DEMOPOLIS &8212; Viola Jackson, a senior at Alabama A&M University, has designed clothes since she was in second grade. Today, she will showcase her talent for the second year in a row with her &8220;Fashion Explosion&8221; at 7 p.m. at the Demopolis Civic Center.

When she was younger, she remembers her teachers catching her drawing designs instead of doing her homework. But this never discouraged her from continuing to design.

Before she graduated from Demopolis High School, she thought she would go to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a world-renowned fashion designer. After doing some research, she found a program in the state that would allow her to get some experience before heading to the top.

At the university, she said she has benefited from one-on-one experience from teachers. Students in the program are taught everything about the field from basic drawing skills to textile design to even marketing and putting on a full show.

All of these skills culminate in a senior project where students put on a runway show showcasing their completed collection. Jackson was able to complete this requirement last year, but did her first fashion show in Demopolis to gain more experience.

When asked about her design aesthetic, Jackson said she loves to play with different time periods. One of the favorites is the 1940s, during the Industrial Revolution. To get inspiration form these times, Jackson said she watches old movies; one of her favorites is Mildred Pierce.

For this collection, she began in May and sewed everyday until everything was complete. This show is more ambitious than her last, with six full scenes including urban wear, kids wear, spring wear and eveningwear.

When asked where her inspiration comes from, she said it is from a variety of sources.

When asked about her upcoming show, Jackson said she was tired but very excited to showcase her work again to her hometown.