Featured Alumni
Allen Michalik
Product Designer
Radica USA
Associate of Science in Industrial Design, 1999
The saying goes, "It's all in the game!" For 1999 Industrial Design graduate Allen Michalik, his game is Skanners. As a Product Designer for Radica USA, in Texas, he had the exciting opportunity to be a part of the conception of this hot electronic handheld game. Introduced in 2001, Skanners utilizes UPC codes to dowload monsters, magic potions and weapons for children of all ages to use in battle with the game.
The game unit includes a comic book and will soon include limited edition collector cards. At Radica, Allen manages multiple projects from concept to production and develops ideas from sketches, research, and mock ups into 3D models. He creates program specifications and color studies to produce hand held electronic toys to fit a market focus.
While at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Allen received the "Academic Achievement Award" when he graduated with an Associate of Science degree in 1997, and the "IDSA Merit Award" in 1999 when he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree. "The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale prepared me for my career by giving me the self-drive and skills needed for a successful career in Industrial Design. The broad range of studies covered opened multiple opportunities for me to pursue."
Allen feels The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale instructors G. Martinez and Jack McDonald drove him to be better by keeping him focused on the end result and studying design more than just regurgitating what was taught. "By doing this, they gave us the opportunities to explore our own discoveries."
For all those students who want to succeed, Allen says, "Learn as much as you can from the people who have ‘been there done that,' but also leave yourself open to inspiration from fellow new designers. Take feedback every step of the way whether it's good or bad. Don't cling to an idea just because you spent a lot of time on it - be open to making changes. Step back and take an objective look at your project. It won't be the end of the world. Just work it out and most of all, have fun doing it!"
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Christine Coffey
Product Designer
Play Along Toys
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2004
Christine Coffey graduated with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Desgin in 2004 from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and is currently a Product Designer in the Product Development division of Play Along Toys. Christine is responsible for each phase of a toy's progress with her counterparts in Asia, regarding concept sketches, control art, models and samples. She also acts as liaison to the licensor for approval on licensed items.
"I've been very fortunate in my young career to be associated with some of the true giants in my field," says Christine. "To work with names like Disney, Nickelodeon and Universal Studios is very exciting, but also requires my undivided attention. They know what they want and they know how they want it. They don't settle for anything but the very best so I find it very rewarding when I meet their expectations. Working on brands that I grew up with has been very rewarding, from Disney princesses and fairytales, Smurfs, to SpongeBob – it keeps things fun and exciting. My job has also allowed me to travel, which is my favorite highlight."
Originally from Long Island, NY., Christine moved to Fort Lauderdale after high school yearning for a new experience and to do something different. The combination of tropical outdoors and a creative atmosphere lured her to enroll in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.
"My education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was such an intricate part of my success in the toy business. Honing my drawing and rendering skills are something I apply every day. I learned about the realistic steps in the design process, which I have now seen come to life. Each instructor added valuable insight to every facet of Industrial Design. Starting with Brent Wortham's introduction into drafting and rendering and onto Brian Wood's computer modeling classes, then Jeff Smith's design and production process, and Win Menish always had us thinking on our toes, my education was well rounded."
When asked words of advice would she give potential students, Christine said, "You can't absorb enough, and you will use everything you learn in one way or another! I try to keep my personal design and work design separate. Keep your skills sharp by continuing to do extracurricular projects, like sketching and painting. When working on toy designs the most important factors are safety, and of course fun! As a product designer, it is also my responsibility to think green and try incorporating that wherever possible."
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Eric Brockmeyer
Industrial Designer
Sea Ray Boats
Associate of Science in Industrial Design, 1998
As Industrial Designers for Sea Ray Boats located in Merritt Island Florida, Industrial Design graduates, Eric Brockmeyer '98 and Erin Schwarz '99 are creating waves in the boating industry. They design vessels from 24' to 36' including sport boats and cruisers. With responsibilities from rendering to models, they design for virtually every aesthetic inch of the vessels including the exterior, interior and cockpit. They work with all the departments within Sea Ray ensuring that their prototypes look and function the way they designed.
