Fashion design is a competitive business. You’ll need a lot of skills if you want to succeed. You can begin learning many of these skills now. Practice drawing sketches of clothing that you might like to make. Learn how to sew, become good at pattern making, and be sure to brush up on your math. Fashion designers use math to figure out sizes, measure fabric, and make patterns. It is also important for designers to stay up to date on technology.
Designers spend a lot of time learning about fashion trends. Educate yourself about design history, and read about the future of design. Create a list of designers and styles you like. Do you prefer classic styles or newer ones? Experiment with your own clothing styles. You can start setting trends right now!
A portfolio is a great way to show off your work. Include sketches of the clothing you have designed. Attach a sample of the fabric you used and a photograph of the finished product. You can organize your portfolio by fashion collection or style of clothing. Practice creating a portfolio by cutting pictures out of magazines and trying to re-create the designs.
You will need a college degree to make it in the fashion industry. Hundreds of colleges and universities offer accredited associate or bachelor’s degrees in art and design. In addition to courses in sewing and fashion, many students take courses in merchandising and marketing. This allows them to learn both the artistic and business sides of the industry.
Fashion Group International (FGI) is a nonprofit organization with more than 5,000 members. It helps people in the fashion industry advance their careers and continue their education. FGI offers a directory of job postings, trend reports, and fashion archives for professionals and students. Fashion events are listed, and FGI members often receive discounts on admission. Students can also find information on career days and design competitions.
An internship is a great way to increase your knowledge and experience. Interns might spend some days running errands. Other times, they may be asked to help with the design process. They meet people in the fashion industry and learn to work as part of a team. Internships allow future designers to gain professional experience and learn new skills outside the classroom.
There is a lot of competition for jobs in the fashion industry. Many people are attracted to the creativity and status of the job. There are very few positions available, so potential designers have to make themselves stand out.
The average salary for a fashion designer is $61,160 per year. Earnings vary based upon experience, location, and the type of job. Average pay for managers of fashion design companies is $72,560. Someone who works in a specialized design position can expect to earn about $59,560 a year. Freelance designers may earn more than the average salary, but they can never be sure if there will be work in the future.
In addition to creativity, a fashion designer needs to know how to work as part of a team. Deadlines are often tight, and long hours may be needed to finish a project. Designers also need strong communication skills to work with suppliers, clients, and coworkers.
LEARNING & INNOVATION SKILLS
