During High School
If a student becomes aware of her prospective future as a fashion designer during her high school years, it is recommended that she start training even before entering college. Most high schools offer art and design classes; these are often a good place to start. Art classes will teach about sketching and color palettes, skills that will be essential in the world of fashion design. Many towns and communities offer sewing classes through art stores or colleges. Larger schools provide students with the opportunity to take classes in fashion design or fashion merchandising.
Post Secondary Education
Depending on the needs and prestige of employers, different levels of education are often required for fashion designers. Fashion designers can either choose to obtain a two-year associate degree in fashion design or a bachelor of fine arts degree. Many students choose to combine their fashion or fine arts degree with business, marketing or fashion merchandising to make them more qualified in the work force. The National Association of School of Art and Design recognizes 250 postsecondary institutions as art and design schools. A majority of these schools offer programs in fashion design. Typically, students take classes in flat patterns, sewing, draping, apparel design and classes on specific styles and types of fashion.
Experience
During the two to four years spent obtaining a formal degree, students can work in retail stores as personal stylists or custom tailors. This will provide students with experience working with a variety of different fabrics, colors and styles. Working in a clothing store will also help keep students fresh on what is in style at the time. Many programs require students to participate in an internship at a design or manufacturing firm. If your specific program does not offer this, look for summer internships on your own.
Exceptions
Not all fashion designers must obtain a formal education to become successful. In very rare cases, fashion designers simply work their way up. They start as assistants or interns working at fashion design firms and learn the ropes from there. However, it takes a very talented individual to be successful in the fashion world without any formal training.
Tags: fashion design, fashion designers, arts degree, design classes, fashion merchandising, fine arts