The Written Runway

I’m very excited to share my interview with 14 year old photographer and fashion designer, Amanda Pham (above in black blazer).  Happily, I came across Amanda’s photography on Creature Comforts blog and knew I wanted to interview her.  It’s very inspiring to see when someone has a gift and talent at an early age, and how they apply themselves to make it a dream-come-true.  I’ll let Amanda go into further details and I hope you’re inspired to start what you like to do, at whatever age you’re at! 

Amanda Pham- Freelance Photographer and Fashion Designer   

When did you first start doing photography and fashion design?

I started really getting into photography about two years ago, but I’ve always loved taking pictures before that. As for fashion design, I think it started when I was about nine or ten. I remember getting old tee shirts and cutting them up and trying to find a way to make it new and different.

Do you have a “style” of photography that is most intriguing to you?

I really love fashion photography, I wonder why? haha. I really love how the clothes and the location and the model can really convey a story with that one picture.

For your fashion design, what designers/brands relate to your style?

I just started out with the fashion design, so I’m not completely sure what my exact style is yet. But for my personal style, just to name a few, I really love J. Crew, Anthropologie, Kimberly Taylor, Alice and Olivia, Christian Siriano, and Alexander Wang.

Do you cut and sew your fashion design pieces yourself?
Yes! I have a teacher that helps to guide me through the process but I do all of the sewing and cutting myself.

What’s your favorite part of the fashion design process?

Hm, this is a really hard question! I actually have 2. I love the sketching process and turning the inspiration into a piece of clothing. I also love when I have the fitting with the model and everything fits perfectly. It’s just the greatest feeling to actually see it on the model!

Have you ever sold any of your pictures/clothes?  If so, where can someone find them to purchase?

I have actually. I started a little business at the beginning of this year called DesignsbyAPham. Everything is handmade and custom made for the customer. You can visit the website: http://designsbyapham.weebly.com/ and the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/designsbyapham. For pictures, I have sold some as well. You can contact me through my website: http://www.wix.com/aphamphotos/home if you would like to purchase some.

Are there any challenges that you face because you’re 14, that an adult photographer/fashion designer might not face?

One word. School. It’s hard to balance school with taking pictures and sewing. I know that school and grades are a priority and I try to balance it all, but it’s hard. If I have a big project coming up, my grades usually go down (but they go back up right after!). Some days I wish I could skip high school and do photography and design full time.

What would you like to see your hobbies turn into down the road?

I would love to be able to Parsons the New School for Design and study fashion design and afterwards work in the industry. As for photography, I would like to be able to do that on the side for fun.

Fashion Design:

(Yes, I’ll take one of these please!  LOVE THIS ONE)

Photography Favorites:

See more of Amanda Pham’s work here!