Becoming a Fashion Designer

Fashion designers work in haute couture, designer ready-to-wear or wholesale manufacture. Designers may also specialize in specific types of clothing, including outerwear, sportswear, knitwear and evening wear.

Fashion design is an extremely tough and competitive field of business activity and designers require expertise in design, the techniques of cutting and production, and an understanding of the market.

The Job:

Fashion designers work about two seasons in advance of the clothes being sold in the stores. They consult retail buyers and fashion forecasters about the colors and styles that will be in demand.

They need to be aware of the direction fashion is taking from noting what have been the main themes at the international fashion shows. They also work closely with designers in order to gain an awareness of the properties of different fabrics and what sort of structure they will make.

Fashion designers create and present theme boards for a collection. They communicate their ideas initially by means of sketches or by using a computer-aided design package. They then select fabrics trimmings and make up samples. One constraint is the cost of production, which will affect how well garments will sell. They may also need to be on hand to deal with problems that arise during production.

Designers attend showings of their collections for the press and photographic sessions. Travel may be required, not only to the glamorous locations where the collections are promoted, but also to other parts of the world where the garments are cut and manufactured.

The work of a fashion designer depends on the size and nature of the company. In a small company selling to the mass market, where the majority of opportunities for designers lie, a junior designer may have a range of responsibilities, such as locating, selecting, and buying fabric, designing, pattern cutting, overseeing sample production, and negotiating with clients. In a large company, each of these roles may be a job in itself.

Whether designers are involved in manufacture or not, they still need to have a good range of technical skills. They should be able to cut fabrics, for example, have knowledge of how a garment is made, and be able to grade patterns to a range of sizes. Good communication skills are needed, since designers liaise with other experts, such as textile designers and production managers. They also must be able to explain exactly the effect required to skilled cutters and sample machinists. Most crucially, they will need to persuade buyers from large retailers to accept their ideas.

Successful designers need ambition, determination, and technical knowledge. Creativity is important but they also need commercial awareness and an individual style. They must be able to generate ideas to demand. They need to keep to budgets, know how to keep costs low, and be able to cost a garment accurately. They also have to meet deadlines for production.

Training Involved:

Most fashion designers will have completed a full-time degree or diploma course at a college, university, or a specialized art school. The entry requirements are usually based on students' portfolios, their performance at an entry interview, and having a good academic record. Courses vary in the emphasis they place on creativity as opposed to practical skills. Likewise, some courses may have close links with industry and offer valuable industrial experience while studying. Courses cover professional studies and business skills including fashion marketing. Various advanced design courses allow training in specialist areas - for example, menswear, knitwear and women's wear.

Useful Qualifications to Have:

Useful subjects include: English, mathematics, art and design, and business studies.

Salary Expectations:

The base salary range of a Fashion Designer range from $35,555 to $75,277 annually, while the median salary for most Fashion Designers is $53,910 annually. (US Base Pay)

Future Prospects:

Fashion design is probably the most difficult area of design in which to get a first job. The job market can be very competitive, especially at times of economic difficulties. The fashion industry is, however, an international one, so designers' able to speak other languages - especially major European ones - and who are willing to travel would gain valuable experience. If working for an in-house design team, it is possible to move into design management. Some designers, once established, work as freelancers. This requires excellent business skills and may involve either design work on paper or following through to the made-up garment.

For further information, contact a society, association, college, or institute of designers. Also contact art schools and colleges and universities offering suitable courses.