to make a makeshift frame to suit my apartment and now I'm sequining the hell out of everything!

Now these are only two examples of my readiness to pick up and learn new skills.  I've always found that learning and problem solving go hand in hand.  I've asked myself "I wonder how they do that?" countless times.  Each time I ask that, I inevitably research and find the answer no matter how long it takes.  The wonderful thing about these new skills is that they are not shortcuts.  Sometimes they end up taking more time to execute but my work looks so much more elevated and professional.  I have realized that the more mature I get and the more I learn the better I become as a designer.  I have been able to continually raise the bar on myself because I find ways to reach further than I thought I could.

My enthusiasm to learn new things would definitely be an asset to Team Bob Mackie.  I could be his go-to guy for anything that needs innovation.  If I don't know how to accomplish it I will figure it out.  My answer for any question or problem that may arise will always be "I'M ON IT!"

- Philip Estrada

Reason #4 Bob Mackie Should Hire Me

Reason #4 - Dreams

I HAD A DREAM!  Last night actually.  A Dream that not only starred Bob Mackie, but was costumed by the man as well.  Clearly I am so committed to Team Mackie that my subconscious is right there with me.

Picture it!  There I was standing on the stoop of my building.  It was a nice mild Spring day. The block was empty except for a man walking toward me.  As he got closer I realized it was none other than Bob Mackie.  We struck up a conversation and he was as nice as ever.  I told him that I was going to Las Vegas in 2 weeks for my 30th birthday.  Also I told him how and how super excited I was to have gotten tickets to see ;Jubilee!',  featuring his iconic showgirl designs. 

Then suddenly I was on an old timey pirate ship standing next to Bob Mackie's BFF, Cher.  At first I was a bit disoriented.  I didn't even have time to tell Mr. Mackie about the blog or beg for a job!  Not only that, but he must have thought I was insanely rude for just leaving without saying "Good day, Sir!"  However I wasn't really complaining.  It was nice to be hanging out with Cher on the high seas.  It was only a few minutes until the ship ran aground on the shore.


The pirate costume Mr. Mackie designed for Cher's "Believe" tour.
Photo via some random Flickr account.

Sorry for the small image but I just love the sketch of Cher as a pirate.... YARRRR!

Cher and I jumped off the ship and ran onto the beach which was extremely populated with tourists.  When we made it onto dry land I noticed that she magically changed outfits.  She was now wearing the red version of the "Take Me Home" bugle beaded outfit.  Unsurprisingly, I love every version of this outfit Bob ever made Cher.  Now at this point I couldn't keep up with Cher.  The beach and boardwalk were teeming with drag queens dressed as different versions of Cher.  Being as nice as she is (I assume), Cher insisted on running up and taking a photo with each and every single lady-boy.  That's when I woke up with a giant smile on my face. 

Talk about dedication!  The fact that I would gladly be Cher's wrangler while I sleep has got to be easily one of the BEST reasons for Bob Mackie to hire me!

- Philip Estrada 

Reason #3 Bob Mackie Should Hire Me

Reason #3 - Connections

"One ringy dingy"

 That's right I know people... all kinds of people.  That sounds misleading, let me rephrase that.  I know people who can get things done.  In the nearly six years I have worked in the design industry I have had the great fortune to work with a wide range of talented people.  My experiences with overseas and domestic manufacturers has been the greatest asset I have gained from my career.  I have had the chance to collaborate with people from every facet of the fashion "supply chain."  From a small pattern drafter with 3 employees in NYC, to a Chinese based fully vertical manufacturer, and everywhere in between.  Over time I have built relationships with trim vendors/manufacturers that pride themselves on keeping abreast of the latest trends and innovations, thus in turn helping their clients stay on trend and compete in a global market.  The great thing about already working with these suppliers is that I know what teams excel in which given areas.  This way they can be utilized to their fullest potential.

With all the suppliers I have worked with there is definitely one common theme amongst them.  Everyone wants to bring new and exciting products to the market.  I want to help Bob Mackie do that as well.

- Philip Estrada

Reason #2 Bob Mackie Should Hire Me

Reason #2 - Mad Fresh Computer Skills
I feel that my skills in using graphic based programs are superior to other people in the fashion industry.  It's not that they are "lesser" than I, but I have made it my priority to learn all I can about the Programs Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.  As well as these programs I am very comfortable on Microsoft Excel.  So comfortable I even developed a spreadsheet that automatically writes knitting patterns based on the size spec for a sweater.  It's pretty awesome, if any measurements change the pattern rewrites itself!

I am especially proud of my flat sketches in Adobe Illustrator.  I pride myself in making clear and understandable sketches.  Also at the same time that they are clear my flats are also beautiful. 

A Pair of Pants Sketched in Illustrator

My flat sketches in Adobe Illustrator show every detail of the design.  I find it a welcome challenge to learn new things and how it could be used to make my job easier and elevate my work.

2 Jackets rendered using Illustrator



Illustrator can also be used to draw in a stylized manner

In previous posts I have shown my skills in using Adobe Photoshop to edit and color hand sketches.  This becomes VERY useful if there is ever a need to change the color or details of an illustration.  Bob Mackie can turn to me when ever he needs revisions to an existing sketch or photo.  If I don't know how to fix it, I will find out.

 

This was sketched by hand then scanned into Photoshop.  It was edited and colored digitally.  I would be a great asset to the Bob Mackie team.  When do I start work?

-Philip 

Reason #1 Bob Mackie Should Hire Me

There are MANY reasons I should be working on Team Mackie.  Surprisingly most of them don't include my undying love of sparkles and spangles; even though I love sparkles and spangles!  Therefore I will begin listing them off peridoically.  Now please note, these aren't in any specific order and they aren't a countdown by any means.  These are just a grocery list of reasons why I'm Mackie Material.

Reason #1 - Arms
Two of them in fact.  They aren't He-Man arms, but they are strong enough to hold items such as: stacks of papers, a grouping of pens and/or markers, a bolt/roll of fabric (when laid on its side) and a book or two. The arms can hold the aforementioned but are not limited to them.  The arms I have come with hands as well, what luck!  These hand are good for picking things up, typing, pressing elevator buttons, sewing, drawing/doodling, writing things down and, my specialty, holding coffee for acclaimed designers!  Not that you needed proof but they even come with celebrity endorsement.  Pop/Country singer Jewel's hit "Hands" was actually inspired by their work!

-Philip Estrada