| Do you notice what everyone is wearing? Do you | | | | designers to create clothing designs on virtual models |
| stay on top of the latest trends in clothing and | | | | and in a variety of colors and shapes. These CAD |
| accessories? Do you have a passion for fashion? | | | | templates can then be used to direct the |
| If so, then you should consider a career in fashion | | | | manufacturing process, which is often located |
| design. From the design table to the showroom floor, | | | | thousands of miles away. |
| there are many steps involved in bringing fashionable | | | | What's the job outlook? Opportunities are out there if |
| clothing to the marketplace. Many highly skilled people | | | | you have the right training! According to the U.S. |
| are involved-designers, pattern makers, cutters, | | | | Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the current decade |
| stitchers, photographers, fabric experts, wholesalers, | | | | from 2008 to 2018 "the best job opportunities will be in |
| and fashion models. With the right training, you could be | | | | design firms that design mass market clothing sold in |
| one of them. | | | | department stores and retail chain stores, such as |
| Fashion designers often work for big companies, | | | | apparel wholesale firms." But having the right training is |
| helping to make both haute couture (high-priced | | | | key! Most fashion designers have an associate |
| custom-made clothing) and the off-the-rack clothing | | | | (two-year) or bachelor's (four-year) degree in fashion |
| that is sold in department stores and boutiques. | | | | design. Program areas may include design, business, |
| Fashion designers can also work for themselves, and | | | | marketing, merchandising, and even human anatomy |
| many own their own independent fashion companies. | | | | and computers. |
| Specialized designers create footwear and | | | | Is the fashion industry competitive? Yes, it is! Many |
| accessories such as purses and hats. From the | | | | people are lured by the promise of a glamorous |
| neighborhood tailor to the international artist who | | | | lifestyle, but a career in fashion design means plenty of |
| designs "red carpet" dresses for movie stars, the | | | | hard work and long hours. This is why quality career |
| world of fashion is diverse and multi-faceted. | | | | education can make a big difference to a person's |
| The fashion industry is becoming increasingly global. A | | | | success in the competitive fashion marketplace. |
| ready-to-wear apparel company may have designers | | | | How can you get started? Find an accredited school |
| in one country, the manufacturing facility in another, and | | | | or degree program. The National Association of |
| retail outlets all over the world. Successful fashion | | | | Schools of Art and Design accredits nearly 300 |
| designers enjoy travel, are interested in all aspects of | | | | postsecondary institutions with degree programs in |
| creating clothing, work well with a variety of people, | | | | fashion design. The best way to start is to log onto a |
| have a keen eye for trends, and know how to design | | | | reputable college directory website. You can enter the |
| clothing that people want to buy. Pricing is important, | | | | search terms that are appropriate for you, such as |
| too, because mass market designers need to create | | | | "fashion design college in New York" or "online fashion |
| clothing that can be manufactured and sold at the | | | | degrees." You'll be presented with the colleges that |
| lowest possible cost. | | | | meet your criteria. Compare programs and financial aid |
| Computer skills are increasingly important. Many | | | | and career services. You can request free information |
| designers sketch initial ideas with paper and pencil, and | | | | from the schools that interest you. It's that easy! Then |
| then translate these hand sketches to the computer. | | | | you can narrow down your choices and make your |
| Computer-aided design (CAD) is increasingly being | | | | applications...and in less time than you think you could |
| used in the fashion design industry. CAD allows | | | | be training for a rewarding career in fashion design. |