Fashion Designer
How to Become Fashion Designer
Fashion designers create various different types of items including clothing, accessories, jewelry, children’s apparel, pet accessories, costumes, shoes and more. Designs can be casual, formal, or even season-specific. Some fashion designers focus on designing items for the mass market, while others specialize in high-end, luxury, and sometimes custom items.
Fashion Designer Education Requirements
The education requirements to become a fashion designer vary, but most employers prefer designers who have had some type of formal training in fashion design. Fashion designers often participate in associate or bachelor’s degree programs to gain the skills they need to be successful in the fashion industry. Internship programs are also an excellent way for fashion designers to learn the ins and outs of the fashion world and network with other designers.
Job Opportunities for Fashion Designers
Fashion designers can find work in a variety of different settings. Some fashion designers will work for large design firms, while others will run their own businesses. It has been determined that a quarter of all fashion designers are self employed. Most designers in the United States live and work in New York or California.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fashion designers is expected to grow 5 percent between 2006 and 2016. This will be a result of a growing population and demand for more clothing. Middle income consumers are demanding stylish and affordable clothing, so the best job opportunities will come up in design firms that design clothing for the mass market. It has been reported that in 2006, the median annual earnings for fashion designers were $62,610. Salaries will vary greatly, however, depending on employee experience and type of employer. Most employers will seek designers who have had some form of formal education in fashion design.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition
