Becoming a Textile Designer

Textile designers create two-dimensional designs that are capable of being produced as a pattern on textiles. They may specialize in knitted, woven, or printed textiles and may only produce items of soft furnishings or of fashion. Textile designers may work in a design studio, an in-house studio for a manufacturer, or they may be self-employed. Duties vary depending on the place of work and the type of textiles being produced.

The Job:

Textile designers working in a small design studio will be involved in producing seasonal collections for sale. Similar work is done by textile designers working for a manufacturer of furnishing fabrics, for example. An in-house design studio may only have a few designers. Only more experienced designers will develop their own designs. A junior in the team would be involved primarily in copying designs into different color-ways or adapting a design for a particular use, such as coordinating wallpaper and furnishing fabric.

Although such work is less creative and involves many constraints, it is more secure and may offer the learning opportunities and promotion prospects that self employment lacks.

Textile designers have to research the uses to which the textile will be put. Different motifs are suitable for menswear, children's clothing, or furnishing fabrics, for example.

Designers may need an awareness of classical ornamentation and period design. It is a valuable skill to be able to draw natural forms, such as leaves or flowers. They also need to understand the various print processes, such as silkscreen, block, and stencil. Once the design is completed it is sent to a print laboratory where a sample can be made up. Designers will then examine this and may need to modify their designs.

In carpet design, knowledge is needed of yarns, dyes, and the different looms and the fabrics they can produce. Some carpet designs are custom-made for, say, a hotel group, and there may be close consultation with the customer on the subject of pattern, color scheme, and the furniture to be used with the carpets. When designing for woven and knotted fabrics, designers need an understanding of the technical processes required and will make rough drawings and weave sample pieces.

Textile designers need to combine technical ability with creativity. They also have to apply their skill in a commercial world. If they are working in the fashion industry they must be able to predict demand for colors and trends for ranges up to 18 months in advance.

Self-employed designers need to sell their designs - This requires attending trade fairs, calling on manufacturers and fashion designers, and calling in person to small retail shops. Some textile designers will work for interior design studios where they may advise on color schemes. They may be employed as a colorist, mixing shades to meet requirements and producing mood boards as a resource for other members of the design team. Textile designers may use their skill in a variety of materials, such as ceramics, carpets, packaging, wall paper, and wrapping paper.

Training Involved:

Most textile designers have completed a full-time degree or diploma course at a college, university, or specialized art school. The entry requirements are usually based on students' portfolios, their performance at interviews, and a good academic record.

Courses may include various options, such as printed or woven textiles, or carpet or tapestry design. Some courses may have close links with local textile industries and may offer a valuable opportunity to gain some industrial experience while still studying.

Useful Qualifications to Have:

Useful subjects include: English, mathematics, art, design, technology, and chemistry.

Salary Expectations:

The base salary range of a Textile Designer ranges from $39,684 to $78,886 annually, while the median salary for most Textile Designers is $59,285 annually. (US Base Pay)

Future Prospects:

In some countries, the demand for textile designers is quite buoyant because of a dynamic fashion industry or a strong demand for innovation in soft furnishings. Designers willing to travel, and who are able to speak other languages (especially the major European ones), will be better equipped to meet this demand. In some other countries, however, opportunities have been badly affected over the past year by the worldwide economic recession, with manufacturers tending to use freelance designers more and more. In the future, textile design will be affected by the increasing use of computer-aided design (CAD) systems.

For further information, contact a country's institute or association of designers, or major textile manufacturers.