ESP Biography



STEVEN FAERM, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design



Major: M.Ed., Learning and Teaching

College/Employer: MIT

Year of Graduation: 2015

Picture of Steven Faerm

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Steven Faerm is an Associate Professor of Fashion at Parsons School of Design (Director, BFA Fashion Design, 2007–2011). A Parsons alumnus ('94) and Designer of the Year Nominee, he began teaching in 1998 while working as a professional fashion designer and illustrator for Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Kenneth Richard, and more. He has been recognized for his teaching by receiving both his University's "Distinguished Teaching Award" and his School’s "Faculty Award."

Steven has taught and lectured at over 40 institutions on 5 continents—including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Columbia University, Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Polimoda in Florence, Donghua University in Shanghai, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT), The University of Palermo (UP) in Buenos Aires, and The Spero Villioti School in South Africa—for students spanning all educational levels, from pre-college- to undergraduate- to graduate-level and beyond. He has created college- and pre-college programs and workshops at Parsons and other leading international institutions, and has served on academic advisory boards for numerous colleges of art and design. In 2012 he co-founded an academic journal focused on design education and practice with Parsons and UP.​

Steven’s research examines design education, teaching and learning, young adult development, and the complex connections between these subject areas. He is the author of Fashion Design Course: Principles Practices, and Techniques (translated into 9 languages) and Creating a Successful Fashion Collection: Everything You Need to Develop a Great Line and Portfolio, and his scholarship has been widely featured in academic journals. His third book, Introduction to Design Education: Theory, Research, and Practical Applications for Educators (Routledge) was released in December, 2022.

www.stevenfaerm.com



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

A15966: Introduction to Design Education (Book Talk) in Spark 2024 (Mar. 16 - 17, 2024)
Award-winning author and educator Steven Faerm discusses his recent book “Introduction to Design Education: Theory, Research, and Practical Applications for Educators.” Following a short introduction about the book, Faerm will explain how and why the US design industries are evolving. Particular focus will be given to examining the future role of designers, no matter their industry sector or expertise; how these shifts will impact design school programs and curricula; and what it means to be a design student/design educator in the second quarter of the 21st century. In conclusion, ideas for how we can best prepare for the futures of design education and the design industry are presnted. This talk is aimed at anyone who is considering careers in the design industries. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


A15968: Let’s Reconstruct and Innovate the Design Method. (Here’s How.) in Spark 2024 (Mar. 16 - 17, 2024)
What does it mean to “innovate” design? More importantly, how do designers “design” the design process so that innovative, creative outcomes can emerge? This presentation will explore what it means to “design” the design process—arguably the most important phase of the creative process. This stage of design directly follows research development, yet precedes any and all design iteration. It is where designers “get creatively messy” by physically and conceptually deconstructing images, materials, texts, and other forms of preliminary research so that they can re-construct them in a more creative and authentic manner. Ultimately, a concept and design narrative are revealed, both of which ground the ensuing design development, final curation, and even the format(s) of final presentation. Through the analysis of undergraduate-level projects, this presentation will show you how you can innovate your own creative processes in design and art. Please note, this is a lecture presentation and not a workshop. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


A15742: Design Fundamentals in Splash 2023 (Nov. 18 - 19, 2023)
Ever wonder how designers create their exciting work? This 45-minute lecture examines how designers research for inspiration, develop innovative design methods, and create powerful concepts and design outcomes. While this lecture examines design fundamentals through fashion design, all the key topics discussed can be applied to every design discipline, including architecture, graphics, industrial, and more. This lecture is for anyone who wants to: learn about art and design principles; understand how to innovative creative processes; and discover ways to apply them to their own work. First, we will examine design fundamentals such as color theory, motif, and visual storytelling. We will then look at professional and student work that applies these fundamentals in different ways. Finally, we will analyze an Alexander McQueen runway show that incorporates all the concepts we discussed. You will leave the presentation with a broad understanding of the complex design process and how designers work—all of which can boost your own creativity! Please note, this is a lecture presentation and not a workshop. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


A15230: Innovative Design Demands Process Innovation in Splash 2022 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2022)
Have you ever wondered how artists and designers develop their innovative work? Do you want to become a better artist or designer by strengthening your creativity? What is “design process” and how can it be used to achieve maximum creativity and, in doing so, enable design to not be just “stuff” but something that contains deeper, emotional meaning? This lecture analyzes undergraduates’ design projects that are remarkable for their incredibly inventive design processes — a critical stage that proceeds research exploration and precedes final design outcomes. This “middle-stage” is perhaps the MOST important stage! It is when your playful explorations and experimentations will produce optimal creativity and innovation. This critical stage can then spawn designs that have conceptual and intellectual depth—something that is increasingly sought by consumers today. During this presentation, you learn how to innovate your own CREATIVITY by listening to how select design projects are “dissected” and analyzed. These inspiring methods may then be applied to your own art and design projects! Please note, this is a lecture presentation and not a workshop. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design.


