How to Become an Underaged Fashion Designer

Fashion designers influence what we wear and what we think about clothes. Fashion designers, who are creative businesspeople, usually work for themselves out of artists' studios and display their creations to clients privately or to the public at fashion shows. An underaged fashion designer can develop the necessary skills to be successful through taking art classes, learning how to sew, participating in fashion shows and studying fashion history.

Instructions

1. Sketch designs. Drawing is an essential skill. To learn how to draw, or to get better at drawing, take classes in high school. Buy a sketchbook and a colored pencil set. Carry them with you wherever you go; thus, you can draw a clothing design when inspiration strikes. That way, you have plenty of great ideas to choose from when you are ready to make a clothing item.

2. Learn to how to sew and how to make patterns. Purchase an inexpensive sewing machine from a sewing machine dealer. Fabric stores offer new owner classes to their sewing machine customers, so you do not have to worry about learning how to use the machine on your own. Your instructor will also teach you tips to make you a better crafter. Register for follow-up classes to hone your skills. Fabric stores also offer pattern-making classes. You can also learn pattern-making through books and pattern-making software.

3. Purchase supplies. Like any artist, fashion designers need specific supplies to produce their creations. To be a successful underaged fashion designer, you will need a sewing kit with notions like scissors, pins, pincushion, needles, tape measure and more. Ask the salesperson at your local fabric store to help you select all the necessary notions to complete a sewing task. You will also need a dressmaker’s mannequin. You can buy one at a fabric store or a less expensive one at a thrift store.

4. Sew your designs. Pick the design you want to make from your sketchbook. Create a pattern in the size of your mannequin or model. Buy the fabric you want and sew your garment.

5. Create an online portfolio. This allows you to show your designs to prospective clients. Take pictures of your original designs and create a website to display your portfolio. Remember to include the best images from your sketchbook.

6. Participate in fashion shows. Fashion shows showcase your skills and are held year round at malls, churches and community organizations. Calls for fashion show participants appear in local newspapers and on community organization websites. You can also work with your art teacher or student activities coordinator to organize a fashion show at your high school.

7. Connect with other underaged fashion designers. Websites like fashionclub.com connect teenagers interested in fashion. Start a fashion club at your school or in your neighborhood so you always have creative people around you who understand your love of fashion.

8. Study the masters. An underaged fashion designer can benefit from learning about fashion design legends like Coco Chanel, Gianni Versace and Yves Saint Laurent. You can find books about fashion designers and fashion history at a bookstore or library. Libraries also have fashion magazine back issues in their archives. Take note of sketches and of information about how great designers got their start.

References

• Teen Fashion Designer Zoe Damacela

Resources

• Fashion Club