Fashion Design

Archive for December, 2009

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.

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.

If your considering attending fashion school, there are a number of choices to wade through, and many factors to consider. How do you separate the hype from the substance when considering what fashion design school is right for your needs? By becoming clear on your school evaluation criteria, it will be easier to pick the school that is right for you.
One of the main factors, of course, is cost. Education is an investment in yourself, and there will be some cost outlays involved for tuition, supplies, and other aspects of attending school. However, if you’ve committed to getting a fashion design education, than you shouldn’t let cost get in your way. You will certainly want to compare costs, the costs of various schools with the overall benefits you’ll receive from each. You may be able to get a better loan or financial aid package from one school over another, and this certainly should be a consideration.
Another factor to consider is location. There are a variety of fashion schools located in some of the major design capitals of the world, such as Milan, London, and New York. If you decided to attend a school located there, you may have increased costs of living, which should be taken into consideration. But, you will also be more immersed in the world of fashion, and may have a chance to make more contacts in the fashion industry that can help you after graduation.
There are some schools that offer an online education, and this may also be a good choice for you. If you need more flexibility with your classes, or have family or work commitments, an online school may be a better choice. Of course, you will want to make sure you have reliable computer and Internet access, and a place to study.
One thing you should pay close attention to is the job placement services the school offers. Most people attend fashion design school because they are looking to work in the fashion industry, and how the school supports what happens post-graduation should be examined closely. The school may have job placement statistics available, and perhaps an alumni association. You may want to contact some of the alumni, and find out how their job placement situation was handled.
The quality of the curriculum and instructors is of course, another major factor. Take a look through their catalogue and see what type of classes are being offered. Classes should offer a good mix of application and theory, and be rigorous without being overwhelming.
Attending a top fashion design school can be a reality instead of just a dream. By critically evaluating the schools based on the criteria that is important to you, you will find many schools that can offer you the education and experience of a lifetime. If you spend the time to comparison

Amy Wells writes about fashion education. Thinking of attending Fashion
School? Get the facts first, find out where to go and how to save money on Fashion
School.