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Erika Friesth is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Erika Friesth and other professionals just like you. Learn more.

About Me

My aspirations of a career in art and design were formed at a young age, with many hours spent creating and making up games and stories. My passion for art - and admiration for those who create it - continues to grow.

I studied Fashion and Retail Management at Columbia College in Chicago, where I discovered the beauty of mixing creativity and art with fashion and retail. In addition to my work experience at Banana Republic and Nike, I gained real-life visual merchandising experience through school courses held at Macy’s and the Chicago Cultural Center.

My artistic aspirations have continued in performance as well. I was previously enrolled in the beginning improv training program at Second City, which was amazing, scary and the most fun I've ever had. Recently I started a new series of improv classes at the iO Theater (formerly ImprovOlympic). The games and activities played in improv are often exercises in freeing your mind of hang ups and embarrassment, revealing the power of creativity. For me, it is an especially enriching experience-many of theses same principles can apply to design and marketing.

From combining beautiful (and sometimes ugly) elements with whimsy and fun in my visual display concepts to writing and creating interactive children's books, I want to continue to push my work in new, surprising directions. Always inspired by my creative idols Jim Henson and Simon Doonan, I value exploration- the art of discovering new ways to create, inspire, teach, and entertain.