What is The Fashion Network UIUC (TFN)?

The Fashion Network (TFN), The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Registered Student Organization mission statement reads as follows: ‘To connect and facilitate collaboration between individuals and groups interested in fashion at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’ through Styling, Modeling, Photography, Videography, Marketing, Advertising, Writing, and Graphic Design outlets. Four photoshoots and various events take place each semester within the organization. A fashion magazine documenting these photoshoots is designed throughout the course of the semester, and wrapped up towards the end of the season - this is Olivia Sims’ responsibility, communicating the organization’s creative work experienced through photoshoots with visuals and writing content, neatly structured in a publication.

What is Olivia Sims’ Role in The Fashion Network UIUC as Director of Design? (Overview)

Primary Focus: The aesthetic visual cohesion of everything from TFN i.e. photoshoot themes/creation of mood boards, model outfits, publication design, social media grids, props and set design, etc. alongside the volume and quality of content being published by TFN. Works alongside the Creative Team to contemplate and execute all things creative for the organization’s structure. Sims balanced being TFN’s Creative Director of Design while being a full-time student at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Brief Overview of Responsibilities/Accomplishments from SP23 Season:

-Spearhead design of the semesterly publication - The Fashion Network magazine consists of photography from semesterly photo shoots that take place across the semester, writing pieces from the TFN Writing Team, a TFN UIUC alumni interview, etc. Sims is responsible for directing designers, designing, crediting, and pulling together the entire magazine to encapsulate what the FA23 semester consisted of.
-Direct a team of graphic designers to create the 12th Issue of TFN's fashion magazine (FA23). Create original templates, provide professional critiques, and work one-on-one with designers to educate and guide them through design processes.
-Coordinate all graphic design for TFN
-All aesthetic & design material across all channels requires Sims’ input and managing supporting graphic designers
-Manage the visual & brand identity of TFN
-Ensure all media produced by TFN is cohesive, beautiful, and effective on all channels.
-Seek out and assign designers to spreads to help design the publication and fill in gaps as needed. Have the final say in the creative direction of the publication. Create graphic designer application forms, assign designers to publication spreads, and direct designers through the publication design process throughout the semester
-Lead with creative team on style, theme, and aesthetic of the Circular Fashion Expo, Semesterly Publication, and other TFN productions
-Assist in styling models and directing photoshoots
-Dictate the CFE theme, the publication theme, themes for photoshoots, and most things requiring creative input within TFN.
-Assisted in managing the Fashion Network UIUC Instagram presence: responsible for designing and posting feed, story, and reel content.
-Design graphics and brainstorm creative content for keeping TFN’s audience engaged.