IN MOTION JOURNALISM DESIGN WORK EXPERIENCE RESUME
ISSUE ONE
CURATED BY BRITTANY COHEN
WW
2
ISN’T IT FUNNY HOW DAY BY DAY NOTHING CHANGES BUT WHEN YOU LOOK BACK EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT
C.S. LEWIS
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
To the reader, When tasked with the assignment to compose a portfolio of the entirety of my work while attending Parsons, I was floored. While studying there, I learned so many invaluable skills that composing them all into one concise book seemed nearly impossible. But always excited by a challenge, I worked tirelessly to complete the task. Experimenting with different layouts, to see which one would display my work the best, and shifting through all my projects to choose the ones which best display my acquired skills. Then, I came up with the concept of creating a magazine of my work, because of my journalist endeavors with a certain online publication (read more inside). I think it’s important to keep in mind while looking through my portfolio, the driving force behind my work: to help people reach their potential. I decided to go into the Design & Management program at Parsons because I felt it would be a way for me to develop my own skills as a designer, while acquiring the knowledge to help my creative peers with their business endeavors. I believe by displaying a mix of my design work, published articles, and life experiences, you can more easily get a feel for me as an individual. The title, IN MOTION, is a node to my constant movement forward, in my efforts to improve myself and my work. Down to the very layout and design, my personal aesthetic has been meticulously injected into every inch of this book... This portfolio encompasses the totality of my being as a creative individual. please enjoy,
IN THIS ISSUE DESIGN WORK Graphic Design 23 Film 30 Design 32 Selected Works 38
JOURNALISM Events 10 Interview 12 Review 18
EXPERIENCE Internships 46 Work 48 Community Service 50
RESUME END NOTE
LAYOUT AND CONTENT: BRITTANY COHEN COVER ILLUSTRATION: PALLAVI GUPTA
DESIGN WORK SECTION ONE
THROUGHOUT MY LIFE, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL, TAKING CLASSES AT LOCAL
MUSEUMS AND CONSTANTLY DRAWING AND PAINTING IN MY FREE TIME. I LIKE TO CHALLENGE MYSELF WITH WORKING WITH NEW MEDIUMS AND DEVELOPING CONCEPTS. IN THIS SECTION, I
WILL DEMONSTRATE MY ABILITIES AS A DESIGNER ON SEVERAL PLATFORMS, INCLUDING DRAWING, PAINTING, GRAPHIC DESIGN, AND FILM.
11 GRAPHIC DESIGN
KOI FISH DESIGN CONCEPTS PROJECT BY BRITTANY COHEN
THROUGH A PROCESS OF SKETCHING, COLLAGING, AND USE OF ADOBE PHOTOSHOP AND ILLUSTRATOR TOOLS, I CREATED A SERIES OF PERSONAL LOGOS, DESIGNED BASED ON AN ANIMAL REPRESENTATIVE OF MYSELF. I DEMONSTRATED MY ARTISITIC ABILITIES AND FURTHER DEVELOPED MY TECHNICAL SKILLS ON THIS PROJECT. I USED DIFFERENT MEDIUMS IN ORDER TO CHALLENGES MY USE OF MIXED MATERIALS AND INTERDISCIPLINARY ABILITIES TO TRANSFER DESIGN ACROSS PLATFORMS. KOI FISH COLLAGE MAGAZINE AND PAPER FALL 2010
RESEARCHED Charley Harper’s linear animal designs for inspiration.
DRAFT Koi fish image was minimized and logo concepts were drafted using Adobe Illustrator
SKETCH AND COLLEGE Image for koi fish was sketched using pencil. Sketch was collaged using magazine images.
EDITS The best of the logo drafts were chosen, and edited for finalization. They were displayed in three different sizes for user convenience
RENDER Image was uploaded to Adobe Illustrator and rendered into a color vector file, and then transformed to a black and white image.
PATTERN A wallpaper pattern was creating using deconstructed elements from the final koi fish logos.
