Once you realize that fashion design is the career you want to follow, you should start looking into how you will get the education you will need. Picking a fashion design school is no less of a process than if you would pick out an engineering or business school. You need to put the time and effort into the research of various fashion design schools, their specialties and their reputations. Picking a fashion design school which you are comfortable with is the ultimate goal.
Instructions
1. Decide what area of the fashion design field you want to specialize in. There are many different specialties and you will need to research these before picking a fashion design school. The different segments of the fashion design industry range from men's wear to children; from sportswear to knitwear; it also includes shoes and accessories designing. There is the business side of the industry with marketing and merchandising as well as fashion photography. There is textile design and now even green design for the environmentally conscious. Knowing your interests and skill will help you decide.
2. Find the schools which teach that specific field. The research is needed because certain schools specialize in certain fields of study. This is similar to what medical and technical students must do. An example would be a fashion school that also has strong business courses for students wanting a degree in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. There are schools such as the Academy of Art which offers tracks in such areas as knitwear design, men's wear and textile designing. The School of Fashion Design offers courses in bridalwear, children's wear, handbags and others. Meanwhile at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising you can specialize in footwear design.
3. Make a list of items to look for such as cost, location, programs, degree levels, internships and placement assistance after graduation. Most of the schools will be in either New York or Los Angeles; but there are some schools with Internet courses available.
4. Create a list of schools you will consider. You will then need to research everything possible about each of these potential choices. Find what careers the teaching staff had before teaching; as well as how long the school has existed. You will want schools where the experience is extensive and both the school and the staff are well known before picking a fashion design school to apply to.
5. Have a portfolio ready to send to each school. Fashion design schools will want to see your work and your ability before you are accepted. Portfolios include drawings, designs and photos of finished pieces. Make sure you also include any recommendations or references from people in the fashion design industry which you have worked with.
6. Complete the application process for all of the fashion design schools you have picked out. At the same time, you should apply for any grants or scholarships available. This should be done as soon as possible as these applications take time to be approved. Most fashion design schools you pick will want all paperwork in place within 60 days ahead of the first day of classes.
7. Make plans to visit as many of the schools as you can to get the feel of the school, teachers and curriculum. This will help you find which schools you are most comfortable with.
8. Start through the elimination process to narrow down the field of potential schools once you start receiving the responses from the fashion design schools you picked out. You will soon arrive at your final choice of a fashion design school.
9. Send replies to each school thanking them for the opportunity. Send your acceptance paperwork to your chosen school as fast as possible and begin the admissions process.
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