You Better Work: the Grueling Glamour of Fashion Design
Do you spend every Wednesday night glued to the TV in anticipation of the next Project Runway episode, enamored by the unique designs and confident that you could produce garments of equal quality? Do you believe that clothes are not merely functional, but should also serve as beautiful means of self-expression? Do you long for the fast-paced glitz of cities like New York and Los Angeles? If you answered yes to these questions, you may want to consider a career in fashion design.
Keep in mind, though, that this profession is not all bright lights and glitter. Beyond the glamour lies an intensely competitive work environment that demands not only great creativity, but also knowledge of current trends, proficiency in sewing and patternmaking, and a flair for self-promotion. Ready to climb the rhinestone ladder?
Fashion Design Job Overview
Every year, fashion designers create billions of clothes, shoes, and accessories for a discerning and fickle body of consumers. They stay up-to-date with fashion trends by conducting research and attending trade and fashion shows. Over a period of 18-24 months--the standard block of time between a design's conceptual stages and its completion; not quite the mad dash depicted on Project Runway--a designer incorporates his/her findings into hand sketches, sometimes translated into computer-aided design (CAD), and then begins the process of either delegating technical tasks, such as sewing, to others (typical of large design firms) or completing this work themselves (more common in small firms or with those just starting out).
While the public image places fashion designers in some posh Manhattan penthouse, following their own aesthetic whims in order to please the very rich and socially elite, only a few of the most successful designers score haute couture gigs. Many others create mass market deigns, open their own stores, or sell their designs to other retailers. Some even work for the entertainment industry, researching period pieces and creating costumes for films and television shows. Whether self-employed or part of a large design team, all fashion designers must be prepared for frequent travel and the occasional all-nighter.
Fashion Design Education and Other Qualifications
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that most employers seek designers with 2- or 4-year degrees. Basic coursework for a bachelor's degree typically includes textiles, sewing, CAD training, and fashion history. Fashion design students may also want to supplement their core curriculum with classes in business, human anatomy, and psychology. Aspiring designers can also gain valuable experience from internships or retail jobs, and should always maintain an impressive portfolio.
Job Outlook & Salary Information
Predictably, many are attracted to the glamour and artiness of fashion design, and this makes for a competitive job market. The BLS notes that the best job prospects will be found in firms that create mass-market designs. Advancement is possible for those who are talented, tenacious, and willing to start from the very bottom. The average annual salary for fashion designers hovered around $62,810 in 2007.
About the Author
Kelli Smith is the senior editor for www.Edu411.org. Edu411.org lists colleges and career institutes that offer training and programs in Fashion. Schools listed offer free information packages or academic consultation.
San Francisco Fashion, Sewing Lesson, Threadbanger
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1972 NEW SIMPLICITY 9870 SIZE 12 BUST 34 MISS DESIGNER FASHION DRESS CAPE CAPEL $4.45 |
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1950 MADRA GENE VOGUE 742 FASHION DOLL PATTERN OOP NEW MINT UNCUT - DRESS , HAT $24.99 |
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30 Gold Ribbon Bow & Wreath Design Golden Sewing Buttons/shank/fashion/girl B142 $4.00 |
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17.5mm 30pcs FASHION SEWING BUTTONS LOT 4HOLES #0289 $2.75 |
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SINGER CHEVRON FASHION DISC #21 (174547) FOR 401, 403, 500, MANY 600 SERIES $6.99 |
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1977 NEW SIMPLICITY 7970 SIZE 10 MISS DESIGNER FASHION MISSES PANTS & PULLOVER $4.45 |
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McCall's Fashion Accessories APRONS WITH HOT PAD Pattern #M5825 size OSZ $4.99 |
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Ottobre design kids fashion Summer 3/2006 patterns included $9.99 |
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McCall's Sewing Pattern - Fashion Headband, Hat, Scarves, Neck Warmer & Gloves $3.75 |
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A Galaxy Of Sewing Techniques (volume 4) by Margaret Islander Volume 4 More Shortcuts and Couture From Margaret Islander... |
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A Galaxy of Sewing Techniques Volume 3 More Shortcuts and Couture from Margaret Islander ... |
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Margaret Islander's Sewing Systems Industrial Shortcuts For Home Sewing - Parts One & Two $45.00 You will learn on Parts I & II: *Cutting *Know Your Machine *Curves, Curves, Curves *Fearless Pockets *Darting In, Darting Out *Fancy Darts *Flat Felled Seams *Zippers & Waistbands *No-Bulk Back Neck Zipper Openings (lapped zippers) *Crossing Bulky Seams With Ease (even on jeans) *Mitering *And more!... |
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Room Fashion Show - 18W x 12H - Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $30.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won't damage your paint or l... |
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Fashion Divas - 24H x 19W - Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won't damage your paint or l... |