KOI FISH VECTOR DRAWING (COLOR) ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR FALL 2010
KOI FISH VECTOR DRAWING ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR FALL 2010
14 GRAPHIC DESIGN
LOGO DRAFTS ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR FALL 2010
FINAL LOGOS ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR FALL 2010
PATTERN 1 ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR FALL 2010
PATTERN 2 ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR FALL 2010
18 FILM
SCENES FROM ANDY WARHOL’S ‘CHELSEA GIRLS’ AND THE PBS DOCUMENTARY ‘ANDY WARHOL’
FAMILY VALUES
In Spring 2013, I created a short film based on the life of my mother, and our parallel life changes. While I was busy graduating college, and feeling uneasy about the uncertainly of my future, my mother was back home in Boston, dealing with similar anxieties of loss while my youngest sister prepared to leave for college. Known as the “empty nest syndrome”, where a parent suffers a sense of confusion and depression when their life completely slows down once all their children have “flown the VIDEO CREDIT: ANDY WARHOL coop”. Being the oldest, I felt a responsibility to my mother, to support her through this difficult period, as she has supported me throughout my hard times in life. This reversal of roles from A VIDEO, A GIFT, A DREAM. parent to peer has opened a whole new emotional range for DEDICATED TO MY LOVING me. To deal with the onrush of new feelings, I created a video to MOTHER, AND HER UNDYING LOVE express my gratitude to my mother, to remind her of her dreams OF HER CHILDREN AND HER ART. and goals before having children. My mother always spoke about
her artwork that she did in college (which was a big inspiration for my own interest in art), and how she was certain if she had continued on this life path, that she would have been in Andy Warhol’s infamous factory. This inspired me to use Andy Warhol clips from various movies to construct a narrative with my mother as the star. Using scenes from movies such as Chelsea Girls and Trash, I used Adobe After Effects to connect clips in order to tell a story. Andy Warhol’s movies were notoriously without plot, so it was an interesting experience to repurpose the footage to create a storyline. I recorded a conversation with my mother on the phone, while she spoke to me about her dreams of continuing her artwork. While scenes of Edie Sedgwick and Mary Woronov play in the background to my mother’s voice, it was a powerful use of film and sound to give a package gift of cinematically living her dreams. Now it’s up to her to make it a reality.
20 DESIGN
JEWELRY DESIGN PHOTO CREDIT: BRITTANY COHEN
Born out of my love for nature and repurposed objects, my jewelry collection embodies a gypsy spirit in an embellished and ornate manner. I am inspired by spiritual artifacts and found treasures, which I’ve incorporated into my materials.
The collection consists of hair jewels, earrings, and rings. The hair jewels was a new concept I developed after falling in love with the beauty and uniqueness of hair wraps, yet not wanting to commit to one style over a long period of time. With my innovative clip in beaded hair jewels, you can pick and choose what style you want to wear, depending on your mood. The jewels blend in with your hair and add some sparkle and embellishments to your outfit. The color palette was rich tones, with spiritual trinkets anchoring the ends. One has an attached citrine crystal for vitality, and another a hamza to symbolize good luck. The ring and earrings were inspired by a recent trip to Anguilla, where I spent weeks walking along the beach gathering seashells.
Many of the shells had natural holes in them, which were perfect for wrapping in wire. Wire is more durable than string and easier to work with, plus I love the color of copper, so I wrapped rings and produced earrings mixing the two materials. The result was a lovely combination of precious seashells and metals, which really captured the beauty of the island where I had gathered them. Going forward, I will continue to manifest my designs in a holistic and organic nature. Whenever I find a gap in the market, I will use my skills as a designer to create new jewelry with my aesthetic. I will always look to my spirit as a reference for materials to use, and will continue to make my pieces with the same intention: creating embodiments of special memories.
TOP CROSS & FISH HAIR JEWEL SUMMER 2012 BEADS & STRING LEFT PEACOCK HAIR JEWEL SUMMER 2012 BEADS & STRING
TOP FISH HAIR JEWEL SUMMER 2012 BEADS & STRING RIGHT SEASHELL EARRINGS SUMMER 2012 BEADS & STRING
26 SELECTED WORKS
SELECTED WORKS PHOTO CREDIT: BRITTANY COHEN
I’ve always viewed painting as a blissful escape from the present: a meditative hobby driven by my desire to create. I’m inspired by line work and emotional expression through colors and design. I work with a number of mediums, including ink, pencil, wood, and acrylic. Picasso and Monet are influences, mixed with my fine arts techniques I learned in various art classes. These works have been selected to present my favorite pieces, and to display a variety of methods I’m capable of working with.
