Working Conditions of Fashion Designers

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Fashion designers design clothes, shoes and accessories for everyday consumers. Designers usually work for retailers and apparel manufacturers. Some are self-employed; others have rare chances to produce exclusive commissioned pieces. Designers typically work in a group producing design concepts, making sketches, manage production and analyzing fashion trends.

1 Location

Fashion company studios or workshops are where fashion designers work. Many brand names companies are located in fashion-centric metropolis such as Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Rome and Tokyo.

2 Hours

Designers work however long it takes to meet production deadlines. There is no set work hours if you are self employed. Typically fashion designers work long hours during launches and fashion show seasons. They must adapt their hours to suit their clients’ needs.

3 Environment

Fashion designers spend a lot of time walking or standing. Those who make clothing samples spend more time at the sewing machines and cutting tables. Designers discern and feel material samples. At times they need to handle heavy loads and clothing racks.

4 Travel

Fashion designers are expected to travel. They frequently meet with their suppliers and manufacturers. Designers also attend trade shows to research the latest design trends and source fabrics.

5 Benefits

Fashion designers in large companies usually receive health insurance, employees discount and paid travel. Self-employed designers must find insurance providers and arrange travel on their own.

Fides Ang is a writer and business owner. In her former corporate life, she was a consultant for a national closet company and a buyer for a high-end fashion consignment business. Fides holds a Bachelor of Science in graphic design from University of California, Davis. She has been writing for Demand Studio since 2009.

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