Careers in Fashion Design
Fashion designers' visions become what everyone will be wearing. They create the styles, hoping to make trends from their productions. However, there's more to the job than just dreaming up next year's fashions. Fashion designers need an eye for detail and an appreciation for fashion. They also must have problem-solving and communication skills, the power of persuasion and the ability to sell.
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Work
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Before fashion designers create their masterpieces, they research current fabric and pattern trends, and couple them with their fashion predictions. After designers draw a preliminary sketch of their design, they obtain fabric samples from a manufacturer, to use for the final product. Then, they create a prototype with cheaper material. Models try on the designs so the designers can make any adjustments before the final product is created, marketed and sold. This process takes about two years from start to finish.
Designers
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The fashion design industry has three categories or design fields. Accessory designers create items to enhance clothes, such as eyewear, belts and hats. Footwear designers, of course, design boots and shoes. Clothing designers create apparel for children, men or women--suits, maternity clothing, casual wear and formal wear. Many designers, however, work in more than one field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for fashion designers is more than $60,000 per year.
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Education
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A two-year or four-year degree in fine arts is typically a requirement for working in the field, according to the labor bureau. Fashion design students may choose to combine their degree with a related major, such as business or fashion merchandising. Fashion design programs are highly competitive and may require applicants to successfully complete coursework in art or design before admission to the program. In addition, applicants must submit a portfolio of their sketches to prove their skills. For students, fashion design internships are invaluable in learning the ropes and creating connections needed to secure post-college employment.
Hours
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Design firms, manufacturing companies and wholesalers employ fashion designers. Fashion designers who work for businesses may enjoy a 40-hour workweek. However, designers who own their firms or work freelance typically work longer hours to maintain a steady income. Travel is typical for designers. Several times a year, they travel to fashion or trade shows, meet with manufacturers who produce their designs or visit fabric supply companies.
Considerations
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Although fashion designers need to know how to draw or sketch their creations, computer-aided design is frequently used. Designers frequently start their careers on the bottom rung, as sketching assistants or pattern makers for other fashion designers. A large number of designers are employed in California or New York. Since the field is not expected to grow, according to the labor bureau, competition will be high for fashion designer jobs.
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