Formal education is not required. However, most fashion designers
entering the industry have some formal education where they learn design
skills, such as how to use computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
Employers usually seek applicants with creativity, as well as a good
technical understanding of the production process for clothing,
accessories, or footwear.
Education
Although formal
education is not required for fashion designers, many take classes or
earn a 2-year or 4-year degree in a related field, such as fashion
merchandising, that can improve their knowledge of textiles and fabrics.
For
many artists, including fashion designers, developing a portfolio—a
collection of design ideas that demonstrates their styles and
abilities—is essential because employers rely heavily on a designer’s
portfolio in deciding whether to hire the individual. For employers, it
is an opportunity to gauge talent and creativity. Students studying
fashion design often have opportunities to enter their designs in
student or amateur contests, helping them to develop their portfolios.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design
accredits approximately 300 postsecondary institutions with programs in
art and design, and many of these schools award degrees in fashion
design. Many schools require students to have completed basic art and
design courses before they enter a program. Applicants usually have to
submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.
Training
Fashion
designers often gain their initial experience in the fashion industry
through internships or by working as an assistant designer. Internships
provide aspiring fashion designers an opportunity to experience the
design process, building their knowledge of textiles, colors, and how
the industry works.
Advancement
Beginning fashion
designers usually start out as patternmakers or sketching assistants to
more experienced designers before advancing to higher level positions.
Experienced designers may advance to chief designer, design department
head, creative director, or another supervisory position in which they
oversee certain fashion lines or brands by a company.
Some
experienced designers may start their own design company or sell their
designs in their own retail stores. A few of the most successful
designers work for high-fashion design houses that offer personalized
design services to their clients.
Important Qualities
Artistic ability.
Fashion designers sketch their initial design ideas, which are used
later to create prototypes. Consequently, designers must be able to
express their vision for the design through illustration.
Communication skills.
Fashion designers often work in teams throughout the design process and
therefore must be effective in communicating with their team members.
For example, they may need to give instructions to sewers regarding how
the garment should be constructed.
Computer skills.
Fashion designers use technology to design. They must be able to use
computer-aided design (CAD) programs and be familiar with graphics
editing software.
Creativity. Fashion designers work with a variety of fabrics, shapes, and colors. Their ideas must be unique, functional, and stylish.
Decision-making skills.
Because they often work in teams, fashion designers are exposed to many
ideas. They must be able to decide which ideas to incorporate into
their designs.
Detail-oriented. Fashion designers must have a good eye for small differences in color and other details that can make a design successful.
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