Online Degrees

Jobs in Fashion Design

The average value of the Associate degree needed to become a Fashion designers is $1,477,370.00.

Points of Interests

• Over half of fashion designers work in New York and California
• Most employers prefer individuals who have a degree in fashion design and have knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and fashion trends.
• Job market is highly competitive and career growth is lower than average.

Nature of the Work

Fashion designers study and forecast future fashion trends. They must keep up with fashion trends by reading industry publications, attending fashion and trade shows, and communicating with colleagues. Doing so, allow designers to predict fashion trends, analyze consumer preferences and sketch preliminary designs for future seasons. They are involved in every aspect of bringing new fashion to the awareness of consumers—from conceptualization to public presentation. Fashion designers specialize in several ways: clothing, footwear, or accessory design. Some designers focus on a specific category, while others bring together all three groups. Designers can also specialize in the type of apparel such as men’s wear, women’s wear or children’s wear.

Categories include casual wear, sportswear, formal wear and outerwear. Footwear designers make shoes and boots. Accessory designers create items to complement a garment such as belts, hats, purses and scarves. Each year, fashion designers help to conceptualize, produce, and promote new fashion for manufacturers, specialty and retail stores, and individual clients. Previously, the design process, took up to two years from concept to production.

However, technological advancements such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) have made it possible to shorten the length of time required to produce a garment. During the initial stage, designers sketch ideas, cut patterns and construct a mockup. After refining the sample, a prototype is created using inexpensive materials. Then, the prototype is placed on a stand or live model for further examination to determine if adjustments are necessary. Once the designer is satisfied with the adjustments, the final specifications, including color selection, material, and other elements are passed along to a technical designer for completion.

If the designer is satisfied with the product, he or she will grant approval for marketing and distribution. If the concept is not as the designer visualized, he or she may modify the item or cancel production. Most fashion designers work anonymously for apparel manufacturers or wholesalers to produce apparel for consumers. Factors such as experience, talent and size and company determine how much a fashion designer participates in design and production. Individuals may begin work as an intern, pattern maker, tailor or designer’s assistant. After proving oneself, a person may be rewarded with the task of designing a few simple pieces. Next, he or she may move into a lead designer’s position overseeing the entire design process. Highly successful fashion designers usually produce their own line or create custom designs for individual clients.

Work environment The working conditions of a fashion designer are as varied as the types of design work available. Those employed by large companies usually work regular business hours in a well-lit, comfortable environment. Freelancers typically work longer hours because they spend more one-on-one time with clients and have to adjust their schedules as the client dictates. In addition, there may be constant interaction with suppliers, buyers, models, and reporters. Furthermore, designers travel frequently to various trade and fashion shows. At some point, long hours are necessary to meet deadlines or prepare for fashion shows.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Education and Training Employers prefer individuals who have a degree in fashion design, business, marketing, or fashion merchandising from a reputable college or university. Many schools offer associate and bachelor degree programs in fashion design. Other Qualifications Fashion designers must possess creative and artistic ability. Drawing, sketching and sewing skills are as important as knowledge of fashion trends. A fashion designer must understand the manufacturing process from beginning to end, and effectively communicate their vision to others. Enthusiasm, drive, determination and the ability to handle uncertainties are traits of a successful fashion designer. Individuals should also have the ability to handle stress, meet deadlines, and feel comfortable working alone as well as part of the team.

Most importantly, they must have sound presentation and communication skills to build professional relationships with others in the industry. Advancement To advance in the fashion industry, it is advisable to gain practical experience as an intern, trainee, personal stylist or custom tailor. Doing so, will allow designers to hone their sales and marketing skills as well as obtain valuable knowledge of various styles and fabrics.

Participating in design contests also helps increase competency levels. When fashion designers first break into the industry, they take on jobs as sketching assistants or pattern makers. Once the designers obtain the necessary experience, they may be promoted to senior designer or department head. Many designers prefer to start their own design company, sell their own designs, or work for a high-fashion design firm that caters to celebrities and wealthy clients.

Employment

The fashion design industry is highly competitive. Over half of fashion designers tend to work in New York and California. In 2008, a majority of fashion designers were self-employed; 31 percent of worked for apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers; and 13 percent worked for apparel manufacturers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Outlook - According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more applicants than jobs. Increasing imports, the use of off shore productions and technological advancements have contributed to slow job growth. Employment change Fashion design is a unique industry and jobs do not increase at the same pace as other industries.

Once designers secure their dream job, they rarely give it up. Job prospects The majority of jobs for fashion designers will come from design firms that sell clothing to department stores and retail chain stores. Jobs in high-fashion design firms are expected to decline along with demand.

Projections

Fashion designers held 22,700 jobs in 2008. Job growth is expected to be lower than average. An increase of 200 new positions or 1 percent is projected by the year 2018.

Earnings

Salaries for fashion designers vary greatly depending on a host of factors, including talent, educational background, experience and professional reputation. A fashion designer with less than one-year experience can earn between $31,673-$41, 217, according to Payscale.com After gaining about 1-4 years experience, a fashion designer assistant can make a minimum of $38,442.

A fashion designer with 5-9 years experience commands a salary of up to $70,889 per year, while designers with over ten years experience earn salaries up to $92,208 a year. According to Indeed.com, average fashion designer salaries for job postings nationwide are 18% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide. In May 2009, the median annual salary for a fashion designer was $64,260. Compensation for the lowest earners was $32,320.

Individuals in the highest earning bracket, earned over $130,900. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of fashion designers in the largest industries that employed them in May 2009 was: Apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers $73,150 Cut and sew apparel manufacturing $78,320 Management of companies and enterprises $79,570 Specialized design services $80, 720 Salaries differ greatly between self-employed and salaried fashion designers. For example, salaried fashion designers earn stable incomes compared to freelance or self- employed designers who have unpredictable incomes. On the other hand, some self-employed fashion designers can earn several times the salary of their counterparts, depending on clientele.

Related Occupations

Other fashion design occupations include: Technical Designer Accessories Designer Fashion Merchandiser Fashion Sales Rep Showroom Sales Rep Product Manager Pattern Maker Occupations associated with fashion include: Fashion Buyer Fashion Coordinator Retail Merchandiser Retail Store Manager Boutique Owner For additional resources contact:

• Fashion Group International, 8 West 40th St., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018. Internet: www.fgi.org, for fashion design career information.
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr., Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190. Internet: nasad.arts-accredit.org, for a list of accredited college-level programs.

Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Fashion Designers, on the internet (visited October 11, 2010).
• Indeed.com, Fashion Designer Salary NPD Group, 900 West Shore Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
• O*NET-SOC, the Occupational Information Network,
• Summary Report for Fashion Designers  
• Payscale.com, Fashion Designer Salary by Experience,