AOD fashion alumni Mario managing design nucleus at MAS Active Nirmaana
Design is a professional pathway that offers more choices than most conventional careers. As it becomes more and more important to the industrial world, the design sector has expanded to include new creative careers. Mario Sittampalam who graduated as a fashion designer from AOD, is a designer who transformed his life by leading the way in a new creative career. Combining the use of his formal fashion education at AOD with his natural skills in leadership Mario is currently the Manager Design and Development at MAS Active Nirmaana Ltd.
Mario believes in the power of design to transform industry by providing more innovative and enriching solutions. He said, “Through our work we have the power to shape opinions, change perceptions and change lives…The challenge for tomorrow’s designer is to stay ahead of the curve, forecasting change.”
Mario’s work environment is a challenging one; leading the creative solutions for MAS active that caters for global brands like Nike requires him to be at the top of his creative wits. Mario commends his work team for the success behind MAS Active. “I lead a team of talented creatives who set the bar for others to follow in our footsteps, to chisel our brand in the minds of people, to be known as the best,” he said.
He also credits his design education at AOD, for giving him the fashion knowledge as demanded by the industry stating, “At AODI learnt both traditional and computer-generated design, fashion construction, and imaging which helps us to shape our unique sense of style and individuality as a designer. AOD’s international faculty was also a great help to develop our talents and entrepreneurial skills to help promote our creativity.”
Mario says that today there is a world of opportunities awaiting creative people. But, to compete in the growing design industry you need not only a passion for design, but also the right education. “It’s my education that helped me to fully comprehend the challenging and ever evolving world of design and fashion; to forecast, to discern, to know as trends evolve, and to stay ahead.”
AOD Principal Karen MacLeod said that it is this industry-relevant design education that has helped AOD to produce leading Sri Lankan design professionals like Mario. She said, “We’re proud to see our design alumni, helping to evolve our apparel industry in to a creative based fashion industry.” AOD provides world renowned design degrees in fashion, fashion marketing, interior design, graphic design, motion graphics and animation along with certificate education in jewellery design and photography. For more information contact AOD on 11 5867772/3 or visit www.aod.lk, www.facebook/AODSrilanka
