How to Become a Furrier

If you want to become a furrier, not only you need to have a steady hand and flair for sewing, you will also need to be knowledgeable in the selecting of fur pelts. Also, it doesn't stop there, because if you want to be a good furrier, you will have to have a sense of design and fashion as well as knowing the latest or future trends.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Choose if you want to work as an apprentice or start your own business.

2. Study math, art and business while in school. Learn to be an excellent communicator. You will need to be able to express your ideas and build a client base.

3. Handle pelts very carefully. It is important that you know how to use your tools. A typical mink pelt of good quality is costly, and minimum waste and maximum use of the pelt will be required.

4. Design sketch patterns of your ideas and then sew your patterns to build a portfolio of your work. A fashion house could be the key to your success.

5. Take as many classes as you can in fashion design, agricultural technologies and how to handle a pelt. You will want to structure your coursework in such a way that they will provide you with at least an associates degree.

6. Decide if you want to raise minks for pelts. Judge the pros and cons of cost in such an endeavor-it may be worth the expense to raise high quality mink on your own. The quality of fur is critical since you will have to adjust, repair, select and create your own luxury items.

Tips & Warnings

• Attend specialty classes focusing on design and fashion with a sewing background.
• Attend specialty classes on pelt quality and pelt handling.
• Start networking and educating yourself on the Internet as furriers have no formal affiliations.
• Know how to care for your minks.

Resources

• Article about the fur trade
• History of the tradition of the fur trade and furriers

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.