ABSTRACT HELL FALL 2009 ACRYLIC & WOOD
BUDDAH SHADOW SKETCH FALL 2012 PENCIL & PAPER
INK & PAPER SKETCH FALL 2012 INK & PAPER
BETTER LEFT UNFINISHED SPRING 2010 ACRYLIC & CANVAS
LIVE DRAWING SPRING 2010 ACRYLIC & CANVAS
JOURNALISM SECTION TWO
AS MANAGING EDITOR OF ELECTRIFY MAGAZINE, AN ONLINE BASED LIFESTYLE PUBLICATION,
I HAVE CONTRIBUTED PRESS RELEASES, REVIEWS, AND INTERVIEWS FOR A VARIETY OF TOPICS, INCLUDING ART, FASHION, AND MUSIC. THE FOLLOWING ARE A SELECTED PROFILING OF MY WORK AS A CREATIVE WRITER AND JOURNALIST.
34 EVENTS
LEE BURRIDGE
CASSY BRITTON
Lee Burridge is set to take over the decks at the recently renovated Marquee nightclub in New York City on Friday, March 1st. Always pushing the limits on new ways to experience house music, Burridge’s new project, entitled “All Day I Dream,” a summer party series showcases the absolute best of melodic deep house, featuring artists such as Matthew Dekay, Hoj, and Christian Loeffler. As it enters its third year in existence, the party series and record label have grown massively in popularity, fueled by the beautiful décor, unique locations, and the guarantee of good vibes and an amazing crowd.. Famous for his infectious smile, Burridge knows how play to the crowd’s energy, making sure everyone in the room is smiling along with him. He always surprises us with musical gems and unreleased tracks, assuring that his sets are not to be missed. You can expect nothing less than deep house perfection streaming through the speakers at Marquee. Purchase advanced tickets via Marquee’s website here.
Cassy will engage the desert crowds with her mastery of the decks, and dedication to the old school style of playing mostly vinyl for a third time at the Yuma Tent this Saturday, April 20th. Cassy’s sets continuously make a refreshing return to the golden age of the underground. Between holding residences at some of the world’s top clubs, including the famed Panoramabar in Berlin, collaborating with techno greats such as Kirk Degiorgio and Ricardo Villalobos, and mixing the most recent Cocoon Heroes album, Cassy’s career is rapidly on the rise. There’s a reason why Rolling Stones featured her as one of “The 25 Top DJs That Rule The Earth.” Cassy’s passion shines bright on stage, and her diverse musical library is always a treat to experience. Coachella is ready for another round of this DJ icon, are you? To learn more about Cassy, check out her Facebook page.
PHOTO CREDIT: AVAON HOLLYWOD
PHOTO CREDIT: WERK BOOKINGS
36 INTERVIEW
FRANCESCA LOMBARDO PHOTO CREDIT: TECH BEATS
MEETING ITALIAN DJ AND SONGSTRESS, FRANCESCA LOMBARDO, WAS A PLEASANT CHANGE OF PACE FROM THE MADNESS OF MIAMI MUSIC WEEK. LOOKING ADORABLY FRESH IN A BOLD RED JUMPSUIT AND PURPLE AMETHYST NECKLACE HANGING AROUND HER NECK, FRANCESCA EXUDED A CERTAIN STAR QUALITY ONE WOULD EXPECT FROM A CROSSTOWN REBEL SIGNED ARTIST. SHE WAS EXTREMELY HUMBLE, CHARMINGLY SOFT-SPOKEN, ENTRANCING WITH DELICATE MANNERISMS, AND AN OVERALL PLEASURE TO SPEAK TO. FRANCESCA BEGAN BY DISCUSSING THE EARLY BEGINNINGS OF HER MUSICAL CAREER, INFLUENCED BY HER FATHER’S TALENT ON THE KEYBOARD; SHE WAS THUS INSPIRED TO BEGIN PLAYING PIANO AT THE EARLY AGE OF SIX. AFTER YEARS OF MUSICAL TRAINING IN ITALY, SHE MOVED TO LONDON AT AGE 20, AND BEGAN WORKING UNDER THE MONIKER “JACKIE MISFIT” (BORN FROM HER LOVE OF QUENTIN TARANTINOS “JACKIE BROWN” AND HER PREVIOUS MUSICAL PARTNERSHIP ‘THE MISFITS’). SHE FOUNDED AND TOURED WITH THE ELECTRONIC EXPERIMENTAL GROUP, DEF BY DISCO, UNTIL SHE REALIZED DJING WAS HER TRUE PASSION; AFTERWARDS SHE DECIDED TO START HER OWN LABEL, ECHOLETTE RECORDS. WHAT WAS YOUR MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS GROWING UP? I was into pop music, trip-hop, rock, and all the new electro stuff, like Depeche Mode and Madonna. I got into disco when I was 15, and from there it was deep house and techno, drum and bass, and even hardcore at one point. I’ve always liked very different styles of music. WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO BECOME A DJ? I was always singing in bands; I never thought I would be a DJ. I really liked electronic music, and I loved clubbing, but it wasn’t until I put my hands on a pair of decks, that I was like ‘wow, this is amazing.”
