Learning Assesment Roles and Responsibilities

The primary settings in which I developed my skills and knowledge have included my educational institution, factories, and in the offices of business. These three settings offer unique features that make learning take place in distinct ways, using different methods and modes of interacting with material. The social learning aspects also differ in each of these settings, related to my different roles within each. Moreover, some of these settings involve more cognitive processes and critical thinking skills vs. those that offer greater opportunity for hands-on skill development and other technical learning. The combination of multiple settings has allowed for a holistic development of my skills and knowledge.

In school, I have worked primarily as a student but also as a tutor and mentor to my peers. My role as student calls upon my critical thinking skills, my ability to manage my time wisely, and my ability to communicate effectively in oral and written media. Course readings, including multimedia presentations, have provided the foundation for which I developed an understanding of theory, marketing research, history, and cultural contexts of fashion. Each subject area has enhanced my understanding of fashion as an art, as an emblem of culture, as psychology, and also as business. In my role of student, I am actively engaged with the subjects and encouraged to ask questions. Although theory comprises the bulk of the school-based setting, there have been some opportunities for hands-on learning. The role I play as student is also to become a leader in my classroom, to stimulate discussions, and encourage my classmates to succeed. Participating in group projects, forming study groups, and keeping in touch with my colleagues are a few of my many responsibilities in the school setting. I am also responsible for my own time management and discipline, especially when it comes to studying for exams, and balancing the demands of multiple classes. Although I have academic advisors serving as my guides, it is ultimately up to me to be steer the course of my future. I have found myself also in the role of being a leader and coach to peers. Several of my classmates had shown signs of discouragement when course load was heavy or when the demands of work and family placed external pressures. In school, I believe that all students are responsible not just for themselves but also for being effective and proactive members of the student community.

All other relevant settings to my learning have taken place under the rubric of my business. My business has entailed a diverse range of settings, and correspondingly, a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. Prior to my entering school, I taught myself how to work with fabrics, and how to transform my own sketches into the finished product. This meant relying on trial and error, patience, and self-discipline. My role then was a hobbyist, but now, my role is as a professional. I am accountable for my business and my brand, and to the various stakeholders now engaged in the business. Being tenacious has helped me assume the greater responsibilities of being a formal business owner.

My company, FRANZISKA FOX, involves multiple settings in which I serve in the role of leader, creative director, and chief coordinator. Communications is also one of my key responsibilities, as I am responsible for interacting with each individual along the entire supply chain from suppliers to customers, and of course, with my employees as well.

My social role in my business is primarily as a leader, and I am responsible for maintaining the reputation of my brand, for developing new designs and evolving new lines, and for creating a supportive working environment for everyone. When I visit factory settings and work directly with the materials, my role assumes a more technical dimension and at times I am more of a technician than a businessperson. I have also been cast into the role of business manager and even accountant, as I am responsible for my own financial management. Yet my role as a creative director is always supreme, as I am a designer who envisions a thriving future for my business.

As creative director, I am in charge of all new designs and design development as well as the consistency within each season's collection. I take into account the input of others, while relying on my skills and visions as a designer. I am responsible for coming up with new ideas, inspired by culture, other people, nature, music, or works of art. Being creative director entails mastering the materials and...

I am responsible for attending fashion industry events, visiting fabric showrooms, attending conferences, and networking. Creative direction also entails mastering the methods of design, ranging from sketches to design software. My role is also to be continually on call, drawing inspiration from what I see around me in my daily life.
As chief coordinator, I am in the role of mediating between various levels of the supply chain and coordinating the timing of design delivery to clients. Coordination efforts call upon me to build trust and remain accountable for the actions of my business. Issues related to inventory, availability of fabrics and other materials, and the timing of collection releases will all come into play during the course of my work. I need to coordinate the various people and stakeholders during the production stage. Finally, as the owner of the business, I am in the role of maintaining brand awareness and promoting my brand. In the future I may hire a specialist in a newly created marketing department, but for now, all marketing is my role and responsibility.

Summary of Skills and Knowledge

The skills and knowledge I have acquired can be divided into three main categories: business administration skills (including social learning); creative learning; and technical learning. As a fashion designer with business acumen, each of these three areas is critical to future success.

Business administration and Social Learning

Time Management and Self-discipline: Time management and self-discipline are interrelated skills that derive from dedication to vision and goals. As a student in school and as the proprietor of a business, self-discipline is the key to success. Managing time means applying self-discipline to how I use my time, to ensure that each minute of the workday is being used effectively. Distractions that keep me from my work need to be ignored or minimized. I have had to carve out leisure and social time in a strict schedule. Because the creative industries do not operate on a Monday through Friday, 9-5 basis, this does not necessarily mean that I will have two days in a row each week to spend time with friends and family or watch movies. Instead it might mean 16 days in a row of working, followed by five days of rest. Regardless, it is up to me and only me to develop the self-discipline to manage my time, energy, and resources. Self-discipline is also related to the need for me to continually upgrade my skills, and develop myself professionally and personally. I can never rest on my laurels if I want to become a successful designer.

Coaching: Coaching and mentoring others shows how my work remains a continual learning process, because teaching others provides new lessons for myself, and new directions of growth. The process of coaching has taught me how to be patient, how to communicate effectively, and how to engage people on their level regardless of differences in gender, age, or personal background. I have learned how to be an effective coach from my own mentors, both in school and in the professional sector, in developing the underlying skill set that a good coach should have. These skills include compassion, integrity, patience, and a sense of humor.

Money/Financial Management: In managing my own business, I have learned the importance of effective financial management, and I have also learned how to manage my business's finances. Costs of materials and other supplies have a huge bearing on my productivity and outcomes, and as I bring my products to market, I will need to become more knowledgeable about pricing and other marketing issues. For now, my learning has consisted of remaining on budget, managing all the costs of running my business including taxes, leases on spaces, staff, and materials. This includes the technology tools that I use to create my designs. In the future, I may evolve the business so that I require professional accounting help. Yet I will still be able to rely on my own learning on how to manage my resources and remain on budget.

How to Work with Suppliers: Working with suppliers involves communication and coordination skills. I need to give my suppliers enough time for them to accommodate me, but also need to be aware of the current state of the market when designing. This means being aware of new fabrics, trims, and other accessories on the market, knowing what other designers have been using, and communicating regularly with…