A15231: Designers, Branding, and the Advancing Fashion Industry in Splash 2022 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2022)
In our current world of over-abundance where material needs are met (and often over-met), what are we really seeking from the products we buy? How are the new, emerging consumer behaviors that prioritize the emotional over the mere material and aesthetic altering the purpose of design and attendant design industries? In what ways will the attributes of ‘Generation Z’ affect the future design marketplace? This presentation explores the fundamentals of branding, emergent consumer behaviors, and the future role of design and designers. Due to consumers’ increasingly nuanced emotional needs, designers must replace their traditional role as independent ‘style dictators’— in which they create product based on personal whims and biases in the hopes their work will appeal to consumers—with that of “Designer-As-Social Scientist” whose research into consumers’ demographics and psychographics drive all subsequent design proposals. Following this introduction, several case studies will be presented and analyzed to illustrate key ideas about branding, ‘emotional value’ in design, and the future marketplace This is a lecture presentation (not a workshop). Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design


A14998: From Stage to Stage: A Synthesis of Creative Disciplines in Spark 2022 (Mar. 12 - 13, 2022)
The 20th Century gave rise to new and radical multi-disciplinary crossovers between performance and fashion. In that century, the traditional, rigid boundaries between these disciplines were dismantled by emerging avant-garde choreographers, performers, and designers who challenged the ways their audiences understood—and experienced—their work. When and how did they crossover? What were the social, artistic, and political reasons behind this “blurring of professional worlds”? This 40-minute lecture will explore this radicalization of each creative world and how today they are inextricably linked: the performing arts and the fashion runway. We’ll begin in the late 1860s, focus primarily on the 20th century, and conclude with today—a pivotal moment when there seems to be (at times) no division between fashion and theater. Are you watching a fashion show? Or a theatrical performance? Is there a difference? This lecture is for anyone who loves learning about art history, fashion history, the theater world, dance performance, and costume design! Together, we’ll cover it all in this creative historical overview.


A14999: Branding and Consuming in the Emergent Design Marketplace in Spark 2022 (Mar. 12 - 13, 2022)
In our current era of over-abundance where material needs are met (and often over-met), what are we really seeking from the products we buy? How are the new, emerging consumer behaviors that prioritize the emotional over the mere material and aesthetic altering the purpose of design and attendant design industries? In what ways will the attributes of ‘Generation Z’ affect the future design marketplace? This presentation explores the fundamentals of branding, emergent consumer behaviors, and the future role of design and designers. Due to consumers’ increasingly nuanced emotional needs, designers must replace their traditional role as independent "style dictators"— in which they create product based on personal whims and biases in the hopes their work will appeal to consumers—with that of "designer-as-social scientist" whose research into consumers’ demographics and psychographics drive all subsequent design proposals. Following this introduction, several case studies will be presented and analyzed to illustrate key ideas about branding, ‘emotional value’ in design, and the future marketplace This is a lecture presentation (not a workshop). Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design.


A14737: Designing Design: It’s not just “stuff” in Splash 2021 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2021)
Designing Design: It’s not just “stuff” Have you ever wondered how artists and designers develop their innovative work? Do you want to become a better artist or designer by strengthening your creativity? What is “design process” and how can it be used to achieve maximum creativity and, in doing so, enable design to not be just “stuff” but something that contains deeper, emotional meaning? This lecture analyzes undergraduates’ design projects that are remarkable for their incredibly inventive design processes — a critical stage that proceeds research exploration and precedes final design outcomes. This “middle-stage” is perhaps the MOST important stage. It is when your playful explorations and experimentations will produce optimal creativity and innovation. This critical stage can then spawn designs that have conceptual and intellectual depth—something that is increasingly sought by consumers today. During this presentation, you learn how to innovate your own CREATIVITY by listening to how select design projects are “dissected” and analyzed. These inspiring methods may then be applied to your own art and design projects! The lecture will be followed by a short Q&A session, so please come with your questions! These can be about the lecture, the future of design, applying to design school, and similar design-related questions! Please note, this is a lecture presentation and not a workshop. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design.


