below the surface

Ashley Singleton is a quick learner, team leader, and inspirationally driven. Through her education at FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising she has developed a broad skill set and a strong work ethic. As a designer, she seeks to fill the world with life and color by creating bold and innovative designs with meaning and purpose.

Ashley has always had the mindset to go out of boundaries and stand out from the crowd. Using any opportunity available to create art, not only through design but through self-expression and music as well. Curious about the world and what it has to offer, she has a passion for learning new things, traveling and helping others in her community. Ashley enjoys social gatherings that bring people from all over the world together, and to possibly make new friendships and share ideas.

Early in life Ashley discovered her passion was being a part of cooperative efforts in the creative design field. Now one of her greatest satisfactions in life derives from being a part of cumulative projects and seeing them through to successful conclusions.

Through experience Ashley has gained many skill sets such as, designing 8 pc comforter sets from start to finish while communicating with China and evaluating the products construction and quality. Ashley also had the opportunity to travel to New York and use her visual communication skills to design showroom layouts for the Home and Textiles Today during market week. Many other small tasks such as, creating mood boards, trend researching, creating visual displays, and package designing have transformed Ashley into a well-rounded person in the design world.

What should everyone know about you?
AS: I started off in interior design the manufacturing side, and from there went into home fashions and accessories, got back into interiors again (designing), and just got my first job in the fashion design industry for a trend forecasting company. As a designer and creative being who loves all aspects of art, I am a well-rounded person who loves to be involved in anything hands on and thinking outside of the box.

Why did you choose to be a designer?
AS: Growing up as a creative person from a young child to now I wanted to find a way to incorporate my art or making art in a way that can be functional and established in way where it can seen or used by many. I also thought how can I turn this into a career and still keep it in my daily life and routine so I decided that becoming a designer would be the right path.

What steps did you take to become a designer?
AS:  Well I decided when I was in high school that I didn’t want to go to any ordinary college. I wanted to attended a college that would be fit for the career path I wanted to take on.  In the spring of 2011 I was accepted into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising’s fashion design program. From project to project and less than 5 hours of sleep a night, it kicked my butt as well as taught me a lot about the industry and being the best designer I can be. Upon graduating I wouldn’t expect to be where I am now but in the end it has changed my whole life and perspective of my future to come.

If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
AS: My love for music comes just as close as my love for design and art. With that being said, If I weren’t a designer I think I would be involved in the music industry, as a sound recording engineer.

How did you get started in design?
AS: My first job in the design industry was working part time for this small furniture manufacturing company while going to school here in Los Angeles. The designers would come to us with their designs and we would make their visions come to life which were all hand made by artisans in the surrounding area. As a small business I was very involved, from communicating with in-house frame makers and sewers, sketching up prototypes, communicating with clients on design options, to even making buttons for ottomans. We also helped with the development and interiors of the high end Palihouse Hotel (Santa Monica and Hollywood) which was very exciting.

What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
AS: Usually people think designing only involves drawing, coloring shapes, making cutout collages, etc. and that it is just a walk in the park. Designing is much more than that. Designing involves thinking below the surface and using the principles as well as standards of art and color. Most of the time it has to do with researching what the masses want to see in stores, from what they wear, to what they sit on in their living room.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AS: I wish to see myself established, successful, and hopefully co-owner of a design company but most importantly happy with where I am in life and loving what I do.

Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
AS: My opinion would be to not wear UGGs on a hot day with shorts or leggings or any other day you are not surrounded by snow and cold weather.

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
AS: The biggest lesson that I have learned when I first started my career would be good use of negative space and keeping your canvas, silhouette, or whichever it may be to be balanced from use of color, textures, trim, print, and/or fabric.

What advice would you give to young designers?
AS: The advice I would give to young designers would be to manage your time wisely, not only in the industry but in your daily life as well. Managing your time is very important and I know I still struggle with this here and there and I have learned my lessons in doing so.

What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
AS: I would like to travel at least once to a destination I have never been before, get lost within that city or country and become inspired by my surroundings to hopefully create a one of a kind design that will knock everyone’s boots off.

Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?
AS: My number one rule I live by is to not be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone in life, at work, and within the design world. Love yourself for who you are and live each day as if it were your last.

What’s your motto?
AS: “Everything I did in my life that was worthwhile, I caught hell for.” – Earl Warren

Learn more about Ashley Singleton on StylePortfolios.com

This Designer Profile was originally posted on StylePortfolios.com.  To see more profiles like this OR to create a fashion design portfolio of your own, please visit StylePortfolios.com.