How to Become a Fashion Designer: What You Need to Know
Do you dream of becoming the next Michael Kors, building a fashion empire like Ralph Lauren, or becoming a contestant on "Project Runway?" Then learning how to be a fashion designer is for you. Working as a professional fashion designer can mean anything from overseeing a design team at a children's clothing company or producing your own line. The sky's the limit, but the first step in a fashion design career is enrolling in fashion school.
What You Can Learn in Fashion Schools
In a general four-year fashion school program, you can learn to creatively develop fashion theories, understand fashion from a historical perspective, and build a skill set around the principles of design. You may also learn various techniques, such as draping, patternmaking, and garment construction. Other common courses and instruction include:
- Learning about color composition and form
- Sketching fashion figures and garments
- Using fashion software and technology
- Fashion industry best practices
Many fashion schools require students to complete a collection of work, which is presented during the final year of school. Traditionally, many fashion insiders attend these events to scout for new talent.
What Can Earn as a Fashion Designer
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these fashion-related careers had the following median annual salaries in 2009:
- Apparel, Piece Goods and Notions Merchant Wholesalers: $73,150
- Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing: $78,320
- Specialized Design Services: $80,720
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: $79,570
- Performing Arts Companies: $53,270
Of course, earnings in a fashion design career can vary widely based on the employer and years of experience. Starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low until designers are established in the field, while more well-known designers can bring in millions of dollars from their collections and business licenses.
Where to Find Fashion Designer Jobs
The BLS reports that employment in the fashion industry is projected to experience growth between 2008 and 2018. The agency also notes that the best job opportunities should be in design firms that design mass-market clothing sold in department stores and retail chain stores, such as apparel wholesale firms. From New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta, to Washington, D.C. and Miami, if you're interested in a fashion design career, you can find many successful job opportunities.
