Cassandra Manna
Cassandra Manna is a seasoned Senior Textile Designer with over 15 years of experience in the field, blending creativity with technical expertise to bring innovative surface designs to life. Her artistic journey began in painting, drawing, and even makeup artistry, but she ultimately discovered her true passion in textiles, a medium through which she could combine her love of color, pattern, and design. Known for her adaptability, dedication, and loyalty, Cassandra has built a career defined by collaborative teamwork and independent projects alike, maintaining strong professional relationships throughout her journey.
Currently, she serves as Senior Textile and Graphic Designer at Swat Fame Inc., where she continues to push the boundaries of surface design. In addition to her professional design work, Cassandra shares her expertise as an Extension Instructor at Otis College of Art and Design, teaching surface textile design and coloring. Her previous roles include freelance design work and positions at Stantex Studio, Spring Tex Group INC, and other design studios, where she honed her skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Ned Graphics, and color reduction techniques.
Cassandra’s dedication to her craft extends beyond her own creations. She values the network of talented creatives she has connected with over the years and strives to inspire others through mentorship and teaching. Her passion for design, combined with her commitment to professionalism and creativity, has made her a respected figure in the textile industry and a source of inspiration for aspiring designers.
• FIDM Los Angeles- A.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying authentic, following my intuition, and fully investing in my love for fabrics and design. By choosing work that aligns with my values and honing my craft through hands-on experience, I’ve been able to grow as a designer while maintaining integrity and creative purpose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to follow my gut every time. I’ve learned not to accept positions that don’t feel right, even if it means passing on opportunities, and trusting my instincts has helped me align with roles that truly fit my creativity and values.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: don’t settle—ever. Trust your instincts, seek workplaces that respect your creative identity, and take the time to hone your craft while embracing the sometimes-winding path to finding the right professional fit.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in the textile design field right now include balancing sustainability goals with the financial constraints of working with environmentally responsible mills, resisting the pressure of fast fashion that can compromise quality and ethics, and navigating responsible material sourcing and manufacturing practices.
At the same time, there are exciting opportunities: growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced textiles, advancements in eco-friendly dyes and fabric technologies, expanding roles in teaching and mentoring emerging designers, and the chance to innovate in outdoor gear textiles, which combines her love for fabrics with a passion for nature and high-performance materials.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value authenticity, creativity, and ethical, sustainable practices in my work, always prioritizing quality, integrity, and meaningful contributions over shortcuts or trends. In my personal life, I focus on intuition, lifelong learning, and staying connected to nature—something I strive to bring into my career through my passion for outdoor-gear textile design.