HOW DID YOU FIRST MEET DAMIAN LAZARUS? I met Damian two years ago at WMC. I was sitting at the Nikki Beach pool party and we just happened to start talking. At first, I didn’t even know it was him until someone told me, and because I was there to promote myself and my label, I gave him a big picture of what I was doing. He was really interested in it, and said ‘ok, I want to hear some of your music.’ WERE YOU NERVOUS TO TALK TO HIM? I actually waited a bit, because I didn’t know what to send him, but finally I was like, what to do I have to lose? He replied to me, and said, ‘I really like your music, and I want you to make more and more.” For about ten months we kept in touch, and when I sent him another five tracks, he said ‘ok, now I think your ready to join us’. HOW WAS IT WORKING WITH DAMIAN? He was really good at advising me, catching a sense of my music and directing me, because he’s an A&R. WHAT’S SOME ADVICE FOR ASPIRING MUSICIANS? Follow your heart, and don’t try and do things that other people do. Of course, you can get inspired by other people’s music, but don’t try to do the same things that other people do, because it can get lost and I think its always good to understand what your good at. Try to always carry your music within yourself. And of course, never give up. HOW DO YOU STAY INSPIRED? Nature is the main thing that inspires me. Also, art too. Whenever I’m running on empty, I try to go to the Tate Modern and take a walk and go see the art and paintings. Of course, other people’s music also inspires me. Sometimes you just have to switch off and listen to completely different style of music WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT WITH YOUR NEW ALBUM? I’m looking forward to having my album out, because it’s been a new challenge for me. It’s like all my life written in music, and the way that it’s going to be done is next level for me. It’s always been in me, it’s a part of me. But I’ve never done so much all at once. Its full of emotions, and its all my life. DO YOU LIKE TOURING? I love being on the road. I love it so much that when I go back home, I don’t know what to do! I like to meet people, and play with different DJs all the time. It’s tiring, but exciting at the same time. It’s a perfect life for me. www.francescalombardo.com
38 INTERVIEW
SPELL & THE GYPSY COLLECTIVE PHOTO CREDIT: THE COOL HOUR
THE SPELL & THE GYPSY COLLECTIVE ONLINE BOUTIQUE IS BOOKMARKED ON THE COMPUTER OF EVERY NEW AGE FAIRY, FASHION BLOGGER, AND INTERNET ENTHUSIAST ALIKE. THE AUSTRALIAN BASED CLOTHING BRAND HAS AN INCREDIBLY LOYAL FAN BASE OF SOCIAL MEDIA DEVOTEES, HOOKED ON THEIR CONSTANTLY UPDATED PAGES OF SURREALLY BEAUTIFUL PHOTO SHOOTS, AND DYING TO GET IN ON SOME OF THE FASHIONABLE MAGIC. THE LOVELY FOUNDERS, SPELL AND LIZZY, ARE AS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE BRAND AS THE CLOTHING ITSELF. BUT RATHER THAN TELL YOU HOW ENCHANTING THESE SISTERS ARE, ILL LET YOU SEE FOR YOURSELF, AS THEY ANSWER OUR FOLLOW QUESTIONS WITH THEIR NATURALLY IRRESISTIBLE AUSSIE CHARM.
WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP, WHAT DID YOU IMAGINE YOURSELF DOING? Lizzy: I always wanted to be a mum! I always looked at my mum raising the four of us and thought it looked like the best job in the world. My little Indi is 6 months old and I’m doing the juggle – it’s so full on! Spell: I guess I always knew I’d be doing something with my hands – something creative. Mum and dad always encouraged us to follow our imaginations. WHEN DID SPELL & THE GYPSY COLLECTIVE COME ABOUT AND HOW DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING CLOTHING? Lizzy: Spell was on a holiday in Bali 4 or so years ago when she found some gorgeous silk in the most iridescent floral and leopard print. She had it made into the kimono of her dreams and it all started from there. We moved from kimonos, to tees and foot ware – just designing what we wanted to have in our wardrobe. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BYRON BAY? WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING THERE? Spell: I was working in Melbourne 10 years ago and sitting in traffic on Punt road when I decided enough was enough and moved to Byron on a whim. I love living in a small town with no traffic lights! A small town with a big creative community.