A14738: Runway or Stage?: Fashion & The Performing Arts in the 20th and 21st Centuries in Splash 2021 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2021)
The 20th Century gave rise to new and radical multi-disciplinary crossovers between performance and fashion. In that century, the traditional, rigid boundaries between these disciplines were dismantled by emerging avant-garde choreographers, performers, and designers who challenged the ways their audiences understood—and experienced—their work. When and how did they crossover? What were the social, artistic, and political reasons behind this “blurring" of the two creative worlds? This lecture will explore this radicalization of each creative world and how today they are inextricably linked: the performing arts and the fashion runway. We’ll begin in the late 1860s, focus primarily on the 20th century, and conclude with today—a pivotal moment when there seems to be (at times) no division between fashion and theater. Are you watching a fashion show or a theatrical performance? Is there a difference? This lecture is for anyone who loves learning about art history, fashion history, the theater world, dance performance, and costume design! Together, we’ll uncover it all in this creative historical overview. The lecture will be followed by a short Q&A session, so please come with your questions! These can be about the lecture, the future of design, applying to design school, and similar design-related questions!


A14244: Design It. Brand It. Love It.: The future of design for Generation Z. in Splash 2020 (Nov. 14 - 15, 2020)
In our current era of over-abundance where material needs are met (and often over-met), what are we really seeking from the products we buy? How are these new, emerging consumer behaviors that prioritize the emotional over the mere material and aesthetic altering the purpose of design and design practices? In what ways will the attributes of ‘Generation Z’ affect the future design marketplace? This presentation explores the fundamentals of branding, emergent consumer behaviors, and the future role of design and designers. Due to consumers’ increasingly nuanced emotional needs, designers must replace their traditional role as independent ‘style dictators’— in which they create products based on personal whims and biases in the hopes their work will appeal to consumers—with that of ‘designer-as-social scientist’ whose research into consumers’ demographics and psychographics underpin all subsequent design proposals. Following this introduction, several case studies will be presented and analyzed to illustrate key ideas about branding, ‘emotional value’ in design, and the future design marketplace Please note, this is a lecture presentation and not a workshop. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design.


A14245: The Future of Design, Designing, and the Designer: Creating Design Processes that Foster Design Innovation in Splash 2020 (Nov. 14 - 15, 2020)
Have you ever wondered how artists and designers develop their innovative work? Do you want to become a better artist or designer by strengthening your creativity? What is “design process” and how can it be used to achieve maximum creativity? This lecture analyzes undergraduate-level design projects that are remarkable for their inventive and innovative design processes — a critical stage that proceeds research exploration and precedes final design outcomes. This “middle-stage” is arguably the MOST important stage. It is when your playful exploration and experimentation will produce optimal creativity. This presentation will show you how to innovate your own CREATIVITY through select examples. These inspiring methods may then be applied to your own art and design projects. Please note, this is a lecture presentation and not a workshop. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design.


A13268: The Future of Design, Designing, and the Designer: Creating Design Processes that Foster Design Innovation in Splash 2019 (Nov. 23 - 24, 2019)
Have you ever wondered how artists and designers develop their innovative work? Do you want to become a better artist or designer by strengthening your creative approach and development? What is the “design process” and how can it be used successfully to achieve authentic and exciting results? This 45-minute lecture analyzes college-level design projects that are noteworthy for their inventive and highly innovative design processes — a critical stage that proceeds research exploration and precedes final design outcomes. This “middle-stage” is arguably the MOST important stage. It is when your playful exploration and experimentation will yield optimal creativity. This presentation will show you how to innovate your own creative processes through select examples. These inspiring methods may then be applied to your own art and design projects. Please note, this is a lecture presentation and not a workshop. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design.


A13269: Revealing the “How” of Fashion Design, from Fundamentals to Final Collection in Splash 2019 (Nov. 23 - 24, 2019)
Ever wonder how fashion designers create their exciting collections? This 45-minute lecture examines how designers research for inspiration, develop innovative design methods, and create powerful concepts through clothing. Although we’ll look at fashion, this lecture is appropriate for anyone who wants to learn about general art and design principles since its concepts and ideas can be applied to ALL creative fields! First, we will examine design fundamentals such as color theory, motif, and visual storytelling. We will then look at professional and student work that applies these fundamentals in different ways for a full project. Finally, we will analyze an Alexander McQueen runway show that incorporates all the topics we discussed. You will leave the presentation with a broad understanding of the complex fashion design process and how designers work! Please note, this is a lecture presentation and not a workshop. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


A12909: Fashion, Gen Z, and The Future Marketplace in Spark 2019 (Mar. 16 - 17, 2019)
In our current era of over-abundance where material needs are met (and often over-met), what are we really seeking from the products we buy? How are these new, emerging consumer behaviors that prioritize the emotional over the mere material and aesthetic altering the purpose of design and design practices? In what ways will the attributes of ‘Generation Z’ affect the future marketplace? This presentation explores the fundamentals of branding, emergent consumer behaviors, and the future role of design and designers. Due to consumers’ increasingly nuanced emotional needs, designers must replace their traditional role as independent ‘style dictators’— in which they create product based on personal whims and biases in the hopes their work will appeal to consumers—with that of ‘designer-as-social scientist’ whose research into consumers’ demographics and psychographics underpin all subsequent design proposals. Following this introduction, several case studies will be presented and analyzed to illustrate key ideas about branding, ‘emotional value’ in design practice, and the future marketplace Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design.


