By Jenny Luo
Over the summer, I participated in an unforgettable internship at Cathay Home in New York City, where I became a part of the design department and contributed to bedding designs.
Additionally, I learned about the process of bedding manufacturing, including sending out samples and matching designs with Pantone colors. I also got the opportunity to create my designs using Photoshop for back-to-school-inspired sheets. From market research and comp shopping to color selection, each step of the process requires critical thinking on how the product can be sold to customers.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout this experience, such as limited color choices and difficulty in creating new but eye-catching designs, I was able to overcome these obstacles. I created a series of compelling sheet designs.
Throughout this experience, there was a lot of research done involving student’s back-to-school bedding preferences. I discovered that floral prints were trendy among students and simple and minimalistic designs were also favored.
During the back-to-school season, many college students, mostly females, prefer beddings with pastel or nude colors to provide a calming atmosphere. Regarding the design itself, tiny flowers or simple lines with textures were found to be popular.
Although some students may prefer “louder” designs, the back-to-school season often influences them to purchase more simple items to match the vibe of their school campuses and dorms. This internship experience allowed me to learn more about the back-to-school market, and how to create designs to better fit the target audience.
My involvement in this internship not only allowed me to meet and collaborate with new individuals but also enabled me to build meaningful connections. It enriched my understanding of the design industry while allowing me to explore New York City.
Jenny Luo is a senior at Manhasset High School. Manhasset Association of Chinese Americans organization sponsored the internship program.
