The world of fashion design gives people an opportunity to express their own sense of style. Some designs are simple, while others are one of a kind. Nevertheless, each one of us makes a fashion statement. If you decide to enter into this field, you can be part of the creative process that can turn into the hottest trends in fashion that many people will want to wear.
It can take up to two years before a design comes to life. Fashion designers start out by researching the latest fashion trends and then coming up with ideas for new trends. After the designs and materials have been selected, the fashion design has to be modeled to determine if any adjustments are necessary. Eventually, the final design is created with the materials and then offered for purchase to retail stores. Today, more designers are using computer-aided design (CAD) to get a preview of their designs; this saves them time without having to make several alterations on an actual model and going through many samples of clothing.
Fashion designers may or may not have a lot of input in the design or production of their products. Any involvement is based on their company's size and how much experience they have in fashion. Larger design companies give designers more responsibilities; in smaller companies, someone with an entry level job has more hands on tasks, not overseeing an entire project. There are different types of fashion designers including:
Employers desire job candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in fashion design. For anyone who wants to own a business, it is a good idea to also earn a degree in business, marketing, or fashion merchandising. While earning your degree in fashion design, you will study color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fashion history, computer-aided design (CAD), and design. To learn the required skills of this field and gain some experience, search for internships with design or manufacturing companies. Other options include working in retail stores, and entering student or amateur design contests. In addition to these requirements, fashion designers must have:
- An eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation for beauty
- Good communication and problem-solving skills
- The ability to sketch designs
- A good portfolio
- Sewing and pattern making skills
- Strong sales and presentation skills
- The ability to work well with others
Fashion designers often find work in regional fashion centers; two states where an abundance of these employees have been found in the past are California and New York. Even though employment is expected to increase in the coming years, entry level jobs in fashion design may become more competitive with the attraction to the industry. Candidates for these jobs should look for opportunities in companies that design clothing for the mass market.
Anyone who decides on being a fashion designer should prepare to work some overtime to meet the demands of the field. This could mean attending fashion shows to learn about fashion trends or putting the final touch on a client's outfit.
So, how much money will you make as a fashion designer? That probably depends on a variety of factors such as your education and experience. In the U.S., the starting salary is $36,046; the average salary is $43,288.
If you're a creative person who loves keeping up with the latest fashion trends in clothing and accessories, then a career in fashion design might interest you.
Sources
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos291.htm
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_compresult_national_SC16000148.html
