StylePortfolios: Yulia Ellison

What is your employment status?
YE: Freelance Designer and Consultant

Please summarize your professional career in 1 to 3 sentences; what should everyone know about you?
YE: I’m a footwear and jewelry designer based in New York City. I have also lived in Los Angeles, Milan and Madrid, where I designed for luxury and contemporary brands.

Describe what you do?
YE: I design and develop full footwear and jewelry collections for different brands from concept to final product. I also travel to the factories to oversee prototype and sample development. In addition to hand sketching, I’m proficient in Adobe Suite, Cad design, 3D programs and 3D printing.

Why did you choose to be a designer?
YE: I always loved drawing since I was little, and later became interested in fashion, especially accessories.

What steps did you take to become a designer?
YE: I graduated from a Footwear Program at FIDM in Los Angeles. Later I studied Footwear and Jewelry Making at FIT in NYC. I also acquired a Masters Degree in Industrial Design from Istituto Marangoni in Milan.

What is the best/most challenging part of your job?
YE: I love coming up with new ideas and developing new concepts. I find sketching and designing very therapeutic and meditative. Traveling is probably one of the best perks of being a designer. And of course, it’s always rewarding seeing your designs come to life, especially when someone is wearing them!

If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
YE: Probably a painter or a sculptor

How did you get started in design?
YE: I worked at Jimlar and DVF as a Jr. Designer, then at Camuto Group, where I was promoted to a Design Director in just two years.

What sparked your interest in design?
YE: I wanted to wear my own designs and also see other people wearing them!

How has your work evolved since you began your career?
YE: I have worked on many different brands in different countries, so I developed a pretty good understanding of various brands’ DNA and how to design for different customers.

Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
YE: Yes, anything that is not flattering.

What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
YE: I’m always inspired by travel and other cultures. I love finding inspiration in art and different people I meet in NYC and other places around the globe.

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
YE: Always follow your heart and intuition (this might sound like a cliche, but it’s actually true)

What advice would you give to young designers?
YE: Go after your dreams, and don’t settle for something less than, just because it’s comfortable, has a good pay or benefits.

What’s your motto?
YE: Follow your heart!

Other (feel free to tell the readers anything about you that we didn’t ask)
YE: I also published a series of Coloring Books “A Shoe Day.” They’re available on Amazon.com

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