While at Sea Ray, Eric had the opportunity to be involved with the development of the company's new waterproof electronic switching system for the cruisers line. This system uses soft touch automotive style switches in place of standard marine rocker switches. He was responsible for the project from early concept sketches to the final approval of prototype production parts.
Erin fondly remembers his days at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. While attending he entered several contests, including one for "Rugged Footwear Company" where they were to design an exhibit booth for their biannual show in Germany. He ending up winning the contest and they not only built his design, but hired him as a full time designer. He eventually worked his way into being the company's Design Manager before accepting his current position with Sea Ray.
Both Erin and Eric attribute much of their success to their education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Erin says, "It was a lot of hard work, but like anything else worth working for – I got what I put into it. It gave me the appropriate mix of "old school design" and computer assisted design. Eric appreciated the dedication of the staff and instructors at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. "Their persistence that we work harder and harder to improve our skills really helped prepare me the demand of being a designer."
Erin wants students to remember, "Design doesn't stop on the car or product you are working on. You need to learn to get inspiration and influences from everything." Eric also gives a few words of advice, "Be prepared to work extremely hard. Always push yourself to improve!"
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Erin Schwarz
Industrial Designer
Sea Ray Boats
Associate of Science in Industrial Design, 1999
As Industrial Designers for Sea Ray Boats located in Merritt Island Florida, Industrial Design graduates, Eric Brockmeyer '98 and Erin Schwarz '99 are creating waves in the boating industry. They design vessels from 24' to 36' including sport boats and cruisers. With responsibilities from rendering to models, they design for virtually every aesthetic inch of the vessels including the exterior, interior and cockpit. They work with all the departments within Sea Ray ensuring that their prototypes look and function the way they designed.
While at Sea Ray, Eric had the opportunity to be involved with the development of the company's new waterproof electronic switching system for the cruisers line. This system uses soft touch automotive style switches in place of standard marine rocker switches. He was responsible for the project from early concept sketches to the final approval of prototype production parts.
Erin fondly remembers his days at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. While attending he entered several contests, including one for "Rugged Footwear Company" where they were to design an exhibit booth for their biannual show in Germany. He ending up winning the contest and they not only built his design, but hired him as a full time designer. He eventually worked his way into being the company's Design Manager before accepting his current position with Sea Ray.
Both Erin and Eric attribute much of their success to their education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Erin says, "It was a lot of hard work, but like anything else worth working for – I got what I put into it. It gave me the appropriate mix of "old school design" and computer assisted design. Eric appreciated the dedication of the staff and instructors at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. "Their persistence that we work harder and harder to improve our skills really helped prepare me the demand of being a designer."
Erin wants students to remember, "Design doesn't stop on the car or product you are working on. You need to learn to get inspiration and influences from everything." Eric also gives a few words of advice, "Be prepared to work extremely hard. Always push yourself to improve!"
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John Hodgson
Industrial Designer
Forward Industries
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2000
For as long as John Hodgson can remember, drawing has been part of his life. Oddly, he was the only one in his family with an artistic background and passion for art. In High School, with help from instrumental teachers, he applied his talents and started seeking creative careers. It was not until The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Dave Rogers, High School Coordinator, gave a presentation at his school that he realized that Industrial Design would be a perfect match for his talents. Already enrolled and planning to attend a more traditional State University, John quickly applied for The National Art Honor Society's Scholarship with the assistance and encouragement from his teachers. To his surprise he won a full two-year scholarship. There was no question that The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and the Industrial Design program were his number one choice.
In the college, John took full advantage of the instructors knowledge and their willingness to share and absorbed as much as he could. With his extreme dedication to his dream of becoming an industrial designer, he remained focused and excelled in his coursework. His ever-positive attitude and his relentless hard work made him stand out with the faculty and staff at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. John was inducted into the President of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Ambassador's Council.
John's undeniable talent and newly acquired skills paid off at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's portfolio review where he was able to present to employers his best work. From that presentation he was offered a job on the spot from Forward Industries in Pompano Beach, FL. He is now living his dream of being an industrial designer creating custom case solutions for numerous projects.