A12413: Crafting the Design Process: The Role of ‘Play’ and Experimentation in Design Innovation in Splash 2018 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2018)
Have you ever wondered how artists and designers develop their innovative work? Do you want to become a better artist or designer by strengthening your creative approach and development? What is the “design process” and how can it be used successfully to achieve authentic and exciting results? This 45-minute presentation analyzes undergraduate-level design projects that are noteworthy for their inventive design processes — a critical stage that proceeds research exploration and precedes final design outcomes. This “middle-stage” is arguably the most important stage. It is when playful exploration and experimentation yield optimal creativity. This presentation will show you how to innovate your own creative processes through select examples. These methods may then be applied to your own art and design projects. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design.


X12414: Stress & School: The Impact of Stress on Learning…and What You can do About It in Splash 2018 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2018)
Are stress and anxiety negatively impacting your studies? You are not alone. Across the country, stress levels among high school and college students are reaching all-time highs — and climbing steadily. Why are we so stressed out? How do stress and anxiety affect learning and brain development? What are some easy and practical ways to decrease your stress levels for improved cognitive performance? This 45-minute workshop begins by examining the growing body of research around the rising levels of stress and anxiety in America. We’ll then look more closely at how stress and anxiety are affecting learning capabilities, cognition, and general well-being. Finally, we’ll learn 5 easy and practical methods you can use — no matter the time or place — to become less stressed, more centered, and be present. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


X12175: School, Stress, and You in Spark 2018 (Mar. 17 - 18, 2018)
Stressed? Anxious? Is it impacting your schoolwork? And general sense of well-being? You are not alone. Research shows Americans’ stress levels are at an all-time high—and climbing. For students, excessive stress and anxiety compromises academic performance. Why are we so stressed these days? How does excessive stress impact our brain function and learning? What are some easy ways to lower our stress and anxiety, so that we do better in school? This 45-minute presentation begins with an overview of Americans’ current state of emotional well-being. We’ll then look at specific key factors that are contributing to our high stress and anxiety, such as excessive smartphone usage and social media. Finally, we’ll review 5 easy, practical methods you can adopt in your own daily life to reduce stress and anxiety. You’ll leave the session with a deeper understanding of how stress and anxiety impact your learning. You'll also have a list of 5 easy methods you can use to de-stress and to be more present in the classroom…and the world! Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


A11622: Creating Design, Creating Story in Splash 2017 (Nov. 18 - 19, 2017)
How do designers create and develop ideas? What is “conceptual thinking”? Are you thinking of becoming a designer? This 40-minute power-point lecture explores the design process: Design thinking, research methods, conceptualization, motif, storytelling, creative processes, and more are shown in both student and professional work. A full analysis of an Alexander McQueen collection that incorporates all of the key elements concludes the power-point presentation. While this lecture uses fashion design as its primary ‘lens’, the ideas discussed are applicable to all areas of design such as graphics, architecture, industrial design, animation, fine arts, and many more. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


A11624: How Designers Design: Effective, Efficient, and Expeditions Ways for Generating Ideas in Splash 2017 (Nov. 18 - 19, 2017)
Ever wonder how artists and designers create such incredibly creative work? How do they draw inspiration from their environment in literal and figural ways? How are these visual and conceptual elements abstracted to create design motifs? How are these motifs then manipulated to produce art and design? This workshop will introduce you to the basic design process! We’ll first look at the work of fine artists (such as Ellsworth Kelly), designers (such as Alexander McQueen), and architects (such as Aoki Jun) to learn how images, research, and concepts combine to create ideas, motifs, and designs. Then, we’ll develop our own motifs and design processes. These can be based on your own pre-selected images/photos (or from images/photos supplied by the teacher during class). Although we’ll talk a lot about design in the context of fashion design, you can create any type of art and design you wish during the workshop! You’ll leave the class with lots of “raw” design ideas and sketches that can then be used to develop more finished work!


