In anticipation of Summer School 2019, today we’re looking back at the work of Paula Castellanos Zafra who attended the inspiring Fashion Communication Summer School course. This three week beginners’ course offers a broad introduction to fashion communication and is ideal for students looking to take their first steps into fashion journalism, advertising, PR, styling, fashion book production and/or art direction.
Paula Castellanos Zafra's zine
Hi! What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Paula Castellanos Zafra and I’m from Bogotá, Colombia.
What is your occupation?
Last year I graduated as a Designer from the University of the Andes, Colombia.
What course did you study on and why did you choose it?
At Central Saint Martins I studied upon the Fashion Communication Summer School course and chose it because, in 2018, I was in London working as a marketing and PR intern for Karl Lagerfeld footwear and G.H. Bass & Co. Europe for 6 months. Following on from my work experience I wanted to expand my knowledge in fashion communication especially from a London and European perspective.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
I learned so much about the industry but more importantly, about myself and the way I work, participate and develop/apply my design knowledge in fashion communication. Whilst I studied in and am a designer, I’m really enjoying discovering and personally developing within this branch of fashion Communication so much.
How has this course benefited your career and personal development?
It has given me so many tools to use going forward, tangible and intangible. Tangible as I have so much great material to add to my design portfolio thanks to the four projects we created during the course. Intangible because I now know so many new fashion industry names from this side of the world; I learned what I am capable of doing, about my inner self, and how that benefits me as an individual in this big world of fashion.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking a short course at Central Saint Martins?
Don’t overthink and do. Central Saint Martins is what you make out of it rather than just a “big” name. Each individual has a different experience because that’s what we are - unique and individual. You can make amazing things here if you put your heart and soul into it.
What do you believe is integral to the work of an artist, in any discipline?
We are individual but we are not alone. Always be open to different opinions, knowledge and disciplines, and never underestimate because sooner or later we will all need each other.
What 3 words best describe your short course experience at CSM?
Self. Friendship. Discovery.
Tell us about the work included in this article.
The photographs and images displayed in this article are selected from my zine project, where I discovered myself the most. It made me very happy to work on this project, and course, and I will continue along my self-discovery path to keep my work as a designer and fashion communicator authentic and unique.
