Designer Profile – Andrea Manning
What should everyone know about you?
AM: The design process is my passion!! I believe that great design is a combination of art, trend, creativity, customer knowledge, technical skills & business savvy.
How would you describe what you do?
AM: I have thirteen years of experience in the Design industry; including Apparel, Home, Textile Design & Trend Direction.
Why did you choose to be a designer?
AM: I love anticipating what is going to happen next, getting inside the mind of my customer & staying excited by change & innovation.
What steps did you take to become a designer?
AM: I studied apparel design & have worked as a designer in multiple categories to broaden & enhance my skillset.
Best/Most Challenging part of your job?
AM: I find it frustrating working with people that lack vision or do not find value in creativity, art, or design.
If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
AM: I would work with animals.
What do you like about what you do?
AM: I love seeing things through the customer’s eyes and designing new innovative product that fits his/her wants or needs.
Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
AM: I try to stay away from fast fashion & learn more about where & how the products I buy are made.
What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
AM: I am fascinated by books, especially children’s books & I am, currently, working on a book in that is inspired by my two dogs, Olive & Stewie.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
AM: I think it is important to love what you are doing, believe in the company that you work for & to trust the people you work with; If you do not have these three things, it is impossible to do your best work & it is time to move on!
What advice would you give to young designers?
AM: Keep learning & stay passionate in your field. It is also important to see the big picture, so you can be a better designer; understand the sales, your customer, the tools of your industry & trends; all of these factors are important to do great designs!
What’s your motto?
AM: Stay curious & find inspiration everywhere!
I live in downtown Minneapolis with my husband & two dogs; who provide me with daily inspiration! I love to travel & experience life to the fullest!
I have thirteen years of experience in the Design industry; including Apparel, Pet, Home, Textile Design, Product Management & Trend Direction. The design process is my passion! I believe that great design is a combination of art, trend, creativity, technical knowledge & business savvy.
Learn more at: styleportfolios.com/andreajust / LinkedIn / Website