Aspiring fashion designers must gain a variety of skills through training.
Fashion designers are involved in designing clothing and accessories, according to Education-Portal.com. They might work for private clients or for a company that mass produces fashion items for sale. In addition, these professionals can design costumes for theater productions or movies. Median annual wages for fashion designers in May 2008 were $61,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aspiring fashion designers must complete education and work experience requirements to be successful in this competitive field.
Admission
Students typically must complete basic art and design classes before formally enrolling in a fashion design program. They also usually must submit sketches or other portfolio work that demonstrates their artistic ability. In addition, students might need to submit transcripts from high school, previous college courses or GED programs, as well as personal essays or recommendation letters, according to California College of the Arts.
Degree
Individuals who want to become fashion designers usually need a two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degree in fashion design. Students also can combine their fashion design degree with a degree in fashion merchandising, marketing or businesses, particularly if they want to operate their own business or retail outlet. These degree programs teach students the ins and outs of developing a design concept and bringing it into production as a wearable clothing item, according to DegreeDirectory.org. They also teach students communicate their ideas in writing, as well as through visual and oral presentations.
Program Credibility
When looking for a fashion designer training program, students should look for programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The association accredits hundreds of art and design schools, many of which award degrees in fashion design. Students also should look for programs where professors are fashion industry professionals and where fashion clubs are available, according to CollegeBoard.com. Schools that offer exchange programs to design centers, such as New York or London, also are a plus.
Courses
Classes in a fashion designer training program cover topics such as pattern making, fashion history, fashion merchandising, color, fabrics and textiles. Students also learn about sewing and tailoring, drawing for fashion design, computer-aided design, developing a product line and various types of clothing, such as women's wear or footwear. They usually have the opportunity to complete work in studios. In addition, students should take classes on psychology, human anatomy and math.
Work Experience
Individuals who want to become fashion designers should gain hands-on experience through internships with design or manufacturing firms. They also can work in retail stores and serve as custom tailors or personal stylists. Outlets that offer work experience opportunities include Old Navy or Polo Ralph Lauren. Retail setting experiences increase students' sales and marketing skills and allow them to also learn what styles and fabrics look good on various people. In addition, aspiring fashion designers can enter their designs in amateur contests or student fashion shows to expose their work to potential employers. With the fashion industry being so globalized, pursuing experience in a major international fashion center, such as Paris or Milan, also is beneficial.
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