How to Become a Fashion Creative Director

Fashion directors often start their careers as designers.

The fashion creative director plays an important role in various facets of the fashion industry. Although there's no job description set in stone for a fashion creative director, the job generally involves the coordination and management of departments within various facets of the fashion industry, such as with fashion magazines or fashion design firms. Becoming a fashion creative director requires a combination of education and experience in fashion design or fashion merchandising.

Instructions

1. Obtain either an associate degree or bachelor's degree in the fashion design field. This is generally the minimum requirement to break into the fashion design field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fashion design students often pursue additional studies or concentrations in a field such as business, fashion merchandising or marketing. Formal education or training in one of these management fields may help you advance in your career.

2. Complete an internship for a fashion design firm or even with a clothing manufacturing company. Gaining experience is key to advancement in the fashion design field — an internship helps you to learn various aspects of the business from the ground up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that fashion designers may even pursue entry-level jobs or internships in retail sales or working for a personal stylist. Working as a retail buyer and later as a purchasing manager can also provide invaluable experience.

3. Develop a portfolio to catalog your work and provide a sense of who you are as a designer and as someone who understands the basic aesthetics of the fashion industry. A design portfolio should include sketches of your own fashion designs, pictures of any finished products that you've been able to market and sell, and any explanatory notes that clarify your work or sources of inspiration. The London College of Fashion at the University of the Arts London recommends also including collage work, presentation sheets and any color studies you may have completed. Having a design portfolio provides an idea of your fashion sense to prospective employers.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fashion Designers
• Education Portal: Fashion Marketing Manager
• The New York Times: Fashion Director: Always an Elusive Job Description
• London College of Fashion: Portfolio Advice