Are you a creative person who loves clothes, bags, shoes and the changing trends that each season brings when it comes to new designs? If so, why not choose a career that allows you to express your individuality and explore your passion at the same time? Sound exciting? A career in fashion design might just be your calling. Let’s run through some of the essential steps you’ll need to take to make it in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
Move to a Major City
If you live in a small town with zero opportunities to get valuable work experience, it’s time to consider moving to a major city. Yes, rent is expensive and you may need to take out personal loans from a private lender to cover the first few months of rent and living costs but it will be so worth it. Before moving, reach out to fashion outlets and well-known clothing manufacturers to see if there are any work experience opportunities available. You’ll learn so much from observing operations in a professional setting and you’ll get to work with all kinds of different materials and styles. This experience will prove invaluable when it comes to branching out on your own.
Be Prepared Early On
Listen up high school students! The fact you’re even thinking about becoming a fashion designer at this young age is proof that this career path is for you. Start your prep early by signing up for drawing, art and design classes. A lot of fashion design programs require students to have artistic talent so learn early and your future self with certainly thank you for it.
Get a Degree
You need to take this point seriously if you want to make noise in this competitive industry. Getting a degree in fashion design will teach you everything you need to know when it comes to creating a sketch and bringing that sketch to life. You’ll learn about the properties of different fabrics and you’ll get familiar with essential skills such as stitching, pattern making and draping.
Create a Portfolio
All fashion designers create a portfolio early on in their careers. It’s what you’ll give to prospective fashion schools and employers so it’s got to showcase your best work. Treat each project in that portfolio like it was a major job for a real-world fashion designer and don’t cut corners when it comes to sketching and displaying your strong points. Be sure that the finished folder also demonstrates how good your communication skills are.
Network
Yes, it’s time to mingle! Get involved in fashion shows and enter as many design competitions as you possibly can. Talk to people at these events and don’t be shy in showing off your skills and sharing your ambitions for the future. Sign up to fashion blogs and interact with like-minded people on social media and forums. Check for industry-related networking events in your local area and show up with a smile and a willingness to get involved. If there’s not much happening in your local town/city in terms of fashion shows and competitions, why not make a name for yourself locally and organize your own events? Doing so is a great way to demonstrate drive and tenacity, both of which are traits you’re your future employers will appreciate.
