How to Become a Fashion Designer

• Developing designs: Fashion designers use manual tools like pencils and paper as well as digital tools like computer-aided design (CAD) programs to create preliminary designs. Most prefer CAD designs, as they can easily change elements, textures and colors digitally to produce a satisfactory design.
• Selecting materials: After completing a preliminary sketch, fashion designers choose the materials for the product. When making this decision, they may consider many factors, such as color, texture or durability. They may also consider sustainability and current fashion trends.
• Producing prototypes: Once they have sketched a design and chosen materials, fashion designers make a prototype or a sample of the complete design. They often work with fashion models who wear the prototypes so fashion designers can see how they move and withstand wear.
• Choosing collection themes: Instead of developing multiple standalone items, most fashion designers create collections of clothing, footwear or accessories. They choose themes and develop relevant designs based on seasons and trends.
• Marketing collections: After producing collections, fashion designers must market their designs. Some market to retailers, which handle sales, and others market directly to consumers, which often involves online sales.
• Overseeing production: Most fashion designers do not manufacture their designs directly. Instead, they contract manufacturing houses and skilled laborers to handle the production process. Fashion designers typically manage the production process, which may include visiting the manufacturing facility and examining finished products.

To find out how to get into fashion design, follow these six steps:

First, earn a bachelor’s degree with a major like visual art, fashion design or fashion merchandising. Studying visual art can help you master color theory and design elements, while focusing on fashion design allows you to work with fabrics and learn how to develop clothing and accessory prototypes. If you major in fashion merchandising, you can learn more about the marketing and business aspects of the industry.

While you study fashion and practice creating designs, make a portfolio. Save images of the sketches you make, the collections you create and the prototypes you develop. You can show your digital portfolio to future employers to demonstrate your accomplishments and style.

To find your first job in the fashion industry, create a resume that you can share with potential employers. List your education, skills and any relevant work experience.

Before looking for an entry-level job in the fashion industry, consider interning. Assisting an experienced fashion designer can help you learn basic job skills and develop a better understanding of the industry. Interning can also help you create connections with important figures in the fashion industry.

To get the job you want in the fashion industry, seek out opportunities to grow your professional network. Consider attending fashion shows, joining professional groups or entering amateur fashion contests to connect with others in the industry.

As you gain entry-level experience in the fashion industry, work hard to cultivate your skills. For example, you can read fashion magazines and blogs to learn about the latest trends and take classes to master essential design programs. You can also improve your creativity by challenging yourself to develop a certain number of sketches or designs each week.

To establish yourself in the industry, consider choosing a specialty. This strategy can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace and cultivate a loyal following. For example, you might opt to produce luxury clothing for women, high-end accessories, unique footwear or elaborate costumes.