Lizzy: I moved to Byron around 3 years ago… or was it 4 years and ended up also meeting the love of my life as well as finding total joy in the business. The best part about living here? Seriously, where do I start? Probably all the super fresh local produce, and walking to the lighthouse every morning – it takes my breath away every single day. CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLES FOR US IN A FEW WORDS? Spell: Oh god… I always find this question so hard!! I wear so much Spell and mix it with Vintage or local Australian labels like Sass & Bide, One Teaspoon, Zimmerman, All that Remains. In the end it’s usually a vintage tee, denim cut offs and a whole lot of accessorizing. Lizzy: I’m a new mum, so my boobs are so big I don’t even fit into my clothes at the moment! It’s hideous! I can’t wait to get back to myself – mixing a lot of 60s inspired vintage with modern local labels and Spell. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MATERIALS OR PRINTS TO WORK WITH? Spell: Silk and leather are our faves, but they’re also the most expensive so we have to keep a cap on how often we use them in a collection. We love really light rayon because it falls like heavy silk and is perfect for kimonos.
40
THE BLOG IS PROBABLY MY FAVORITE CREATIVE OUTLET – IT REALLY IS LIKE A VISUAL DIARY FOR ME, WHERE MY CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION AND IDEAS ARE NURTURED AND RECORDED.
YOUR BLOG, INSTAGRAM, AND TUMBLR SITES ARE ALL EXTREMELY POPULAR AND UPDATED OFTEN. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BLOGGING, AND HOW IMPORTANT IS SOCIAL MEDIA TO A MODERN DAY BRAND? Lizzy: Social media, I think, is only valuable to a brand if it flows naturally. If you force it – it doesn’t work. I’ve tried to get into certain platforms (like Pinterest) and found that it hasn’t flowed naturally so I only use it when I need to. The blog is probably my favorite creative outlet – it really is like a visual diary for me, where my creativity, inspiration and ideas are nurtured and recorded. I love it and wish I had more time to dedicate to it. YOU RECENTLY COLLABORATED WITH FREE PEOPLE TO DO A SPECIAL GUEST SPOT ON THEIR BLOG. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW THAT CAME ABOUT? Lizzy: Jemma Jones from Free People contacted us about contributing to their Style File and we were very excited – we’ve always loved following bloggers personal style but no one’s ever asked us to photograph our own! I decided to stay behind the camera and I forced Spelly (who had morning sickness at the time) to bring in a weeks worth of outfits. Spelly’s twin, Luciana, who’s a hair and makeup artist came in and prettified her and we had such a great time dressing up and snapping pics! I could see how personal style bloggers have so much fun!! WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE FOR SPELL & THE GYPSY COLLECTIVE IN 2013 ONWARDS? Lizzy: We hope to travel a lot more to keep expanding our inspirational horizons. We both have growing families now so it’s hard to get away and float around like a gypsy like we used to – but we’re hoping it will be more possible in the next year or so… fingers crossed. Spell: It feels like Spell is only just beginning – I still wake up and pinch myself that I have a label in my hands that I can nurture and meld and grow! But for 2013 we have a few really exciting collaborations happening, can’t wait to share them with you! WWW.SPELLDESIGNS.COM
42 REVIEW
CROSSTOWN REBEL RAVE PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISTOPHER GRIBBON
Exiting my cab in the middle of Gowanus, Brooklyn on a cold winter night, I had no idea what I was about to get myself into. While skeptical SRB wouldn’t be able to hold the massive superstar lineup of the Crosstown Rebels 10 Year anniversary tour, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Verboten had transformed the familiar venue into a psychedelic warehouse–wall to wall filled with devoted fans ready to join in the legendary Rebel Rave experience. Face paint, feathers, and eccentric masks were plentiful within the crowd, making it clear that this was a unique party with a dedicated following. Even in the cold March weather, I continued to get flashbacks to my time spent at the Rebel Rave beach party in Mexico during BPM, one of my favorite events of the 10 day festival. I imagined being back on those sandy beaches, surrounded by friends that had become family, and watching one of the most beautiful sunrises I had ever seen. That familiar sense of anticipation and excitement was heavy in the air. Culprit label owner’s Droog started