A recent Eastern Kentucky University graduate finished second in the Amazon International Studio Photo Contest.
Angela Lauer, California, Kentucky, who majored in apparel design and merchandising with a minor in entrepreneurship, concluded her “Eastern Experience” this summer with 12 weeks as a stylist intern at Amazon. She was responsible for understanding the visual composition, shape, fit and category of a product and then applying that to style products that are put on the Amazon or Zappos websites to be sold.
Lauer’s photo, which had to follow the theme of “Reflections,” combined wineglasses on a geometric backdrop. “I used various sources to come up with my initial inspiration and, then, from there I went to different stores in search of a backdrop and wineglasses I felt were appropriate for my style idea.”
The photo was taken in an Amazon studio in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, by Erin White, the studio’s photography manager.
Lauer’s work this summer convinced Amazon to hire her as a junior stylist. “I am super excited to start off my career with such a prestigious company, she said. “I didn’t win anything for placing second, but I definitely feel like I received a lot of recognition, which is just as great.”
Lauer said her visual merchandising class at EKU “was extremely beneficial in preparing me for not only this contest but also my intern position. Ms. (Susan) Kipp taught me this class and others that helped me to succeed in my field.”
For more information about EKU’s Apparel Design and Merchandising program, visit fcs.eku.edu/apparel-design-merchandising-bs.