When asked how he feels The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale helped in his success he replied, "it prepared me for the industry standards and expectations for a designer training me with a realistic and necessary education."
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Jonathan Prentice
Industrial Designer
Decolav, Inc., Suite Simplicity LLC
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2007
Jonathan Prentice graduated in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and is currently an Industrial Designer and Furniture Designer for Decolav, Inc., and Suite Simplicity LLC.
"With Decolav," says Jonathan, "I design residential bathroom vanities, sinks, pedestals, tubs, shower enclosures, toilets, and various bathroom accessories. Suite Simplicity is our sister company which specializes in hospitality design. We design all of the furniture found in a hotel suite, including sofas, chairs, beds, nightstands, lighting, desks, mirrors, vanities, wardrobes, tables, etc. Some of our major clients include the Mirage, MGM Grand, Delano, Flamingo, Harrah's, Ritz Carlton etc.
Originally from Allentown, PA., Jonathan attended an Open House at The Institute of Philadelphia and was very impressed with the program, but decided to come to Fort Lauderdale instead to live by the beach.
"The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale taught me the foundation I needed to become a successful designer. The instructors come from a wide variety of backgrounds and they all have different and unique styles and approaches to the design process. They all are or were working professionals and have working knowledge and field experience which easily help bring real world situations into the classroom."
When asked what he would advise to potential students, Jonathan says,
"I must say that I have had many influential instructors during my time at The Art Institute. The one who sticks out the most in my mind is Jeff Smith. Jeff has done a wonderful job teaching students the foundations of design and design process and how it relates to real life situations. He holds strict guidelines and timeframes for projects which helps students prepare for the job force. He is a major reason why I am where I am today. 1) Learn to take criticism, both good and bad. It will help you to become a better designer. 2) Do not blow off any projects just because you don't like them because every project has credibility. There were projects and processes I absolutely hated at the time, and now I look back at them and understand why I had to do it. 3) Organize your work from start to finish, keep everything organized in binders for easy access, this will help you stay organized when working on your portfolio and in your professional life. 4) Do not fall behind on any projects; stay on task because it's twice as hard to catch up. 5) Treat every project as if it will be a final portfolio piece."
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Long Hoang
Industrial Designer
Travelpro
Associate of Science in Industrial Design, 1996
An Industrial Designer at Travelpro in Boca Raton, Florida, 1996 The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale graduate Long Hoang spends his days designing everything from products to packaging.
Long was an extremely passionate student while in school who was known to spend many hours in the shop or sitting at a drafting table sketching like a mad man. Ideas would flow out of his imagination so fast he felt compelled to put then all down on paper. The majority of his conceptual designs were very futuristic.
While still a student at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, he volunteered his services to Center One a non-profit organization by providing them with a new identity that included logos, brochures, print ads and postcards. One of the ads was later featured on the cover of TWN magazine. He also handled a number of freelance assignments that he received from the Career Services office.
Upon graduation, Long was awarded "The Highest Achievement" and "The Best Portfolio."
In his spare time, Long enjoys all facets of art and design, sports and concept cars, recreational water vehicles, cartooning, and futuristic/high-tech creations and sculpture.
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Niklas Madsen
CEO, Designer
Mental Industrial Design (MIND)
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2002
Niklas Madsen graduated in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He is currently the CEO/designer of Mental Industrial Design (MIND), in Helsingborg, Sweden, a consultant company that focuses on creativity, mindfulness and ideas.
"We design products, environments or even the unexpected," says Niklas. "Basically we help clients to think and see things from a new perspective. Lately, we have had a lot of interior design projects and we have also been designing furniture products. But we still think that it's all about seeing things from a different perspective, creativity."
Niklas says he enrolled in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for many reasons including getting to know students from all around the world and the location in South Florida.
When asked what he would advise to a prospective student, Niklas said, "Always deliver over your clients' expectations and chock them full with the unexpected. If you never jump out into the unknown, you will never know what's out there!"
