Champion
Over Summer 2024, I interned at Licensed Sports Apparel for the Champion brand as an Apparel Design Intern. During this internship, I had a clear project scope that takes my initial concept through design and tech work to production to serve the College aged women's target market that will be sold in College bookstores around the country. Through this process, I complete trend forecasting on new SS 26 line, have two styles adopted into the assortment of Tailgate her SS26 that hit price and parameters. In addition, I also worked on development which includes research, concept pitch with sketch (illustration and flat), material, color layout, BOM build, aesthetic fit direction, color-ups, thumbs, merch pages, and style out. After completing the creative portion, I worked on the technical portion for hand off to manufacturers. I created the entire tech pack, measurements, initial fit comments, ROH communication, and color approvals.
About The Experience
"Ana is a very positive person & her communications reflected that and her interest/enthusiasm in general. She asked good questions and was truly a pleasure to work with. Analytical ability: Ana did a good job of understanding the parameters of our line development while also vocalizing for the needs/wants of the end consumer (exactly what a creative designer does on a daily basis). She also accurately developed a complete tech pack, which does require fabric/trim research & spec development and research. Creativity: We definitely feel like Ana’s future is on the creative side of the ledger! She had a great overarching trend deck with a layout/style that we loved. She presented several styles that we liked & we feel very strongly about the two we are moving forward with. She is a great team player! She has been a joy to work with and a seemless addition to our group." - Michelle Middendorf, Sr Manager, Gear For Sports.
Over a nine-week period, I gained invaluable knowledge and had many memorable experiences. Some of the key highlights include:
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Learning the PLM (Product Life Management) GFS Program for inputting data and building tech packs.
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Beginning the initial phases of learning 3D tech design.
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Unleashing my creativity by designing two styles that are now available in bookstores.
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Collaborating with the entire Design cohort and my fellow interns.
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Understanding real-world scenarios and applying my knowledge within a large corporation.
Highlights
Lessons Learned
The lessons I've learned have provided me with a clear insight into my desired career path in Creative Design. I have learned to cultivate what I am good at including trend forecasting, understanding line development and where the white space is, understanding fit and direction, and always prioritizing the end customer user.
A Typical Day
During a typical day in the Champion office, I focused on my final project presentation. This included trend development, creating flat sketches on Adobe Illustrator, preparing tech packs and measurements, and working on other assignments from my mentors. When working on additional projects, my mentor and other designers guided me through various tasks, which I then completed independently. Besides project work, I attended numerous meetings, either related to my project or featuring speakers discussing their experiences and job roles.
Trend Forecasting
In the first steps of development, I began trend forecasting through a multitude of different platforms. From Tiktok, to WGSN, Pinterest, and through my own eyes, I gathered ten overarching trends that align between the zeitgeist of today and with the Champion brand.
Trend Inspiration
After brainstorming, I compiled five looks for Champion Brand to approve for continuation of production. I feel that these five looks encompass the fun, sporty look of Champion and marry that with the College age women trends. The assortment includes a soft touch fabric halter fitted cropped top, an oversized mesh inspired soccer jersey, a fleece terry cropped, fitted full zip, a low rise fleece terry fit and flare sweat pant, and a mesh cropped basketball inspired jersey. I sketched these looks on Adobe Illustrator and included potential color ways.
Ember's/ Insights Survey
The Champion brand has a program called Embers which is a group of college aged women and men that initially review the line. Flat sketches and inspiration photos are sent to this assortment of college students for them to rate the concepts. The questions that are asked relate to the fabric, fit, inspiration photo, and any other detail in the garment construction. These photos are the photos that were uploaded for the Ember's to rate.
Development for FT Full Zip Cropped Jacket
After getting approval from Champion Brand, I began technical development for the Cropped zip up and the low rise sweat pants.
CREATIVE
TECH
Development for FT Fit and Flare Low Rise Pant
CREATIVE
TECH
Final Presentation
As my internship concluded, I presented my final findings and project to the design team, fellow interns, HR, and others who supported me throughout the process. I compiled all of my reports and step-by-step actions into a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation and discussed the entire process.
