The Requirements to Become a Fashion Designer
While the life of a fashion designer may seem glamorous as depicted on reality shows and in magazines, the industry is very competitive and requires years of hard work and discipline to have long term success. While there is no set path to becoming a successful designer, there are some things that many of the most successful ones have in common.
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Drawing and Sewing Skills
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Designers create works from sketches that are reworked until they are satisfied with a final design. Taking drawing classes can help you create concepts and learn about form and proportion. It is also useful in patternmaking. Learning how to sew is another essential skill. Acquiring sewing skills and a sewing machine at an early age will only help you in the long run, in school and in a fashion design job. If you have stellar drawing, patternmaking and sewing skills, it would be easier for you to construct well-made garments and present your work to potential clients and investors if you decide to start your own business.
Portfolio
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A portfolio is required for entrance into fashion design schools and when applying for jobs. It may consist of different types of figure drawings of your designs and illustrations featuring different types of textures and prints in a portfolio size book. Some schools and job applications also allow online portfolios in a slide show format. You should keep your portfolio updated with your most current work showing a wide range of designs.
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Education
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Acquiring a degree at school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design can give you a multidisciplinary academic background in fashion and design. Two- and four-year programs including classes in design, illustration, marketing, business, 2D and 3D software design and art history. Students learn the fundamentals about the industry from sketches and patternmaking to production. Schools also offer students that chance to showcase their work during fashion shows. This gives them a chance to get noticed by industry professionals who attend the shows. When students graduate, they will have a portfolio to present to potential employers. Gaining international experience can also be helpful to your career. Some schools also offer study abroad programs with famous design schools in international fashion centers like Paris, Milan and London.
Internship
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Obtaining an internship at a fashion house is not easy. The competition for spots is fierce. However, if you start networking when you are in school, it may be easier to land one of the coveted spots during the summers in between classes and when you graduate. Many internships are unpaid but offer valuable experience in working with designers, public relations, sales teams and other areas of the fashion industry.
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References
- U.S. Department of Labor: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Fashion Designers
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- Parsons The New School for Design: Fashion Design (BFA)
- Parsons The New School for Design: Study Abroad
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Fashion Design
- Pratt Institute: Freshman Admission Requirements
Resources
- Photo Credit Fashion image by CODETZ from Fotolia.com