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Paul Joseph Kitterman
Industrial Design Engineer
Peavey Products
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2007
If you came to school with Paul Kitterman, you'd know that he's hard to forget. Paul approaches everything with energy and confidence. Therefore, it's no surprise that he's rocking out his career, literally. Paul is an Industrial Design Engineer for Peavey Products, one of the best known companies in the music business.
Overall, Paul is responsible for the aesthetics of musical instruments as well as amplification and commercial audio products. This includes sketching, researching and physical model making or prototyping. He's also involved in designing packaging for newly released products, style guides, tradeshow booths, and logos to assure that they all follow an existing brand identity.
As a liaison between Chinese manufacturers and U.S. engineer and prototyping centers, Paul occasionally generates drawings to be used in production. He's also traveled to Frankfurt, Germany to see the latest and greatest in the industry.
The most exciting part of Paul's job? Working with prominent musicians and recording artists, of course. He's worked on guitar and amplifier designs for Bo Bice (of American Idol fame), Ted Nugent (70's Guitar Hero), Joe Satriani (Guitar Virtuoso), and Josh Rand (Guitar Player for Stone Sour). He's also designed high-profile custom guitars for corporate promotions by companies like STIHL and others. When asked what his artist statement is, Paul says, "I care about quality, innovation, and market needs."
A native born Floridian, Paul attended The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for Industrial Design and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor's degree. He would like to thank Jack Macdonald, one of our retired Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale instructors, for always saying "be on time and know your lines." He also feels he owes a good deal of his current success to Brent Wortham's influence, because he was always real with the students and never painted a rosy picture.
Paul's most prized accolade in design would be his award as Best Portfolio winner for the Winter Class of 2007. Following suit with his high-achievement style, Paul has already helped launch two well-received product lines for his current employer. His words of advice to students now are, "work hard. Take all of your classes seriously and if you want to be successful you have to be hungry. B's and C's won't cut it. In the real world everyone will want ‘A' work all the time."
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Reinaldo Alonso
Designer
Urbanus
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2005
Reinaldo Alonso, Jr. is a 2005 Bachelor of Science degree major in Industrial Design who currently works as a designer at Urbanus, a Miami-based furniture designer and manufacturer. He designs for Crate & Barrel, Room & Board, and Storehouse in the Product Development department. Born and raised in Hialeah, the ability to study what he had a passion for at a place close to home led Reinaldo to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.
Reinaldo attributes his success to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and says, "I was never the most artistically talented person. Better put, I never knew I had an artistic side but The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale tapped into it and brought it out in full force. That, and acquiring knowledge from different classes, helped me achieve the skill level I have today and be where I am today professionally."
He also speaks about how each of his instructors added to his learning in different ways and says, "Brent Wortham taught me how a good model is built and an amazing way to put things together. Win Menish taught me how to look at things from all angles and to be open-minded. Patricia Grullon taught me how to arrange and present my ideas in the most efficient and creative ways. Jack MacDonald taught me how to look at where design was and to know where design is going. Brian Wood taught me how to manage my designs and that even though design is a free spirit, sometimes we must be realistic give ourselves limitations. Jeff Smith taught me how to design for the real world and to think what good is an idea if it cannot be realized?"
Reinaldo's achievements have included the 2005 I.D.S.A. (Industrial Designers Society of America) Special Recognition Award, Best Industrial Design Portfolio Spring 2005, and he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He says the most important thing that he learned at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was, "simply put, putting my ideas down on paper. It is an integral skill to learn because what good is an idea, if it cannot be developed?" His advice to students is, "Give it your all, and then some. Hard work pays off. Whatever goals you have set can only be achieved through dedication."
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Rick Boggs
Set Designer, Fabricator
Great Southern Studios
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2004
Rick Boggs, a 2004 Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design graduate, is a Set Designer and Fabricator for Great Southern Studios in Miami responsible for designing props and sets for the film industry, conventions, and retail environments. Rick spent the majority of his childhood in Ft. Myers, Florida. and after graduation from high school enrolled in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale) to follow his passion for design.
Rick attributes much of his success to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and says, "My education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale helped me to discipline my creativity into a marketable skill. For example before The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, I could draw, but I couldn't sketch quickly and efficiently; I could invent things, but not design them so they would work and function in the real world; and I could use a computer, but not communicate through more than words on a screen."
