Fashion Designer - How to become a Fashion Designer

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Some traditionalists believe that fashion is such an unpleasant thing that it must be altered every few months. This remark has become a boon for today's fashion-savvy society in general, and for those aspiring to be fashion designers in particular. As a result of this dynamism in the fashion industry, professionals in the fashion business are always in demand for innovations in diverse customer items.

Although designer alterations were made several centuries before, as seen by evaluating the trend in the clothes, jewelry, furniture, and interiors of yesteryear's well-to-do's, kings, and emperors, the difference is that these things were present unconsciously in the people of that age. With the advent of mass media and purposeful efforts to bring about rapid changes in daily life, it has now become a thing of the masses. Formerly, these terms were used but rarely addressed. Yet, in the last century or so, it has become the talk of the town, and therefore a hot issue among the younger population. Nowadays, fashion design is the most sought-after profession.

Working in the fashion sector might be a fulfilling job if you have a passion for design and apparel.

Original apparel, accessories, and footwear are created by fashion designers. Students draw ideas, choose fabrics and patterns, and provide instructions for making the goods they develop.

Fashion designers are classified into three types: accessory designers, costume and apparel designers, and footwear designers. They can work for huge corporations and fashion businesses, as well as in the film and television industries.

It is one of the most enticing employment alternatives. It provides several options for people who are truly passionate about creating art. Skilled designers have a great opportunity to make a lot of money, fame, and glitter.

 

Who is a Fashion Designer?

A fashion designer creates sketches and manufactures apparel. Fashion designers, on the other hand, do more than only create outfits. They frequently incorporate cultural attitudes, aesthetics, and inspirations into their creations. Designers collaborate with other fashion industry professionals such as stylists, merchandisers, patternmakers, seamsters, costume designers, modeling agencies, design businesses, magazine editors, and others.

Beyond conventional, super specialty design, the fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar multinational enterprise with several sectors and career pathways, including fashion merchandising, eyewear, outerwear, sportswear, accessory design, footwear, outerwear, handbags, and more.

 

What Does a Fashion Designer Do?

Fashion, like other forms of art, is a result of self-expression. Fashion is more than simply the clothes you wear; it is also about how you wear them and the visual tale they convey.

Your objective as a designer is to create something that other people will want to wear. Sketching, picking fabrics, or refining your first muslin may spark a design concept for you, but inspiration may alter when you cast models, decide on hair and makeup, or plan how to exhibit your catalog on the runways.

 

Fashion Designer - Eligibility Requirements

  • Pass the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) or a recognized equivalent test.
  • There are no restrictions on the number of marks obtained in the Senior Secondary Examination or the topics studied.

 

How To Become A Fashion Designer?

1. Complete your Bachelor's degree.

A bachelor's degree in fashion design, fashion merchandising, or visual arts is one of the essential prerequisites for a fashion designer. After finishing your 10+2, you must study for admission exams for fashion design institutions.

2. Complete your Master's degree.

Following earning your bachelor's degree, you can further your education with a postgraduate degree or get job experience before pursuing a master's degree. Master of Design (MDes), Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech), and Master of Fashion Management are some renowned postgraduate fashion designer programs (MFM).

3. Learn about the fashion business firsthand.

Because the fashion business is so competitive, you must begin your career with selective internships. You might hunt for internships with established businesses or work as an assistant to professional fashion designers. This allows you to develop real employment skills, obtain intimate knowledge of the business, and create professional networks.

4. Make a portfolio of your work.

If you want to be a fashion designer, you should start creating a digital portfolio of your creations as soon as feasible. All of your drawings, collections, and prototypes, including those created as part of your curriculum, must be included in your portfolio. Employers can see your talents, style, and future potential through your digital portfolio.

 

What Skills Do You Need to be a Fashion Designer?

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Fashion Designer? Every person possesses a distinct set of abilities. The abilities listed below are required for success as a fashion designer.

1. Artistic ability and creativity- A natural talent is the most vital characteristic of a fashion designer or any artist. You want your artwork to be distinctive and distinct. Before pursuing a career in fashion, many fashion designers worked as architects, graphic designers, or in other related disciplines. Many creative abilities are intrinsic and cannot be taught; but, formal education and everyday practices can help you hone your craft.

2. Communication skills- Each top fashion designer must have strong communication abilities in order to grow their business. You may have the option to be a part of a design team or to run your own throughout your career. Instead of waiting for instruction, bring your research and ideas to the table while working with teams. Listening is an important aspect of good collaboration. You are not constructing a collection on your own. You must listen to your coworkers in order to give input and push your concepts to improve.

3. Sewing and drafting abilities- These are essential for every fashion designer. Although complete command of fundamental fashion construction skills, like operating a sewing machine, is not required, every aspiring designer should gain an intimate grasp of the craft involved in manufacturing your designs. Understanding different textiles and the features that distinguish them can help you choose the best material for your clothing.