us out at 10 pm, playing a dynamic mix of grooves that set the mood for the night ahead. All those lucky enough to arrive early were already in full party mode–smiling, radiating and dancing to the music. Variety and range are all traits that Crosstown epitomizes, and Droog certainly conveyed this to the crowd gathering on the dance floor. Then came the boys of Infinity Ink, who shone bright as the rising stars they are, delivering their unique brand of high energy, deep house beats. When the duo dropped their memorable track of 2012 “Infinity,” the entire crowd chanted along in melodic harmony “oh, you know we are the infinity,” while the familiar bass swept over the crowd, thanks to the amazing custom four-point sound system, provided by Verboten. Next, Amiralli took the stage performing live tracks from his LP “In Time.” Along with being a talented DJ and producer, Amiralli is also a wonderful performer, engaging the crowd while still hitting every note and playing a damn good live set. It’s always great to see a true musician push the boundaries of what electronic music
can embody, drawing inspiration from all different genres, thus making his act a unique experience. Kenny Glasgow, as always, delivered a mind-blowing set, staying true to he deep funk of Art Department’s memorable jams, while also introducing experimental new beats, solidifying him as a brilliant DJ in his own right. Sexy vocals, seamless transitions, and spacey syncs define a Kenny Glasgow set. Plus, he really knows how to work a crowd: His playful demeanor on stage and his unexpected track selection kept everyone entertained and fully engaged in the music, a telltale sign of a great DJ and performer. Finally, the long awaited don of the rebel crew took to the stage, legendary Damian Lazarus, founder of the Crosstown Rebels label. Damian is a DJ in the truest definition of the word. In the new, ever-evolving world of electronic music, many seem to have the word mixed up to mean “that guy that ‘drops bombs’ and plays music that makes us dance.” While Damian certainly kept the dance floor crowded, there is certainly much more to a definitive Lazarus set. He doesn’t just play wonderfully diverse music, in turn introducing his audience to a large variety of undiscovered mixes and tracks. He tells stories with his sets, emanating emotion through the music, producing a collective energy throughout the crowd that encapsulates the beauty of the underground. Playing a mixture of pure deep house, groovy disco-esque beats, and ravey hypnotic rhythms, Damien took us all on a journey through space and time. Eventually he brought us back to where we started, leaving Subann to take over and finish off the night. Although last, Sub-ann was hardly a closer. His incredibly danceable set injected a shot of energy into the unwavering crowd, illustrating that the party wasn’t ending anytime soon. Then Damian joined Sub-ann on the decks, and the pair tag-teamed a set of exceptional techno tracks, continuing the party way past the time anyone expected to be up and partying. When the music finally came to an inevitable end, we all stood in awe of such an indescribable night, unaware of the world starting to wake up outside the walls of SRB. This was not the kind of rave you went to in high school, strung out on who knows what and waving around glow sticks in beat to some mind-numbing electro anthem (I may have dabbled a bit back in the day). This was a party of the audiophile kind, a rave in the sense that the music would be nonstop and all inhibitions would be eventually lifted, allowing yourself to truly get lost in the music, forgetting the time, day, and most importantly, whatever troubles you may have on your consciousness. I think I speak for everyone in attendance that night, that Rebel Rave completely rocked Brooklyn, and we can’t wait for their return to NYC for round two. WWW.CROSSTOWNREBELS.COM
EXPERIENCE SECTION THREE
THROUGHOUT ALL MY EXPERIENCES WORKING FOR A MYRIAD OF DIFFERENT COMPANIES AND
INDIVIDUALS, I HAVE GAINED A VALUABLE SKILLS AND INFORMATION THAT HAVE SHAPED WHO
I HAVE BECOME TODAY. I MADE IT A POINT TO WORK IN AS MANY FIELDS THAT INTERESTED ME AS POSSIBLE, TO LEARN FIRST HAND THE EXPERTISE NECESSARY TO SUCCEED. WORKING UNDER LARGE CORPORATIONS LIKE HARPER’S BAZAAR, I GARNERED HOW TO STAND OUT IN A LARGE ORGANIZATION, AND WORK IN TEAMS TO ACHIEVE A FINAL PRODUCT. SMALL COMPANIES, SUCH AS IBIZA LOVE CHILD, GAVE ME HANDS ON EXPERIENCE ON HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS. MY SKILLS LEARNED HAVE MADE ME A WELL ROUNDED AND HARDWORKING PROFESSIONAL.
