There are many courses to become a fashion designer, both nationally and internationally, but having a certificate is not enough to break into the sector. In fact, you need a whole series of skills and personal characteristics: drawing, sewing, creativity, a certain knowledge of the industry and an unparalleled perseverance. In this article, you will find some ideas to get you started.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Hone Skills in the World of Fashion
Step 1. Develop good skills
Successful designers are characterized by a variety of skills, including drawing. They also have a good eye for colors and textures, can visualize ideas three-dimensionally and have excellent manual skills in sewing and cutting all types of fabrics.
- If you haven't already learned how to sew, sign up for a good course. Knowing how to handle even the toughest fabrics in stressful situations will give you a huge competitive advantage throughout your career. However, you have to work on it - it's a skill that doesn't come easy for many.
- Try to understand the movement, the fall, the breathability, the portability and all the other characteristics of the fabrics. A thorough knowledge of fabrics is absolutely essential to do this job perfectly. Also, you need to know where the materials come from.
- Learn from established stylists. You don't have to know only the names, but also their past, their trademark, their education, the schools they attended. Having this information will help you become an even better stylist, because you can be inspired by these figures and take a cue from their ideas.
- Learn to create sketches and product ranges. You must have the ability to discover new trends through media, comparison shopping and trade fairs.
- Begin to develop these skills from an early age. Get ready to dedicate countless hours to perfecting the art.
Step 2. Learn more and more
Being talented is good, but it is just as useful to graduate or get another certificate from a fashion school. You will learn a lot, make great contacts right away, and have a great opportunity to showcase your skills in a less critical environment (be prepared for some severity anyway!). Choose one of the following (or both):
- Enroll in a fashion academy. Most programs last three to four years. In Italy, there are several renowned schools, including the Marangoni Institute and the IED. If you prefer to experience the United States, the FIDM and Parsons are two of the most popular. You will study drawing, color theory, artistic composition, pattern making and draping technique. In addition to acquiring practical skills such as those listed above, you will also work with industry professionals, who could guarantee you important contacts in the future, give you first-hand advice and opinions on your work.
- Apply for an internship or internship. If going to school isn't your thing or you just think a real-world experience is more useful, then look for an internship in the fashion industry. You will need a portfolio with all the trimmings to do it and be willing to start from the bottom. Interns are often given unskilled tasks, such as bringing in coffee. Again, the contacts you create during the internship will be vital to pursuing a career in the industry. As if this weren't enough, collaborating with experts in the field will offer you the opportunity to absorb fundamental skills firsthand.
Part 2 of 5: Choosing the Right Fashion Field for You
Step 1. Decide which is the field of fashion that interests you most
Surely you will have to start from the bottom, but what is certain is that you need a very specific goal. You must in fact identify the direction in which you intend to channel your career in its entirety. What inspires you most among high fashion, prêt-à-porter, sportswear, leisurewear, for a mass market or for a niche, such as that of ecologists? Each field has advantages and disadvantages to analyze before making a final decision on which path to take. Within the larger fields, you will also need to choose from a few sub-sectors to focus on. You may want to try more than one way, but to start, don't overdo it. In fact, it's best to hone your skills in just one area, and then experiment once you've already found a firm foothold in the industry. Here are some examples:
- Women's clothing for day or evening
- Men's clothing for day or evening
- Clothing for babies (boys and / or girls) or teenagers
- Sportswear, fitness or leisure wear
- Knitwear
- Clothing for the outdoors, for extreme sports, jackets and overcoats
- Clothing for brides
- Accessories
- Casual dress
- Making costumes for the theater, cinema, advertising industry and retail stores.
Step 2. Resize your ego
Think about the things you really need before pursuing fame. An attractive look is fine, but that's not enough to be successful in sales. If you are planning to become a fashion designer, you will not be making clothes for yourself or for celebrities. It is not enough to live on that: after all, they do not even reach 1% of the population. While you may notice big names in magazines, it's just advertising, not reality. A stylist is especially necessary for people who despite having an imperfect and real build, still want to have a nice look. Disregarding this type of need will not allow you to become a successful designer. The reality of the matter is simply that you do not create for yourself, but for others.
Step 3. Ask customers what they need
Be realistic: if you live in a hot country, there is little point in selling ski jackets. Look around. What are the things that real people need or want? For example, if you're planning a full collection, you may need more upper body garments than lower ones - in general, people tend to have more upper body garments in their wardrobe. Tops are, for example, great for a change of look, while a simple pair of trousers can be combined with a myriad of tops. Keep it simple and realistic. Whimsical designs sure look good on paper, but tops and jeans sell more than an evening dress.
Step 4. Make concessions
The mass market may not sound as high-sounding as glamor or luxury fashion, but it will definitely allow you to make money easier. If you need to create a style that will be produced in hundreds of pieces, it needs to be perfect from the start. It will certainly help you improve your design skills, as you need to perfectly understand the type of garment you are going to sell. Missing a style results in a loss of money.
Step 5. Take a cue from the competition
Observe and take note of the fabrics they use; the type of hinges used, if they are strong enough for the type of use; the quality of the fabrics based on their characteristics - such as waterproofing, wearability, type of maintenance and so on; the colors that sell the most in your specific reality. Taking inspiration from your competitors isn't copying - it's about observation. Looking at the best pieces will help you determine which elements make a dress perfect. They are usually the ones that sell the most. Your customers (whether they buy stock for stores or are normal people) first want something that fits well on themselves. The most extravagant pieces are worn only a few times a year; they are certainly beautiful, but they may not guarantee you a decent salary.
