CO U R S E S & C A REERS
5) Creative abilities
Truthfully assess your
capabilities and individuality
before pursuing a job in
fashion. In fashion design, a
love of clothes is just one part.
You will also need to be a
self-disciplined go-getter with
outstanding communication
skills, be determined to work
hard (up to 24/7), have an
open mind, learn to handle
criticism and stress, and be
open to having many different
customers and/or managers
Being a designer is most
likely for you if you: do
not mind unpredictability or
insecurity; want to stand up
for exactly what you want or
decide on; have unique ideas
about exactly what is important
in your life; pay attention to
clients well; and understand
the fashion industry completely
(you virtually live, eat and
breathe style).
Being a designer is probably
not for you if you: can’t
handle anxiety well; prefer
stable, unchanging routines;
want a profession without too
many highs or lows; require
praise for your efforts and lots
of advice on what to do; hate
being economically unsteady;
and have many various other
interests in life.
Communication
Designers rarely work alone.
As they work with teams of diverse
individuals, they need to communicate
well. From instructing pattern makers
and developing blueprints of garments to
advising tailors on how to sew clothing,
designers need to discuss specifics and
convey their vision in a simple and
efficient manner. Likewise, developers
must also communicate with shipping
divisions to make sure their designs
reach the right target markets.
6) Build a portfolio of your own
Your portfolio is an indispensable part of your fashion
career; it helps you get your foot in the door. The most
effective way to develop an excellent portfolio is to remain
focused during your time in fashion school and complete
each project as though you would be presenting them to
a potential employer. Flaunt your creativity during every
assignment or project. Your portfolio will showcase your
aesthetics: eye for colour and detail, appreciation for
beauty, and sense of balance and proportion – all the
must-have qualities of a designer.
Designers need to be skilled in sales, marketing
and presentation to convince customers
to buy into their designs. Your portfolio
ought to communicate top-notch
sketching, pattern making, and highquality sewing, and also present an
understanding of interaction and collaboration.
Are these in your portfolio?
Hand-drawn sketches or photos of these sketches, computer-drawn layouts,
your CV, your fashion web pages (if any), colour or fabric presentation pages,
or any other piece of work that mirror what you’re capable of doing and
evolving into.
Do you have the right aptitude?
Artistic
Stylists need a flair for the
artistic. A feeling of just how
colours collaborate and an eye
for corresponding materials are
a must. Designers, likewise, must
demonstrate something similar,
either with hand-drawn sketches or
with computer-aided layouts. As a
whole, fashion designers require
an aptitude for fine art
and style.
Computer Skills
Fashion design is not solely
done by hand. These days, computeraided design plays a prominent role in
the creation of cutting-edge designs in
fashion. Employers prefer designers who
can utilise technology to highlight fresh
runway productions. Many fashion, art
and design schools offer computer-aided
design certifications in their courses, with
programmes in computerised pattern
design, design development and
product management.
Creativity
Style designers require
imagination, or the potential
to utilise their creativity to
conceptualise initial clothing designs
and patterns. Fashion developers
must be able to imagine an
ensemble or piece of clothing before
making a single stitch, possess an
eye for design and be frequently
inspired by the creations of
others.
Finishing touch
Sewing stylists need to know
how to create the garments they
design. This requires abilities in
sewing, basic knitting and material
draping, and an understanding of
experimental fabric manipulation
such as pleating, appliqué,
layering or gathering.
easyuni Guide 2014
Issue 2
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