4. Awareness of textiles and materials- By handling fabrics, adjusting the tension of different threads, and experimenting with embroidery, you may become acquainted with the many components of garment design.

5. Keep up with fashion trends- Fashion trends shift from season to season. As a result, you must keep current trends in mind while also keeping an eye out for emerging trends. Attending fashion events and reading fashion journals and publications may help you hone your intuition. When an opportunity arises, you must grasp it in whatever capacity is available at the moment.

 

Courses to Become a Fashion Designer

To work as a professional fashion designer, you must have a bachelor's degree in a design-related discipline. Undergraduate fashion design degrees are typically three to four years in length. Following earning your bachelor's degree, you can either gain experience through internships or pursue a master's degree program. These courses will help you gain a solid understanding of textiles, materials, color concepts, and fashion trends. At the graduate and postgraduate levels, you can study the following degrees:

Bachelor of Design (BDes)

Fashion communication, product design, fashion design, textile design, and industrial design are all covered in this course.

Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech)

The course examines the technical elements of fashion design as well as the textile production sector.

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design (BSc Fashion Design)

The course includes specific disciplines such as clothing design, interior design, leather design, footwear design, jewelry and accessory design, and jewelry accessory design.

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising (BSc Fashion Merchandising)

The course covers the fashion industry's marketing and merchandising components.

Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech)

It is a two-year advanced postgraduate degree that includes all technical areas of design, with an emphasis on garment and accessory design.

Master of Design (MDes)

It is a postgraduate degree program that focuses on design components and concepts in a variety of sectors, including fashion design.

 

There are a few different courses one can take-

 

Fashion Designer - Job Scope

Following college, most aspiring fashion designers opt to work with existing fashion designers, manufacturers, or stores. Nonetheless, you might pursue self-employment by launching your own label or freelancing on short-term contracts.

You must create, develop, produce, promote, and sell original designs if you establish your own label.

You would work as a freelance fashion designer on short-term contracts with fashion corporations, retailers, and end-users.

Choose if you like men's, women's, or children's fashion design, sportswear design, accessory design, or the business side of fashion.

Stylist, Fashion Designer, Retail Manager, Personal Shopper, Retail Buyer, Textile Designer, Makeup Artist, and more positions are available in Fashion Designing.

Apart from becoming a designer, the following are some of the most common careers for Fashion graduates:

Brand Manager

Brand managers are in charge of supervising all aspects of marketing related to a company's brand and ensuring that all branding choices result in increased sales.

Fashion Model

A model is a person who promotes, displays, or advertises commercial things (most notably fashion apparel at fashion shows), or who serves as a visual help for those who are creating works of art or poses for photography.

Fashion Stylist

When it comes to a career in this industry, this is one of the most difficult and fascinating work descriptions. As a fashion stylist, your goal is to choose the appropriate pieces from the designer's collection or wardrobe to create the greatest ensembles for your customers' body types, preferences, and likes. A stylist is responsible for a person's complete appearance, including cosmetics, accessories, and haircuts.

Fashion Journalist

Fashion journalism is a subset of fashion media that focuses on writing and photography. Fashion writers cover fashion events and trends while cultivating and maintaining relationships with stylists and designers.

Fashion Consultant

Fashion consultants, often known as stylists or image consultants, assist customers in developing and improving their professional and/or personal image. Their responsibilities include assisting clients in determining which styles are most attractive and appropriate for them.

Fashion Photographer

Fashion photographers are in charge of how apparel appears in advertisements, catalogs, and fashion publications. They collaborate closely with designers and fashion firms to ensure that the intended image of the business is conveyed. They either work in studios or on-site.

Jewelry and Footwear Designer

Jewellery and footwear are two different industries that complement the textile sector. After all, even the most beautiful clothing is incomplete without the proper footwear and trendy accessories.

Merchandiser

Merchandisers are in charge of everything that occurs to a product from the time it is delivered to the store until a customer takes it off the shelf. They keep an eye on product availability and presentation in various retailers within their specified geographic region.

Photo Shoot Stylist

Producing one-of-a-kind appearances from head to toe. Choose trendy clothes, shoes, and accessories. For special projects, they coordinate with photographers, models, and hair and makeup artists.

 

Fashion Designer Employment Opportunities

  • Fashion Boutiques
  • Fashion Brand Showrooms
  • Retail Chains
  • Textile Export Houses
  • TV and Film Industry
  • Teach The Course In Institutes
  • Textile or Fabric Manufacturing Units
  • Work as an Independent and Self-employed

 

What are the Earning Probabilities for a Fashion Designer?

A fashion designer's income is determined by a variety of criteria, including their experience and talents, the location where they work, and the company for which they work. A fashion designer's annual base income in India is Rs. 3,70,281. Gurgaon, Surat, Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai are among the highest-paid locations for fashion designers.