A11625: Design School Confidential: What the First Year of Art and Design School is REALLY Like in Splash 2017 (Nov. 18 - 19, 2017)
Thinking of applying to art/design school? Wondering about the differences between your high school- and college-level art/design courses? Looking for ways to prepare for a successful transition and have an amazing art/design school experience? The goal of this informal presentation and discussion is to de-mystify the first year experience of art/design school. The presenter, an Associate Professor at Parsons School of Design, recently completed a year-long research study that examined students’ transition from high school to design school. He will present his findings so that you can learn what college seniors and recent graduates said about their first-year experiences. What was it like? How could it have been easier and better? Following this brief overview, an informal conversation will allow you to ask your own questions and receive advice about the art/design school application process, portfolio development, coursework, future careers, and so much more. All students are welcome, and you are asked to bring any/all questions!


A11314: Design Process Workshop in Spark 2017 (Mar. 11 - 12, 2017)
How do artists and designers draw from their environment in literal and figural ways? How are these visual and conceptual elements abstracted to create design motif? How are these motifs then manipulated to create art and design? This 2-hour workshop will introduce you to the design process! We’ll first look at the work of fine artists (such as Ellsworth Kelly) and designers (such as Alexander McQueen) to learn how image, research, and concepts combine to create abstract ideas, motifs, and design. Following this, we’ll develop our own designs, motifs, and processes based on your own pre-selected images (or from images supplied by the teacher during class). Although we’ll talk a lot about design in the context of fashion design, you can create any type of art and design you wish during the workshop! You’ll leave the class with “raw” design ideas and sketches that can then be used to develop more finished work!


A10757: Design, Narrative, and The Future Studio in Splash 2016 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2016)
Designers must adopt radically different strategies if they are to succeed in the knowledge-based economy and evolving industries. Rather than narrowly focusing on the “what” of design, designers must increasingly focus on the “how” of design. This approach to design involves developing emotionally compelling narrative and unique design processes that, in turn, innovate product and heighten consumers’ interests. This presentation explores the future of design and the designer. We’ll discuss our contemporary mass-obsession with design, socio-economics, consumer behavior, marketing, sustainability, design education, and tomorrow’s design studio to contextualize how and why the designer’s role is shifting. The presentation concludes by showcasing undergraduate and professional fashion design projects that creatively illustrate key concepts. Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


A10378: Developing Your Design Thinking in Spark 2016 (Mar. 12 - 13, 2016)
How do designers create and develop ideas? What is “conceptual thinking”? Are you thinking of becoming a designer? This lecture examines the design process. Creativity, research methods, concept development, storytelling, design processes, and more are shown in both student and professional work. A full analysis of an Alexander McQueen collection that uses all of the key points concludes the presentation. While this lecture uses fashion design as its primary ‘lens’, the ideas discussed are applicable to ALL areas of design such as graphic design, architecture, industrial design, car design, gaming, and many more! Presented by Steven Faerm, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design.


A9613: Preparing for Art and Design School in Splash 2015 (Nov. 21 - 22, 2015)
What’s the first year of college like in an art and design school? How is the experience similar/dissimilar to high school art and design? What challenges do students experience and how can they best prepare? In this presentation, the transitional experience from high school to design school is described based on a year-long research study performed at Harvard University by an Associate Professor from Parsons School of Design. The first year college experience, the future of art and design education, and how students can best prepare for the transition are discussed. Although this presentation focuses on art and design studies, the general transition from high school to college is discussed.


A9179: Fashion and the Future in HSSP Spring 2015 (Feb. 21, 2015)
This course introduces students to fashion design through conceptual thinking, innovative design processes, fashion technology, and how designers create collections. Learn how to think conceptually and understand how designers work, how and why the fashion industry is changing, and how new technology is being applied to apparel. During this course, each student will design and sketch their own fashion collection that may be used for their portfolio. Activities include lectures, drawing exercises, readings, and class discussions. The course is open to all skill levels; previous experience in design or drawing is not required. The course is taught by a visiting Associate Professor from Parsons The New School for Design who will also discuss art and design schools, and the portfolio application process.


A9332: Fashion Design: From Concept to Runway in Spark 2015 (Mar. 14 - 15, 2015)
Ever wonder how fashion designers create their exciting collections? This lecture examines how designers research inspiration, develop innovative design methods, and create powerful statements through clothing. We will first examine design fundamentals such as color theory, motif, and visual narrative. We will then look at professional and student work that uses these methods in different ways. The lecture culminates in a full analysis of an Alexander McQueen show that employs all of the topics discussed. You will leave the presentation with a better understanding of the complex fashion design process and how designers work! This lecture is appropriate for anyone considering a career in art and design; its content can be applied to all areas of art and design.