In fashion design, employers usually seek individuals with a 2-year or 4-year
degree who are knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation, and fashion
trends.
Education and training. Fashion designers
typically need an associate or a bachelor's degree in fashion design. Some
fashion designers also combine a fashion design degree with a business,
marketing, or fashion merchandising degree, especially those who want to run
their own business or retail store. Basic coursework includes color, textiles,
sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fashion history, computer-aided design
(CAD), and design of different types of clothing such as menswear or footwear.
Coursework in human anatomy, mathematics, and psychology also is useful.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits approximately
300 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Most of these
schools award degrees in fashion design. Many schools do not allow formal entry
into a program until a student has successfully completed basic art and design
courses. Applicants usually have to submit sketches and other examples of their
artistic ability.
Aspiring fashion designers can learn these necessary skills through
internships with design or manufacturing firms. Some designers also gain
valuable experience working in retail stores, as personal stylists, or as custom
tailors. Such experience can help designers gain sales and marketing skills
while learning what styles and fabrics look good on different people.
Designers also can gain exposure to potential employers by entering their
designs in student or amateur contests. Because of the global nature of the
fashion industry, experience in one of the international fashion centers, such
as Milan or Paris, can be useful.
Other qualifications. Designers must have
a strong sense of the esthetic—an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance
and proportion, and an appreciation for beauty. Fashion designers also need
excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Despite the advancement of
computer-aided design, sketching ability remains an important advantage in
fashion design. A good portfolio—a collection of a person's best work—often is
the deciding factor in getting a job.
In addition to creativity, fashion designers also need to have sewing and
patternmaking skills, even if they do not perform these tasks themselves.
Designers need to be able to understand these skills so they can give proper
instruction in how the garment should be constructed. Fashion designers also
need strong sales and presentation skills to persuade clients to purchase their
designs. Good teamwork and communication skills also are necessary because
increasingly the business requires constant contact with suppliers,
manufacturers, and buyers around the world.
Advancement. Beginning fashion designers
usually start out as pattern makers or sketching assistants for more experienced
designers before advancing to higher level positions. Experienced designers may
advance to chief designer, design department head, or another supervisory
position. Some designers may start their own design company, or sell their
designs in their own retail stores. A few of the most successful designers can
work for high-fashion design houses that offer personalized design services to
wealthy clients.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition
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