After writing an article on fashion design, I learned that there is a small niche within this field; it lies in textile design. Textile designers work with textiles when creating their designs and seek to enhance the look of clothing and/or other products such as furniture. From what I have heard, there are great opportunities in textile design that people seem to be unaware of.
There are two major fields in textile design: interiors (such as upholstery for furniture) and fabrics for clothing. Some textile designers specialize in certain areas including knit design, and pattern design, which extends beyond fashion design. Others may design items like wrapping paper and greeting cards. Textile designers have many responsibilities; a few of them are:
- Producing sketches and design ranges for presentation to customers
- Using specialist computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce a range of designs
- Developing new design concepts
You will have a better opportunity to find an
entry level job in
textile design if you have a degree in textiles, knitwear, fashion, or art and design. If you have a particular area of interest in textile design, consider taking specialized courses that are relevant to the work you want to do. For anyone looking to enter this field, the required classes are color theory and pattern design, along with having a general understanding of most fabrics and materials. Even if you start out as a fashion designer, you may realize that working in textile design can advance your ideas as a designer. In addition, any relevant work experience such as an
internship or other training will help prepare you to enter this field.
Other requirements for textile design job seekers include:
- Patience and perseverance
- Creative flair
- Business acumen and commercial awareness
- Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and garment and textile technology
Don't forget that getting an
entry level job in textile design may also depend on your ability to network with other people. Building relationships in the industry could provide a lead to a job opportunity.
How far you go as a textile designer is up to you. The usual path is from junior designer to designer, and then a senior design role. Some designers even open their own businesses if they have enough experience, a record of success, and their own customers. Textile designers are hired by various employers such as large fashion and clothing retailers, and interior design and decoration services.
The entry level salary for a textile designer in the United States is around $40,000.
If you're interested in working with textiles to create designs for clothing or other products like furniture, textile design may be the field for you.
If you missed it, here's my article on Fashion Design.
Sources
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&pageno=1&idno=414
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=414&pageno=3
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=414&pageno=5
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=414&pageno=6
http://www.graphicdesignbasics.com/textile-design.html
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Textile_Designer/Salary