46 INTERNSHIPS
FASHION WEEK
Before fashion week, I was responsible for organizing the schedules of both market editors, and keeping track of their finance reports. I was on call for whenever there was a change of plans, and met with the editors several times at Lincoln Center to work with them on certain projects.
WEBSITE
Artists information was managed online via the website and an archive. I was responsible for upkeep of this database and in charge of handling the storage of artist records. Pictures of all their artwork would be stored, in order to use for reference and show for sales. Biographies on the website had to be updates and new press was regularly managed.
ARTIST MANAGEMENT
Artists information was managed online via the website and an archive. I was responsible for upkeep of this database and in charge of handling the storage of artist records. Pictures of all their artwork would be stored, in order to use for reference and show for sales. Biographies on the website had to be updates and new press was regularly managed.
VOGT GALLERY ART GALLERY
HARPER’S BAZAAR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
GALLERY ASSISTANT 4 MONTHS SUMMER 2012
FASHION INTERN 4 MONTHS SPRING 2012
FASHION CLOSET
GALLERY UPKEEP
As gallery assistant, I was responsible for making sure the gallery stayed organized and everything was running smoothly during the current shows. I worked with the gallery owners on mini projects, such as exhibition design and art fair applications. I provided my services on a myriad of projects, which developed my knowledge and capabilities in a art gallery setting.
LOOKBOOKS
I created lookbooks for each designer’s most recent runway show, to make pulling looks for a photo shoot more streamlined and efficient for the editors. Images were downloaded from style.com, and put into binders, which were organized in a competent manner, for easy access to files.
PHOTO CREDIT: VOGT GALLERY
I, along with the other fashion interns, were responsible for the upkeep of the vast fashion closet. This closet was filled with clothing and accessories valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. These precious items had to be cared for and accounted for appropriately. We would check in all the times when they arrived and left the closet, and packed them for photo shoots.
PHOTO CREDIT: TERRY RICHARDSON
48 WORK
WEB PRESENCE
Gabriel’s web presence was increased, by commanding the use of a variety of platforms, such as social media sites and informational outlets like Wikipedia. I created a Wikipedia page, which required extensive research into the artists past, and curatorial skills into which facts were most vital to presenting an artist image.
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
Being new to social media platforms, I trained the founder of the company on how to properly employed social media marketing tools in order to increase brand visibility to a wide audience range. This included utilizing Twitter posts, Facebook updates, and a curation of an Instagram lifestyle. Using all of these tools, the company was able to increase its number of followers and thereby driving up traffic to the retail page.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
As the executive assistant to the founder of the company, I gained invaluable information into the inner workings of a LLC, including exclusive information into contracts, business deals, and negotiations. The skills I learned from working so closely with my boss will aid my personal value as a businesswoman.
IBIZA LOVE CHILD CLOTHING COMPANY
GUERILLA MARKETING
Being an up and coming brand, I developed guerillamarketing techniques to increase visibility for Gabriel’s work. Use of stickers on the street, as well as social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter were all utilized in order to increase the buzz around the talented designer. I was responsible for promotions during gallery shows, and managing the attendees to his events.
MARKETING MANAGER 4 MONTHS – PRESENT SPRING 2013
PRESS MANAGER 4 MONTHS FALL 2012
WEBSITE RESIGN
I helped re-launch the website, and re-design the format to increase usability and drive up web sales. By organizing the layout for consumer functionality, and imprinted a specific aesthetic on the design, the website became easy to shop on. The website had to be regularly updated, with new styles of clothing that were being brought into the company. I also organized photo shoots with a variety of photographers, in order to get the clothing on a wide range of individuals, aiding in the marketability of the brand. PHOTO CREDIT: IBIZA LOVE CHILD
GABRIEL J. SHULDINER JEWELRY DESIGNER ARTIST LIAISON
I was responsible for being the voice behind Gabriel’s up and coming jewelry brand. I dealt with multiple emails, and would respond in a timely manner. I would communicate with the press, deal with PR firms and galleries that were interested in his work. This helped me with my abilities to communicate effectively in a professional setting, and negotiate with a proficient approach. PHOTO CREDIT: GABRIEL J. SHULDINER
50 COMMUNITY SERVICE
AMIGOS DE LAS AMERICAS PHOTO CREDIT: BRITTANY COHEN
DESCRIBED AS “THE PEACE CORPS FOR TEENAGERS”, AMIGOS DE LAS AMERICAS IS A CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM, FACILITATING HOME STAYS WITH AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH SOUTH AMERICAN FAMILIES. CONSISTING OF A YEARLONG TRAINING PROGRAM AND MULTIPLE FUNDRAISERS, THE STUDENTS FINALLY EMBARK ON A THREE-MONTH COMPLETE CULTURAL EMERSION IN AN IMPOVERISHED SOUTH AMERICAN COMMUNITY. ONCE THERE, THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ONE WITH THE COMMUNITY, AND LEAD PROGRAMS SUCH AS A SUMMER CAMP AND VARIOUS TOWN IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. IT IS TRULY A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO FULLY ACCULTURATE INTO A NEW ENVIRONMENT.
