How To Become A Fashion Designer

Step 1: Complete a degree program

To get a foot in the door of this competitive industry, hopeful fashion designers will need to hone their skills through a degree program. Students interested in this field can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in fashion design, where you’ll take courses in computer-aided fashion design, fashion history, textiles, figure drawing, and pattern making. Fashion designers can also complete degrees in fashion merchandising to train for a job that has a curriculum covering merchandise planning, retail merchandising, consumer behavior, retail management and product development.

Step 2: Sharpen skills with hands-on experience

To sharpen the skills needed to take a design from an idea to a finished product, students need to practice outside the classroom. This hands-on learning can be accomplished by participating in an internship program with a design firm, apparel manufacturer, or personal stylist. In addition, students can gain experience by volunteering for a fashion store.

Step 3: Learn the business of fashion

Behind the creative flair of the fashion industry lies the business acumen needed to keep a company running. In addition to learning the creative side of the field, students should also familiarize themselves with what goes on behind the scenes-such as finance, sales, and marketing-especially if you want to have your own fashion business.

Step 4: assemble a portfolio

To help future fashion designers showcase your talent to potential employers, you’ll need to create a portfolio that demonstrates your skills and creative sensibilities. Students can fill your portfolio with the work you’ve done during your degree program, so it’s important to treat each assignment as if you were showing your work to a future boss. Portfolios allow people to show off a range of skills, including your sketching, sewing, and patterning skills.

Step 5: keep up with trends
The fashion industry changes from season to season, so it’s important for designers to stay up to date on trends. This can be done by regularly reading trade journals and magazines.

FAQ

1. should i choose a niche?
   The fashion industry is so broad, designers will not master every aspect. Designers should choose a niche that you enjoy and are good at, and focus your work on that area. Some of the niches fashion designers can choose from are men’s, women’s, swimwear, sportswear and accessories design.
2. should fashion designers be on social media?
   It is important for designers to connect with each other, other professionals in the industry and those who will be your future clients. A strong social media presence allows you to make those important connections and build your brand by showcasing your talent. To get a head start on advertising, aspiring designers can create your online brand while you are still in school.
3. should i attend networking events?
   It’s a good idea to attend industry networking events. By attending these events, fashion designers can meet people you want to do business with, including models, stylists, retailers, merchandisers and buyers.