The role of fashion designers in the fashion industry is undoubtedly important. Apart from models, fashion designers are also recognized by large section of public and lauded by media too. Clearly, these high profile personalities are influential representatives of the fashion industry. Of countless aspirants who choose to chase Holy Grail of position as top fashion designers, only some make it through.
This is one of the most competitive industries in which one can make a mark for himself. It is difficult to make it through but not impossible with enough talent, confidence, ambition and determination. Whatever your interests are, there would be certainly some niche in fashion industry that can fit you well.
Responsibilities of a Fashion Designer
The work of fashion designers involves creating clothes and fashion accessory designs. Their job comprises drawing, sketching ideas and cutting patterns for creating stylish garments. They also select the garment fabric, trim it, combine tailoring and dressmaking principles with draping and flat pattern techniques, modify finished garments, arrange showings for buyers and press when the sample garments line is all set. They are responsible for comparing the work with that of competitors and keep a check on the latest trends by attending fashion shows and reading fashion magazines. They instruct the tailors regarding stitching techniques, talk to their clients and tell them what will suit on them best depending on the occasion.
Quintessentially, the fashion designers need to be really innovative and creative when creating original designs. They take part in fashion shows to showcase their creations. They also attend fashion seminars and or conduct workshops. Once they become popular they can be a guest faculty in fashion institutes where they can provide knowledge to aspiring designers. They should also be able to visualize new designs and coordinate well with other members of the design team. The job of fashion designers is very demanding and requires these professionals to be innovative to match up the ever changing trends in the market. It is important for these individuals to learn personality of the firms, tastes and target clients of the store and also stores that buy merchandise. With the appropriate experience, you can find what can be sold profitably in the intended markets. Fashion designers also make fashion forecasts.
Educational and Skill Sets Required for a Fashion Designing Career
Fashion designers generally start their career after completing a degree or diploma in fashion designing or related subject. A lot of courses are available for aspiring fashion designers, some provide grounding in the designing and some focus on clothing and manufacturing technology. Strong work portfolio is a must to get work as a fashion designer.
Usually on the job training is provided to the candidates for learning and working side by side. As the competition is very strong, so employers expect new recruits to come with basic skills and knowledge about the work before they start their career. These individuals begin working at the junior levels, assisting the experienced fashion designers for gaining contacts and experience.
With proper experience, these designers are able to shift to higher positions and roles with established fashion labels. After some time, they can shift to specialized areas like style consultancy, color predicting, and costume design and fashion journalism.
Fashion designers should be creative and should have eye for texture, color and patterns. The ability to visualize things in 3D is helpful to the fashion designers. Technical skills that involve areas like paper cutting, grading, garment construction. Computer and by hand drawing skills should be up to the mark too. These professional should possess strong communication skills to convey their ideas persuasively and clearly to the team. Ability to work efficiently under the pressure without exceeding the budget is a must too. They need to have Commercial awareness and business skills for excelling in their work.
While selling the designs, fashion designers have to indulge in negotiation that requires the convincing attitude. They need to have a good sense of choosing fabric, style and colors.
The Future of a Fashion Designing Career
Job prospects for efficient fashion designers are very good. In the ever evolving fashion industry, there is constant need of creative people to take care of designing part. If you are good in your work, you will easily get a job of your choice. If you have an innovative mind and can work with the changing market trends, fashion industry is the place for you. Think no more, polish your skills and get started with a career in fashion designing.
The salary of a fashion designer relies on many factors including employer, place and experience. The starting package for qualified fashion designer is $14,500 to over $17,000 a year. With some experience in their work, they earn around $40,000 annually. Senior designers earn up to $100,000 annually. Freelance designers charge on every design they prepare for their clients and sky is the limit once you become well-known.
