Design Forward Program 2022 for 3D Digital Creators/Fashion Entrepreneurs

The Design Forward Program 2022 is calling for 3D digital creators to apply for the DSNFWD.

Design Forward Program 2022 for 3D Digital Creators and Fashion Entrepreneurs in West Africa

The DSNFWD is a four-month residency program designed by The Assembly in collaboration with Ravensbourne University for 3D digital creators, fashion entrepreneurs and university students looking to create innovative digital fashion products and experiences in collaboration with international peers.

DSNFWD is aimed at West African 3D digital creators and fashion entrepreneurs working in garment, textile and accessory design, styling, merchandising and brand management.

The goal of the program is to build the capacity and competitiveness of creators and entrepreneurs in fashion and digital services, showcase cross-cultural design and how African fashion creatives are embracing the versatility of digital design to increase efficiency and decrease waste.

Selection Criteria

For 3D Digital Creators

Be a national of any country in West Africa

Must be skilled in the use of design software such as Clo3D, Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite.

Must have been in existence for 1-5 years

Possess experiential knowledge of the African-global fashion market

Experienced in developing collaborative work briefs

Available to participate in full for the entire duration of the programme (13 weeks)

See-The Visa Creator Program 2022 for Digital Creators

For Fashion Entrepreneurs

Be a national of any country in West Africa

Operating a fashion business or individual practice for 2-5 years

Experiential knowledge of the African-global fashion market

Experienced in developing collaborative work briefs

Must be available to participate in full for the entire duration of the programme (13 weeks)

The program is open to digital creatives and fashion entrepreneurs from any country in West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo).

Benefits

Once matched with students from Ravensbourne, resident teams will work collaboratively to an open brief by engaging in in-depth research into each other’s brands and practice. Using the findings of their research, each resident team will develop an independent and innovative digital fashion product, service or experience that involves the use of 3D Techniques, high-tech design and fabrication.
The program will provide training support and digital infrastructure for resident creatives throughout its duration. Training modules will be facilitated by a global faculty and include NFTs, Partnerships and Collaborations, Creative Direction, Pitching, Pricing, Profitability and Marketing.

As a digital / fashion brand, the programme will provide you the opportunity to:

Develop your skill in fashion Innovation and collaboration
Develop confidence when dealing with cross cultural collaborations, approaching open creative briefs and working with creative industry professionals.
Gain access to a global Faculty of thought leaders and creative industry practitioners dedicated to the growth of your brand
Grow your network across borders and cultures
Access to an international community of innovative creators
Access to digital infrastructure for the duration of the program

Application Deadline: April 21st, 2022