How to Become a Fashion Illustrator

If you want a career that combines computer know-how with graphic design as well as fashion sense and business skills, consider fashion illustration. The field allows artists to be creative and earn a good living (hard to come by in the art world). As you become more experienced, you might rub elbows with the world's best designers. Here's how you can get started as a fashion illustrator.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Sketch current fashions that you see, but add your own touches to the design. Take as many art classes as you can in high school, paying particular attention to figure drawing.

2. Explore colleges that offer fashion illustration programs. The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City offers 43 fashion-related majors, with degrees available from an Associate of Applied Arts, bachelor's degrees, bachelor of fine arts, and master of arts programs.

3. Expect to complete at least a minimum of an associate degree in fashion illustration. A bachelor of arts in graphic design or fashion is preferred.

4. Learn to use the following computer programs for fashion illustration: Photoshop, Illustrator and CAD. Many creative fields prefer Mac over Windows-based programs, so become familiar with using a Mac to illustrate.

5. Secure as many internships as you can to learn the ropes of fashion illustration. The more experience you get, the better it will look on your resume.

6. Don't rule out working with a discount chain or national department store chain over exclusive designers, because there may be more opportunities for jobs. Other places to look include fashion publications or advertising agencies that work with designers.

Resources

• The Fashion Institute website discusses their programs
• Kent State University offers a strong fashion program
• Style Career's website gives tips on being a fashion illustrator