I have now created a brand new Facebook page devoted to sharing my experience, skills, and interests. You get to it through this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gabriella-Michaels/228596023893125?sk=info. This is a photo of what my Facebook photo looks like:

My colleague, Rheon, has also created new page and you can find her blog by using this link: http://fisher-r.blogspot.com/.

Facebook is a great networking tool that can help me coordinate meeting with friends and colleagues. Facebook keeps me updated with the latest news and events going on with people I know. With a personal Facebook page, I can showcase my professional capabilities for free. It is a simple way to make my information accessible to possible employers. It's kind of like an online business card personalized by me. A Facebook page is a simple and fast way to get your name out there. It can also be a great method to finding other people in a field similar to mine, and getting in contact with them. By creating a Facebook page, I can also showcase my writing and ability to utilize technology.

To find some great tips about creating your own Facebook page, you can check out what Janet Fouts, a social media coach, has to say about it at http://janetfouts.com/build-your-own-facebook-page/.

All About Me

Hello; My name is Carol and I am a student at the University of Alberta. Right now, I'm a second-year Clothing and Textiles major, with a minor in Product Development. I think I've always been interested in textiles and design. I like playing around with colour and shapes and so it felt natural to apply them to textiles and clothing. I love learning about different cultures and the history of how clothing evolved within them. My field is really interdisciplinary because I have to study the biology of natural fibers and the chemistry of synthetic fibers. I also have to learn the material culture behind objects and sociology to learn about the people who use them, Because my field of study is applicable to pretty much anywhere in the world (because pretty much everyone uses textiles everyday), it's important to stay connected and informed on changing design concepts and trends, innovations in textile technology, and international events.

Communication is important because it allows us to connect with people all over the world, helping spread ideas and information. I also think communication is important because I have family in Portugal and Brazil and without things like email and long-distance calling, I'd rarely get a chance to talk to them and catch up. Communication also allows me to get in touch with other people in my field, such as Laura, who is in the same program as me. You can check out her blog at: http://coeurdebijoux.blogspot.com/. Communication and networking with people within my field will be pretty important not only for getting a job after graduation, but also for obtaining a great practicum experience. Communication also helps spread a message and gather support for great causes. For example, this past autumn, I was able to volunteer at the Fashion with Compassion event to help raise funds for Sorentino's Compassion House in Edmonton and raise awareness about breast cancer.  The only way I found out about it was through an email sent around the faculty. I love how quickly I was informed and got involved because of one little email.

 

(January 18, 2012; http://www.derksmenswear.com/blog/fashion-compassion-2011)

Sites like http://www.style.com/ are really helpful for catching up on industry news because they talk about everything from people who are successful and emerging artists and designers to the influences that art and politics, for example, can have on design inspiration. Because the fashion industry is ever-changing and very competitive, I find that staying informed on trends helps a designer not only discover new sources for creativity, but also keep from being too repetitive and similar to others in the field. I hope to learn more ways of communicating and getting informed.