Eyda Jove

One of the main advice to all my students is to stay the course and never give up. There’s always a way to get things done even if at first it seems impossible. Eyda Jove , Faculty , Miami International University of Art & Design

What would you say is the defining moment in your life when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?

Ever since I was a young girl, I was always a creative soul. I was always using that creativity in making dresses for my dolls and finding ways to design those doll garments from different found fabrics and items. 

How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience to provide an industry veteran's sense of the realities / challenges / opportunities of the profession?

My professional background is weaved into the classroom experience by ensuring that I provide direct, yet constructive critiques to my students without hampering their dreams. As one might imagine, this is often quite a tight rope, but it is essential as it will prepare them for the fashion industry where there are plenty of critics. 

Is there a class assignment that exemplifies your approach to teaching and mentoring? Similarly, how does your approach inspire each student to push themselves beyond their own perceived limits?

In developing garments, I always instill the importance of attention to detail in the garment itself. For this reason, in class, we go over every single detail, which can be painstaking. However, that is the level of quality that will be expected of them in the industry, so I make sure it is something that we cover in great detail. 

What role does collaboration contribute to students' success, especially when students from other programs contribute to the same project?

In the Fashion programs, we express to our students the importance of working in teams as that is definitely a skill that can serve them well when they are in the industry. Learning to work with and through others is incredibly important. 

In your opinion, what is the single most important thing you impart to your students to help them succeed in your class and in the real world? Alternatively, what is the most critical advice you would offer any student as he / she embarks on a creative career?

One of the main advice to all my students is to stay the course and never give up. There’s always a way to get things done even if at first it seems impossible.