101 Things I Learned® in Fashion School

A guide to surviving and thriving in fashion school, from an award-winning fashion designer and illustrator

Success in fashion school requires more than a passion for fashion. It calls for the student to understand the cultural forces that shape what we wear and why we wear it; to develop a wide range of practical, aesthetic, and intellectual skills; and to work hands-on. This accessible guide assists the aspiring fashion designer on this journey with unique illustrated lessons on such topics as:

• how to identify the target customer, set priorities, select fabrics, and integrate details
• how to measure the human form, cut fabric, and pivot a dart
• why you haven’t designed a garment if you don’t know how it will be made
• how the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima reshaped our understanding of fashion
• illustration fundamentals, including proportions, poses, lighting, and rendering
• practical information on the industry, including key terms, who does what in the industry, and the workings of the fashion calendar

Written by an experienced fashion designer, illustrator, and instructor, 101 Things I Learned® in Fashion School is an essential resource for beginning fashion students, recent graduates, experienced professionals, and anyone looking for a deeper understanding of how and why the clothes we wear—or choose not to wear—are designed and made.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs