Becoming a Fashion Designer

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BECOMING A FASHION DESIGNER

Fashion, as an art form, holds a unique position. Within designer outlets, careful craftsmanship embellishes each jacket, dress, and shirt, tailored to embody a particular style. Every stitch serves a specific purpose, and each button is placed with precision. The elusive nature of upcoming trends and the profound evolution of styles challenge many to understand. This is where the responsibility of the fashion designer lies: to analyze these trends, introduce innovation, and bring the next iconic piece to life, destined for the spotlight in store windows or on the prestigious catwalk.

Here are some things to consider when choosing an online fashion designer program:

  • The majority of fashion designers have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as fashion design or fashion merchandising, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • While an education and thorough understanding of the fashion process may be critical for a job in the field, employers also look for individuals that can display creativity and originality.
  • Fashion designers must be comfortable using fabrics and textiles in a real world setting, but there are also computer-aided design programs that a professional may have to use on a regular basis. Attaining an expert understanding of this software may also be important.
  • While searching for a position, many employers will request to see a portfolio. Building a sleek portfolio that showcases your creativity and work is often critical to pursuing a career in fashion design.
  • The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits institutions with programs in art and design. It may benefit you to search for online institutions that have been accredited as well.

IS AN ONLINE FASHION DESIGN PROGRAM FOR YOU?

Fashion designers aren’t just seamstresses designing apparel and sorting through fabrics. They’re master trendsetters that use their talent to predict what the next big wardrobe item will be, and with online training in fashion design, you may find what it takes to turn this pursuit into a career. Many students prefer online courses because they are often more convenient and require less commuting.

WHAT DO ONLINE FASHION DESIGN PROGRAM COURSES LOOK LIKE?

Some common courses include:

Intro to Fashion Design: Explore what goes into designing the next must-have trends. You could learn about fabric, color, 2D and 3D design, and more.

Fashion Technology: This course may delve into how garments are made, from start to finish. You could learn about sewing methods and how to construct a piece of clothing.

Art History: Build the foundations to understand art and design throughout history. You could study eras from medieval to modern art.

Digital Communication: In this course, you could learn how to get ideas across – in design and other settings. You may study digital tools, methods, and ways to express yourself.

Figure Drawing: The human form is central to fashion design! In this course, you could learn to draw figures, with a focus on composition, shape, and more.

FASHION DESIGNER CAREER PATHS AND POTENTIAL SALARIES

A foundation in fashion design may prepare you to pursue other careers as well. After receiving an education in analyzing trends and by carefully training your eye for style and design, it may be reasonable to search for employment in other related fields that value the same skills. Study which options may be available using statistics compiled by the BLS.

FASHION DESIGNERS

Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products they design.

According to 2023 BLS data:

Median Salary: $79,290 per year

Job Growth Through 2033: 5% (As fast as average)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

PURCHASING MANAGERS, BUYERS, AND PURCHASING AGENTS

Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents.

According to 2023 BLS data:

Median Salary: $77,180 per year

Job Growth Through 2033: 7% (Faster than average)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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