Rick excelled in and out of the classroom. "I don't know if there was one instructor that influenced me more than any other. Each instructor taught me more than just the basic skills. They taught me that design skills are the base to a good career, but passion, perseverance, and determination can be just as important to your success as technical abilities." Outside the classroom Rick was involved in many activities as a student including participating in helping to coordinate Alumni reunions, Student Orientations, Graduations, and Fort Lauderdale's Winterfest Boat Parade. Rick was not only a member of Student Government, but also served as president. "I remember a lot of the events I did with Student Government. They created a catalyst to meet new people and try new things."
Rick's advice to future design student is to be determined, professional, and persevere, but don't be afraid to have fun. "The projects you do for fun sometimes set you apart from the rest of your colleagues."
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Rodrigo Davila
Product Designer
Design Alliance, LLC.
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2005
Rodrigo Davila, a 2005 Industrial Design Bachelor of Science degree graduate, currently is a product designer for Design Alliance, LLC., and develops high-end lighting products and home furnishings for companies in the lighting industry. His responsibilities include developing new lighting products and systems, presenting concepts, and developing mechanical drawings for manufacturing.
Originally from Brazil, Rodrigo spent five years prior to attending The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale working with interior designers doing manual drafting, decorative paintings, and custom wood cabinets. Rodrigo was working for The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Interior Design alumna Perla Lichi, owner of Perla Lechi Design, when she suggested he get his diploma in Interior Design. While visiting the school, Rodrigo found out about Industrial Design and dropped everything to pursue this program.
Rodrigo says, "The education I got at the The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale has been very important in getting me to where I am today. The tools and skills that I got while attending the school, the social events (networking), and the internship and freelance work have prepared me to be competitive in the industry." He says that he learned to "think outside the box" when solving problems at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and how to consolidate wild ideas into products that can be manufactured. Rodrigo says that learning how to balance those two aspects of the design process are very important lessons that he will carry through his my design career.
His advice to students is, "One, take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Career Services office. Take any work you can get... do internships... do freelance... work for free if you have to... just do it!!! Once you graduate you will find out that experience is everything. Two, get involved and network! The Art Institute offers great opportunities to interact with other students, faculty, and industry top-professionals."
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Rodrigo S. Lima
Designer, Engineer
Morrison Pump Company
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2005
Rodrigo S. Lima graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design and is now working as a designer and engineer for Morrison Pump Company in Hollywood, FL. He is responsible for reverse engineering, mechanical drawings and marketing material to include product brochures, websites, presentations and all product related manuals. Clients include South Florida Water management District, Robert Mondovi Vineyards and The Army Core of Engineers.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Lima loves designing products. "My education and experiences at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale have helped me become a well rounded designer. What we choose to expand on and do with that information is up to us. Jeff Smith was my most influential instructor. His classes really got me to finesse my design process. Being a part of his Design for Manufacturability class in which he took four students to Taiwan to work on an exercise machine was also an excellent experience which took us deeper into the design process and allowed us the opportunity to visit the factories where the metal and plastic parts are made as well as seeing the assembly lines."
Lima's words of advice to an aspiring industrial designer are, "Work hard, enjoy what you are doing and network as much as possible. Start while you are in school. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Make sure all your time is not spent in front of the computer. Although not always possible, I try to get involved in projects that will positively affect our society. My designs say that I am a practical designer. I try to keep it simple and functional while at the same time evoking emotion from the consumer. When all is said and done, it's all about the consumer or user experience."
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Simone Mussa
Project Manager
Sanba International
Associate of Science in Industrial Design, 1998
Simone Mussa, 1998 Industrial Design graduate, is originally from Turin, Italy. In 1994, he arrived in the United States after having graduated from Primo Liceo Artistico, an architectural high school. Today Simone is the Project Manger at Sanba International, an architectural company located in both New York and Sedona, Arizona. His primary responsibility is to bring design form from its initial conceptual stage all the way to its final stage of being manufactured. To Simone, following all the steps of production is both highly challenging and rewarding. His career to this day is still educational and gratifying. He has been able to work both in the United States and Europe and will soon start working on a luxury resort in Mexico.
