ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH MERRY
December 17, 2024
In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across the company who are shaping our community and who embody our Life at Centric philosophy every day.
Meet Merry Pham, Senior Designer, Operations, Centric Brands, Vietnam. In her Interview, Merry shares how she creates life-like virtual garment samples to bring innovation and a new level of sustainability to her team.
Could you share insights about your role and responsibilities?
In my role, I create highly realistic virtual samples of our garments using 3D software like Browzwear V-Stitcher. My main responsibility is ensuring these digital samples reflect the exact fit and appearance of their physical counterparts, achieving the same level of detail as if they were displayed on a mannequin.
I pay close attention to fabric textures, characteristics (specifically drapability), garment construction, and stitching to create lifelike 3D representations. Additionally, I refine elements such as shadows and light interactions to enhance the accuracy of the renderings, ensuring they are presentation-ready and visually compelling.
How do you effectively gain the knowledge and skills needed for your role?
I focus on continuous learning and practice to refine my skills. This includes staying up to date with the latest software tools and techniques to ensure my work remains current and professional.
I also explore various aspects of the garment industry, such as patterns, technical details, and quality standards, to broaden my expertise. Setting specific, measurable, and time-bound goals helps me challenge myself, while regularly seeking feedback from the design team allows me to identify areas for improvement. This proactive approach ensures I can consistently meet high standards effectively.
How do you actively pursue opportunities for both personal and professional growth?
To actively pursue personal and professional growth, I regularly reflect on my current skills and identify areas for improvement. This self-assessment allows me to pinpoint the knowledge or competencies I need to develop further. I also take advantage of training programs, workshops, and online courses to learn new skills and stay aligned with industry trends.
Additionally, I view challenges as opportunities to grow, helping me build confidence and resilience in my career. By setting clear, specific goals and consistently seeking constructive feedback, I ensure steady progress in both my personal and professional development.
What is a current project you’re working on that is especially exciting for you?
My current project involves creating virtual samples for block-driven styles, which I find exciting because of the transformative impact 3D virtual samples are having on the garment industry. This innovative approach brings several key benefits that are shaping the future of design and production.
One of the most significant advantages is cost and time efficiency. By reducing the reliance on physical prototypes, virtual samples help lower material and labor costs. Additionally, they accelerate the design process, enabling quicker iterations and shortening timelines, which allows brands to bring products to market faster than ever before.
Sustainability is another key benefit. Virtual sampling reduces waste and conserves resources by minimizing the number of physical samples that need to be produced. At the same time, these samples provide highly accurate representations of garments, enabling designers and stakeholders to visualize the final product with greater precision.
Additionally, virtual samples enhance collaboration, making it easier for teams—especially remote ones—to share and review designs seamlessly. They also open doors for customization, allowing brands to offer tailored options that meet individual consumer preferences. Finally, this technology integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, enriching the online shopping experience with realistic and detailed product representations.
These advancements are redefining how the garment industry operates, and I’m excited to be part of a project that aligns so closely with these forward-thinking developments.
How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as motivated and positive, someone who is approachable and always ready to lend a hand. They see me as friendly, supportive, and dependable, particularly in team settings. I take pride in being hardworking and detail-oriented, with a strong ability to learn quickly. These qualities, I believe, are key to achieving success, whether working independently or collaboratively.