In my junior year of high school, I embarked on a life changing adventure by signing up to participate in Amigos De Las Americas. Having little knowledge of Spanish and limited travel experience, I knew this would be a challenge of a lifetime. Over the year, I met with a group of similar participants in monthly meetings, where we trained for a variety of projects we would be performing during the summer, as well as working to our Spanish. We also worked on a door-to-door fundraiser campaign, where I sold fruit to my neighbors, to raise enough money for my plane tickets. I was chosen to work in the community of Amiama Gomez, a small rural village located in the south of the island of the Dominican Republic. I lived with a family, and completely immersed myself in the Dominican lifestyle.
The energy of the village was so warm and inviting, even though they were living in poverty like I had never experienced. There was no running water, and electricity was scarce. I took daily bucket showers, and slept in a tiny room often inhabited by unpleasant creatures. But I wouldn’t change a thing about my time spent there. My Spanish improvement to fluidity, and I made lifelong friends with the locals, as well as my American counterparts, and the Peace Corps volunteer also working in the community. I literally helped built a community center, laying down bricks and mortar and painting the walls with the locals. Along with the two other Amigos volunteers staying with me, I ran a summer camp for the local children, where we played games and taught them the English language, while
incorporating life skills such as healthy living and hygiene. My experience in the Dominican Republic is something that I will never be able to forget. It was a focal changing point in my life, allowing me to open myself up to new adventures. I got bit by the travel bug, and whenever I travel, I yearn to live with the locals, rather than stay in a nice resort. I hope to continue my service work as I get older, and embark on several more journeys to foreign countries, maybe resulting in a long term project of my own. I have shared my stories of the power of cultural immersion with as many people as possible, and I’m excited to have been able to share my experience with you now, too. Please enjoy my pictures, shown above, of some of the sweet memories from the beautiful Dominican Republic.
EMPLOYMENT
COHEN
781.718.6677
Art / Music / Film / Fashion / Creative Direction
Fall 2013 Electrify Magazine, Contributing Editor • Contributing writer for the music, fashion, and arts section of
the online magazine, contributing to fashion look book and photo shoots, covering music events and conducting interviews with designers, artists, and musicians, and write feature pieces on them
Fall 2012 Gabriel J. Shuldiner, Press Manager • Increased online presence, helped install and uninstall art
shows, managed press including art gallery openings and email blasts
Summer 2012 Vogt Gallery, Gallery Assistant • Worked on art fair applications and submissions, assisted in the building of artist websites and books, managed online databases of artwork
Spring 2012 Harpers Bazaar, Fashion Editorial Intern • Managed check-ins and returns of US/UK designers clothing, assisted with conceptualizing mood boards, organized upcoming photo shoots and lookbooks
Summer 2011 Schneider Associates, PR Consumer Products Intern • Worked with the Consumer Products department, helped
organize Grand Opening events and place advertisements in local newspapers and websites
EDUCATION
New York, NY
brittanycohendesign@gmail.com
Bachelor of Business Administration Design and Management Parsons The New School For Design New York, NY Graduated: May 2013
PROFFESIONAL SKILLS
BRITTANY
www.brittanycohen.com
Technical Photoshop Illustrator InDesign CSS/HTML After Effects
Transferable Empathetic Creative Team Member Multifacted Tactile
Languages Spanish
SPECIAL THANKS TO MY MOM MY DAD EDIE CHIU ROBERT RABINOVITZ PAUL RAFFAELE PALLAVI GUPTA KOTO SASAHARA