One of the fundamentals Simone learned while an Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale student was thinking "outside the box." He says this was instrumental and essential in developing his career. Simone says, "Every instructor in the Industrial Design program played a key role in allowing me to explore and therefore expand my creativity." His instructors pushed him in a slightly different direction, enabling him to discover the endless spectrum of creativity that exists within the field of industrial design. "As Jack McDonald often told me, "plan your work, work your plan."
Simone's advice to other students is "What is most important is to open your eyes and look around. Everything that surrounds you is design." A highlight for Simone was when his design team won a merit award in the International Steel Tubing Competition. "I had worked with my fellow students and together we were able to overcome all the obstacles while designing and successfully completed our project. That, in itself, was a tremendous accomplishment."
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Stacy Tao
Industrial Designer
Michael Wolk Design Associates
Associate of Science in Industrial Design, 1999
Stacy Tao graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with honors and received the Best Portfolio in Industrial Design in July of 1999.
Born in Brazil, Stacy grew up in Miami with a love of working with tools and a passion to build things. No wonder that Stacy is on staff at Michael Wolk Design Associates, a multifaceted design firm that provides interior, furniture and graphic design services. Stacy's responsibilities include new product conceptualization and presentation, technical manufacturing drawings, and coordination with factories during prototyping phase for companies such as Design Institute of America, Patrician, Della Robbia, Lowenstein, and Epic. Stacy also assists the interior design department with the design of custom.
Stacy had many memorable experiences, while an Industrial Design student. He was part of a team of students who won a Merit Award in the ACSA/STI Student Design and Engineering Challenge, joined the Georgia Tech Institute's Industrial Design and Architecture class on a summer trip to Europe, and interned at Paramount Parks D&E, in Charlotte, NC. Another great experience while attending The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was being a member of the IDSA Student Chapter and attending conferences that led to opportunities to meet some of the industry's top professionals.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale provided Stacy with a well-rounded education in industrial design, not only giving him the technical abilities to enter the field, but also the professional skills essential in today's job market. The fact that all his instructors were also working in the field while teaching at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was of vital importance to Stacy's success as a designer. It kept him aware of all the current and latest technologies that companies were using in product designing.
Stacy currently works at Michael Wolk Design Associates, a multifaceted design firm that provides interior, furniture and graphic design services. His advice to potential/graduating students is to try as much as possible to develop and refine your design skills. "You will see that they will come naturally as you start to work in the field. Establish relationships with your peers as much as possible because they are invaluable. Lastly, work hard but have fun while doing it. Design is an exciting profession to be in."
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Yves A. Michel
Footwear/Product Designer
Reebok
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, 2001
Yves A. Michel graduated in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and is currently a Footwear/Product designer at Reebok in the RAC group (Reebok Advanced Concepts). His accolades include: finalist in the 2002 International Bicycle Design Competition in Taiwan and his graduate project was used to promote the college's Industrial Design program in marketing collateral.
Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Yves knew since he was 16 that he wanted to be an industrial designer. "My family moved to Florida when I was 17," says Yves, "Later on, I found out about the Industrial Design program at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, so that was my opportunity to make it happen."
Yves comments on his experience at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, "It's a combination of inspiration by certain teachers and other students. I have been inspired by the career of a particular teacher that I really respected. I also had other friends/students that I learned from as well. There was a certain aspect of inspiration/competition at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and we all fed off of that to become better designers."
When asked what Yves would say to potential students, he responded, "It's all about the portfolio. The portfolio is what gets you the job. But a great portfolio isn't just nice concepts and computer renderings, as a starting designer it's mainly about the sketches, the quality of the sketches and the ability to show your thought process through your sketches. That's what employers look for in a junior designer, they want to see how you think. I have a great appreciation for minimal design. I try to keep my designs in that kind of aesthetic, simple and to the point."
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If you have a success story of your own that you would like to share, please submit it to our Alumni Coordinator at aiflalumni@aii.edu or call 1-800-275-7603, ext. 2611.