Cross-Country Creatives- Maryland Fellows Head to Otis College
As we embark on the fourth year of our exciting partnership with Otis College of Art and Design, we're thrilled to introduce three exceptional students attending Otis’s pre-college program in Los Angeles this summer: Alyana, Samara, and Zayna.
Otis' Summer of Art is a prestigious four-week program designed to nurture aspiring young artists. It offers intensive training for high school students seeking to hone their creative skills and gain valuable experience at one of the top art and design colleges in the country.
This year, Alyana, Samara, and Zayna, all hailing from Maryland, will be making the journey west to immerse themselves in Otis' stimulating environment and further develop their design talents.
Let's meet these promising young artists!
CWC Fellow Alyana
Alyana isn't your average 11th-grader. Fueled by a burning passion for fashion design, she's been relentlessly honing her craft since stepping into art class. From mastering the fundamentals in courses like Art I and AP Art to exploring specific areas like Graphic Design, Alyana has soaked up every opportunity to learn. But her journey doesn't stop at the school doors.
Alyana dives headfirst into extracurricular activities, transforming faces with makeup artistry, lending her talent to the high school theater as a costume designer, and even conquering the challenge of creating the perfect sweet sixteen dress while tackling demanding coursework. This dedication is evident in her recognition, with the Baltimore Museum of Industry showcasing her stunning sweet Sixteen dress and awards like the Amazing Apprentice Award and the Above and Beyond Award for her costume design prowess.
What truly sets Alyana apart is her insatiable curiosity. She's devoured online courses on subjects like Fashion History and Trend Forecasting, enrolled in pre-college programs at prestigious institutions like FIT and RISD, and even honed her sewing skills through private lessons – a skill that came in handy when she designed and constructed two stunning sweet sixteen dresses in a single year!
Inspiration surrounds Alyana. The bold and unconventional styles of fashion icons like Vivienne Westwood and Betsey Johnson ignite her creative spark, while the structural forms of historical buildings add another layer of influence to her designs. This unique blend of influences allows her to weave color, texture, and a touch of dark femininity into her creations.
There's more to Alyana than just awards and ambitions. With a keen eye for color, texture, and the timeless beauty of historical architecture, she finds inspiration in the world around her. This translates into her designs, where she incorporates a touch of dark femininity, a reflection of her artistic vision. Alyana's journey as a fashion designer is just beginning, and with her dedication, talent, and self-awareness, she's sure to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
We look forward to witnessing how Alyana incorporates Otis’s curriculum into her designs.
CWC Fellow Samara
12th grader Samara's story isn't woven from the typical teenage thread. Unlike many, her passion for fashion design wasn't sparked by the latest trends or glossy magazines. It began with a simple act of kindness – sewing masks for the military. This experience ignited a fire within her, a desire to use clothing not just for adornment, but for empowerment.
For Samara fashion is a powerful language of self-expression and empowerment. She draws inspiration from fashion icon Dapper Dan, whose journey resonates with her desire to uplift women in her native Ethiopia. Samara dreams of using her platform as a designer to empower these women to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Samara's goals are as clear as her vision. She aspires to attend a top fashion school, potentially venturing abroad for internships. Ultimately, she sees herself working for a major fashion house or launching her own line. Success, for her, isn't just about personal achievement; it's about using her platform to create a ripple effect of empowerment.
Samara exemplifies self-motivation. She spearheaded the creation of a new fashion club at school, showcasing her organizational skills and leadership qualities. Despite her impressive achievements, Samara remains grounded. She recognizes the need to further refine her artistic voice and hone her presentation skills, allowing her to bring her design ideas to life with even greater impact.
Beyond her resume, Samara highlights the importance of multiculturalism in shaping her design aesthetic. This detail adds another layer to her identity as a well-rounded and globally aware artist.
Art for 12th-grader Zayna has always been a bridge – a way to connect with others and express emotions beyond words. This is reflected in her designs, which are rich in texture and color, inspired by the events and experiences that shaped her life.
Since middle school, Zayna has honed her artistic talents. From the fundamentals of General Art to the specialized focus of Honors Advanced Drawing, she's constantly seeking new avenues to learn. Beyond the classroom, she actively participates in the School Fashion Club (which she founded and presides over), and the Art Club, and even lends her artistic talents to the Theatre Makeup Crew. Her dedication has been recognized through awards and scholarships, highlighting her artistic excellence.
Zayna's inspiration stems from a deep personal connection to fashion. Her family, particularly her uncle and mother, surrounded her with art and a deep appreciation for the Harlem Renaissance – a period rich in iconic Black fashion. This era fuels her creative fire, influencing the bold colors and textures that define her designs.
But Zayna's vision extends beyond personal expression. Her ultimate dream is to create a space for young artistic talents to flourish. Witnessing the creative potential around her, she aspires to open a creative arts school in her hometown, providing a platform for aspiring artists in all disciplines.
Zayna's self-motivation shines brightly. Overcoming her shyness, she actively sought out her first job at Banana Republic. While initially hesitant about interacting with customers, she embraced the challenge and discovered a growing confidence. This experience highlights her dedication to personal growth, a quality she brings to everything she does.
Looking forward, Zayna hopes to further refine her networking and communication skills within the fashion industry. She recognizes the importance of building relationships with those who share her passion. CWC’s focus on mentorships and internship opportunities provides the ideal platform for her to achieve her goals.
This summer at Otis, Zayna will continue to refine her skills and build a network within the fashion industry,
We are incredibly proud to support Alyana, Samara, and Zayna as they embark on this exciting journey at Otis College of Art and Design. Their passion, dedication, and unique perspectives make them shining examples of future creative leaders. We can't wait to see what the future holds for them!
