Fashion design students get the training, education and experience necessary
to sew up stylish careers.
"As long as people wear clothing, there will be a wide array of job
openings awaiting new graduates," says Kevin Crouch. He is a fashion
design professor at O'More College of Design in Tennessee. He adds that success
requires hard work.
Jobs related to the fashion industry are diverse, Paula Funk agrees. She
is the bachelor of fine arts program advisor at a university. "Graduates do
everything from theater costume design to production of industrial safety-wear,"
says Funk.
Two-year college diplomas will make sure graduates are well prepared for
an entry-level position in fashion. A four-year bachelor's degree will qualify
you for most jobs in the industry, but you'll need a master of fine arts degree
if you want to teach fashion design at the college level.
Many fashion design programs will want to see your portfolio as part
of the application process. Interviews are also common. "We consider
a wide range of skills and knowledge in the review, including sewing skills,
artistic expertise, math skills, life experience, and both written and oral
communication," says Funk.
The fashion industry has both a creative and technical side. You will have
to decide which side you are more interested in and match your interest to
program offerings.
There are many successful men working in the fashion industry, but men
are a significant minority in fashion design courses.
"In the workplace, however, the ratio of female to male employees evens
out. At that point, talent, drive and passion determine successful employment,
and those qualities are not gender specific," says Kevin Crouch.
Fashion is all about having an edge. Aspiring fashion designers should
start early. In high school, take textiles and art classes. You can learn
the basics, like operating a sewing machine or fashion sketching.
"A prepared student has an advantage over classmates and a greater ability
to develop individual talents," says Crouch.
You should read serious fashion periodicals and learn about the historical
evolution of fashion. Become familiar with the names of international and
local designers and what they are particularly known for. Try to get a
summer job in fashion, a retail store or another art-related field. You
can learn the workings of the business at the consumer level.
"Develop a diverse portfolio of garments and fine art," says Funk. "Students
who have some understanding of pattern drafting also have an edge, so working
with pattern development or even Auto-CAD can be useful."
Many programs cover equipment costs with tuition. Look into the facilities
and equipment available to students before you sign up for class.
"Expenses outside of tuition include textbooks, supplies and materials.
Costs of these fluctuate considerably, but typically run about $1,400 per
semester," says Funk.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to Fashion Design Programs, see:
Fashion Designers
Fashion Net
Runway photos, biographies and more
Designers A to Z
Find fashion designers, websites and profiles