Fashion designers use their knowledge of fabrics, styles and colors to
create clothing people will want to wear.
They sketch original designs and create patterns for clothing based on
these sketches. Once the pattern is completed, a designer will experiment
with fabrics and colors to make a sample garment of their latest design.
Next time you notice a fancy dress worn by a celebrity, or even the next
time you pull on your favorite sweater, think about this: It started as a
sketch made by a fashion designer.
These days, fashion designers are often as famous as the celebrities who
show off their designs. TV stations now devote entire shows to the fashion
industry. They report on the newest looks as they're being unveiled on runways
in New York, Paris and Milan.
While most fashion designers make clothes, some do a lot more. Big-name
designer labels, such as Ralph Lauren, can be found on towels, sheets, furniture,
wallpaper, paint and even luggage.
An important part of a fashion designer's job is to stay one step ahead
of fashion trends. This means the designer has to know about past trends,
current styles, and even art history.
"A really good fashion designer can predict what color, texture and hemline
will be in fashion two years or more before members of the general public
realize they have to have it," says San Francisco fashion designer Ronnie
Bogle.
Networking is an important part of this career, so a fashion designer has
to be a good "people person."
Job opportunities in this career are generally best in large cities. Yet
small town designers may be able to successfully market their designs in local
boutiques or via the Internet.
Many fashion designers open their own small scale business, designing and
creating baby clothes for example.
A fashion designer may have various types of jobs. They may design on a
freelance basis, work for a design company, or run a garment business.
Many fashion designers start their careers as assistant designers. Or,
they may work in the cutting room, assembling garments.
Manufacturers of clothing produce new styles, called lines, four times
a year. Designers work long hours preparing for the release of these lines
-- sometimes 12 hours or more per day.
Fashion designers make up a small percentage of professionals in the clothing
industry. It's not an easy field to break into, but experts say there is always
room for someone with talent and new ideas.
Children's clothing and clothing for larger people are some of the growing
specialty areas in this industry.
Experts say drawing ability, math skills, sewing skills and an instinct
for fashion are the important ingredients for people in this field.
"There are tons of college or university programs out there to help you
get the skills you need to be a fashion designer," says designer Claudia Bishop.
"You develop the instinct through talent and experience."
Working conditions and places of employment for fashion designers vary.
Designers employed by manufacturing establishments or design firms generally
work regular hours in well-lit and comfortable settings. Self-employed designers
tend to work longer hours -- especially at first, when they are trying to
establish themselves and cannot afford to hire assistants or clerical help.
Designers frequently adjust their day to suit their clients' schedules.
There are no real physical requirements for a fashion designer, although
some limitations might not be tolerable, depending on working locations or
fashion shoots.
The four basic skills for fashion designers are imagination, drawing skills,
sewing skills, and an ability to create patterns. Experts say honing these
skills takes "practice, practice, practice."
The next step on the road to fashion design is to create a portfolio of
your designs and a number of sample garments. These are the things that show
a prospective client what you can do.
Once a new fashion designer feels ready to brave the industry, there are
a number of ways to get started. Many designers begin their careers by advertising
custom-made clothes in the classifieds. It's a good way to get your clothes
worn and get people familiar with your designs.
Another good way to get local exposure for your work is to offer your designs
for display in a small fashion boutique.
Some beginning designers volunteer their time with design houses. This
can lead to an entry-level position as an assistant designer or as a producer
in the workroom, where clothing is constructed.
Freelancing is also an option for new fashion designers. It may take a
lot of effort to get the manufacturers to look at your designs, but if they
like them it will really get your career rolling.