How to Start a Career in Fashion Designing

Computer
Transportation
Design Tools

Things You'll Need

• Fashion designers design original clothing and accessories or follow predicted fashion trends. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median wage for a fashion designer is $61,160 annually and projects an employment growth of 3 percent to 6 percent from 2006 through 2016.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Get an accredited degree. The BLS says employers are looking for a two- to four-year degree. Bachelor's of fine arts and associate's degrees in fashion design are offered at many colleges and private art and design schools. Verify that the school you choose is accredited by looking it up at the National Association of Schools of Art and Design's website (see Resources below).

2. Get an internship. The BLS says you can attain necessary skills at fashion and manufacturing firms. Also consider working for retail stores, custom tailors or personal stylists. Ask to gain experience in business and design because both areas are interconnected in the fashion world. International experience is also seen as favorable. Because of the globalization of the fashion industry, training in an international fashion center--such as Milan or Tokyo--can provide dimension to your experience.

3. Enter your designs in amateur or student contests. Entering contests can help you gain exposure by potential employers, while getting more experience, the BLS says.

4. Look for jobs as pattern makers or sketching assistants. According to the BLS, most entry-level jobs will be in pattern-making or sketching. The more experience and accomplishment, the higher level of advancement. Designers with more experience may be eligible for design department head, chief designer or another supervisory position. Some may start their own design company or sell designs at retail stores. Others may reach higher levels of haute couture and work at fashion houses that personally serve wealthy clients.

References

• United States Department of Labor: Fashion Designers
• Occupational Information Network: Fashion Designers

Resources

• National Association of Schools of Art and Design
• Fashion Group International