Fashion has not only inspired Yvonne Smith’s every day style but also her drive and passion for brand management.

Meet Yvonne the new GA!

“Aside from promotion and development, I think that brand management and marketing are guiding posts to help donors realize how an organization’s purpose aligns with their personal goals and interests,” said Smith.
Smith graduated from Central Michigan University in Grand Rapids, MI. During undergraduate school she majored in fashion merchandising and design. Now she finds herself apart of the Arts Administration graduate program at Drexel University.

“In my transition into the arts sector my biggest take-away from for-profit brands is an understanding of how people perceive who you are,” Smith said. “A company or organization’s brand is shaped by the company but ultimately defined by the consumer.”

For Smith, she’s doing what she studied but adding herself to the equation.

Being a fashion major in undergraduate school, how do you feel your skills helped you transition so well in the Arts Administration program?

Smith: I started the fashion program without any real skills or knowledge of how things work except for basic training in figure drawing. I developed a lot of fashion related skills but the turning point for me was being introduced to brand management and marketing. Experience in brand management helped me find work in the non-profit sector and that experience has helped me a lot in this program.

How would you describe your style (fashion)?
Smith: Eccentric, eclectic & always changing.

What do you think is the biggest fashion faux pas someone can make?
Smith: You really can’t go wrong anymore without putting effort into looking bad – thanks to Lady Gaga. But for the record I still think that tight ‘pleather’ mini skirts are awful and outdated, even for the club scene.

What trends do you predict are going to be major this upcoming spring?
Smith: Pop-art colors like bright yellow, hot pinks, bright red, turquoise, etc & bright glitzy–Studio 54–inspired¬ evening accessories. At least in my world, there are so many different fashion genres and personalities.

What interested you in Drexel University?
Smith: I first heard about Drexel University many years ago when my cousin attended for her undergraduate in pre-med. When I started to think about graduate school a friend re-introduced me to it. Prior to learning about the Arts Adminstration program, I was between its fashion program and SCAD’s Online Art Management program. I applied to both but after learning of and researching the Arts Adminstration program and the courses offered, I settled on Drexel’s program right away.

Even though you just started your studies of Arts Administration, what part of the field do you see yourself working?
Smith: I came into the program intending to develop strong marketing skills for the arts, and while I have been exposed to many other interesting aspects of the field I still see myself working in Arts Marketing & Development.

As the new Graduate Assistant, how do you feel this position will help build your current skill set?
Smith: There are many hats that come with this position such as assisting professors, being editor of the Artsline newsletter and also being the AAGA Treasurer/Secretary. I’ve always been good at multi-managing- hopefully I become even better.

So what attracted you to this position?
Smith: It was just the perfect fit for me. I wasn’t working in the field prior and during my undergraduate I held a similar role as an assistant. Not to mention I previously worked as a reporter and columnist for The Grand Rapids Times and I currently serve the national board of my sorority as editor for its newsletter.

How would you describe your experience so far?
Smith: Exciting! It’s a very flexible position with a lot of creative opportunity. Plus, everyone here is great to work with.

What does your workday look like? Describe for me your typical workday.
Smith: I’m not quite sure what a typical day will be because it has only been three days. So far it mostly consists of checking e-mails, gathering info for Artsline and organizing it. This week in particular helping out with the auction and after the auction I’m sure we’ll be prepping for Arts Advocacy Day.

Arts Advocacy sounds like it’s going to be a great experience by giving you more experience and practicum outside of the classroom. Besides working and attending classes at Drexel, what else do you like to do?
Smith: In my down time, I’m watching international films and whenever I have time I’m visiting my best friend in New York or vice versa.

What advice would you give people questioning Drexel’s Art Administration program?
Smith: Research it. And don’t just go to the Antoinette Westphal Web site. Look up the associations its apart of, read the student blogs and newsletters, contact current or former students and see what they have to say. Also, try to meet with professors. Then compare your findings to your personal goals and expectations. It may be for you, and it may not be.

What’s next for Miss Yvonne?
Smith: Only God knows…

-Interview by Drew Shane Daniels-