How to Become a Textile Colorist
Textile designs are used in the automotive, fashion and interior design industries and require a textile colorist to help complete the color selection process for each fabric pattern. Colorists are intimately experienced with color theory and assist the textile designer in selecting color combinations that fit current trends and requirements for the end product. Colorists may also be found working with a manufacturing production team to hone color standards before and during the manufacturing process.
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Instructions
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Obtain a degree in art or textile design. Colorists work under the direction of a textile designer and can find entry-level work with a two-year associate degree. However, you need a four-year degree in design or art if you want to advance to a position as a textile stylist or designer. Look for programs with an emphasis on textile design.
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Take courses in textile construction, color theory, fabric manufacturing and development. These types of courses hold vital information for textile colorists. Adding the courses as electives is advisable if your degree program doesn't offer the classes as part of the required courses or electives.
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Network with your professors, instructors and career advisers. Ask about becoming a textile colorist and learn more about the field of fabrics and textiles. These knowledgeable people are connected with other industry professionals and may have information on jobs, entry-level positions or other opportunities.
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Develop a portfolio of textile design coloring samples. Color theory courses and classes in textile design and construction offer opportunities to create your own textile coloring samples. Textile manufacturers, designers and stylists will ask for your portfolio when interviewing you for a job or internship.
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Join a professional textile organization. Professional textile organizations offer the opportunity to meet and network with people who work in the textile industry. Certain organizations, such as the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, may offer student chapters.
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Obtain practical work experience. Look for art and design programs that offer internships or apprenticeships with textile manufacturers and designers. Intern programs allow you to gain valuable experience working with knowledgeable professionals.
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Develop professional, technical and computer skills. Ask to work on projects during internships and entry-level positions where you can polish and refine needed skills. Colorists need professional skills in critical thinking, active listening and complex problem-solving. Computer skills in software products such as Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as technical skills in dyeing, manufacturing processes and fabric and fiber structures, are also necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Textile manufacturers and textile designers are typically found in large cities such as Chicago or New York. Working with textile designers who design and make local handmade textiles is an option when looking for an internship or entry-level job in other parts of the country.
