Young Black Creatives at RISD
This summer, 3 CWC Fellows will attend RISD. RISD Pre-College offers rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the life of a RISD undergraduate. Over five weeks, students will engage in rigorous college-level courses featuring full-day studio classes, critiques, and projects.
Our Fellows will collaborate with hundreds of other passionate, creative students from across the globe. This experience will push their creative boundaries and lead them to produce their finest work. These 3 Fellows will gain access to RISD’s resources and instructors, helping enhance their portfolios and transform their approach to art and design.
Get to know the 3 talented Fellows venturing to Rhode Island this summer below.
CWC Fellow Kate
Kate is a 10th grader who has cultivated diverse interests and experiences shaping her approach to fashion design. She honed her skills through sewing lessons, helping with the technical aspects of garment construction.
Volunteering plays a significant role in Kate's life as well. She serves as an Assistant Teacher at Taekwondo and contributes to community service efforts such as beach cleanups and assisting animal rescue organizations. Kate views fashion design as a medium for artistic expression and cultural storytelling. She is fascinated by fashion's ability to convey messages and create connections among people. She has explored this interest by sketching concept collections, researching designers and trends, and always attempting to infuse her designs with her Jamaican and Slovakian heritage.
Looking ahead, Kate aims to secure a scholarship to a top design school. She recognizes that becoming a CWC Fellow is crucial for enhancing her portfolio and showcasing her dedication to fashion design. CWC is excited to see how Kate utilizes RISD’s curriculum to translate her multifaceted talents into her designs.
CWC Fellow Kennadi
Kennadi is a 10th grader from DC with a passion for creativity and excels in art and theater courses. She brings her interest in both visual and performance art to fashion design.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Kennadi is actively involved in a diverse array of extracurricular activities and hobbies. She participates in ushering, cheerleading, and ballet. As a viola player, she channels her creativity through music, showcasing her multifaceted talents.
Kennadi's fascination with fashion design stems from its ability to blend creativity, culture, and innovation into a tangible expression of self. This passion is visible in her active exploration of fashion history, and her dedication to honing her sketching and digital design skills.
At RISD this summer, Kennadi seeks to refine her technical skills in garment construction and digital design software, further solidifying her foundation in fashion design. Her dedication and precision are evident in all her creative endeavors. Creatives Want Change is looking towards watching her skills further develop this summer.
CWC Fellow Mathias
Mathias is a driven 12th grader with a passion for fashion design, complemented by extracurricular activities and experiences. Beyond his academic curriculum, Mathias completed the Parsons x Yellowbrick Fashion Industry Essentials Course, gaining insights into the dynamic world of fashion.
Fashion design captivates Mathias for its versatility and ability to aid self-expression. He has explored this passion by creating diverse styles in his illustrations and garment design, from streetwear to high fashion. His artistic curiosity extends beyond traditional inspiration, allowing him to draw connections and translate ideas in new ways.
His mother is his primary inspiration, encouraging him to explore new avenues and expand his creative horizons. This support has shaped his approach as an artist, fostering a curiosity to experiment with different styles, mediums, and techniques rather than adhering to a single method.
Mathias aims to graduate with a BFA in Fashion Design and a minor in Creative Entrepreneurship. He plans to establish a high-fashion line or work as a creative director in a renowned fashion house. Mathias believes being a CWC Fellow will provide invaluable opportunities to refine his design techniques, develop innovative ideas, and build lasting connections within the fashion industry. We are honored to aid Black creatives like Mathias.
These three exceptional Black creatives represent the future of fashion design. Their artistic talents, and unwavering determination to succeed make them ideal candidates for our program. At Creaties Want Change we are thrilled to witness their creative journeys unfold as they immerse themselves in RISD’s pre-college program this summer.