Step 6. Design some key pieces
In fashion, what is your strong point? Maybe you are an accessories wizard or a yoga pants genius. Your passion and your skills are the first, inevitable part of the equation. Obviously, the second is made up of another essential factor: adapting to what the market wants. In the fashion world, this partly means convincing the target, partly understanding the demand.
Part 3 of 5: Understanding if the World of Fashion is Ready for You
Step 1. Honestly review your skills and personality before pursuing a career in the industry
You may love clothes, but what you will sell in practice only partially describes everything you will do in the fashion world. You also need excellent communication skills, you need to be willing to work hard (often 24/7, without weekends), not give up despite criticism, know how to deal with stress, be open to the needs of different clients and / or employers, accept that every now and then you will feel lonely or isolated (this depends on how you set up your business or career) and have the ability to be disciplined from the start.
- Becoming a fashion designer is for you if you meet the following criteria. You want to dedicate your life to your career (it's your vocation), you don't mind uncertainty or insecurity, you are willing to defend what you believe in, you have well-defined ideas about what matters in the fashion industry, you know how to listen to customers, you know the industry perfectly, you eat bread and fashion.
- Become a stylist Not is for you if you have the following traits: you don't know how to manage stress well, you can't stand insecurity or instability, you want a career without too many ups and downs, you are always looking for the approval of others, you need to be constantly driven, you hate having a fluctuating economic situation, you have many other interests in life.
Part 4 of 5: Prepare for Success
Step 1. Get the right training regarding the financial side of fashion
Being an established stylist doesn't just require talent and creativity - you also need a solid understanding of the world of business and marketing applied to fashion. Stay up-to-date on everything that happens in the industry by regularly reading specialized magazines, including foreign ones, such as Women's Wear Daily and Daily News Record (in 2008, the activity was discontinued but included in the Women's Wear Daily project). In Italy, among others, read MF Fashion.
- Many educational programs include marketing courses. Some emphasize it more than others, so be sure to do a thorough research on the curriculum offered by the school you intend to attend. If you already have a certificate but have never considered the strictly economic side of the industry, consider signing up for a short course to fill in the gaps.
- The studio must go beyond fashion in and of itself. Working in this industry implies knowledge of the entire supply cycle. It is better to understand what the work of each individual professional in the sector consists of, so that you can also see the situation from his perspective. Only in this way will you be able to come to terms, meet the needs and understand certain problems. Research the jobs of other people, such as buyers, merchandisers, textile cutters, textile technologists, quality controllers, prototypers, samplers, sales employees, PR and other marketing experts, fashion journalists, store managers, event planners, hairdressers and so on.
- Know your customers. This skill is basic and essential, and a stylist must never lose sight of it. You need to be aware of various information: amount of money spent, lifestyles, outlets they usually go to, how they prefer to buy, tastes and dislikes. You must know their essential needs and what are the things they buy only when they have a higher purchasing power than usual. If you've studied marketing, you should have a good understanding of how consumer needs are "manipulated".
- Know the competition. Always keep an eye on what other designers in your field are doing. At a minimum, you should be on the same level as them. However, it would be better to surpass them while meeting the needs of customers.
- Trade shows are ideal for developing a more accurate understanding of how the industry works, as well as what is right for you to meet consumer needs and keep competitiveness high.
Step 2. Research jobs in the industry
There are several tactics for finding a job in the fashion field, and the choice depends on what you are interested in doing specifically. In some cases, versatility will help you a lot, and among other things it will allow you to cut your teeth and then jump later to your true passion. Typically, you need to stick around and apply in tons of places to start making your way. To begin with, here are some environments where you can propose yourself:
- Existing fashion houses and businesses: Look for an internship, a top-level paid position, an assistant job, etc.
- Movie studios, theaters, costume shops, etc.
- Advertisements on the web through various online employment agencies.
- Word of mouth. Use contacts from university and internship days to cross the threshold of a company. In an industry that values the opinions of established professionals so much, it's a good way to start.
Step 3. If you decide to start your own business, be prepared to be financially astute
You may be incredibly creative, but you need to have absolute certainty: to run a fashion house, having financial skills is an inevitable prerequisite. You have to understand the numbers and bills that pile up on the desk. If you really hate these things, there are still good solutions, like asking an accountant to take care of them. In any case, it is preferable that you control everything from above. Do you find this aspect of work unbearable and you don't want to have anything to do with it? Look for a job in a company instead of starting one.
What kind of entrepreneur will you be? The possibilities are many: you can be the sole owner, have a partner, found a joint stock company, etc. Each model has distinct advantages and disadvantages that you should discuss with your legal and financial advisors before proceeding. Make sure you have insurance that covers you in all circumstances, especially if you are dealing with a particularly contentious culture
Step 4. Be realistic
To satisfy the market, you must be willing to relocate, but this depends on how you work and distribute. An example of realism? Recognize that it is useless to try to sell high fashion items to people who live in a provincial town and generally dress informally. I mean, don't insist on selling ice to the Eskimos. You need to focus on the places where you will have the best chance of running a profitable business. Find out if it is better for you to live and work in that same area or if you can manage an efficient distribution network from where you live.
- Take into consideration the influences around you. A good part of the creative process is being in contact with like-minded people, inspiring each other, sharing ideas and suggestions. It's much harder to do it alone or collaborate with people who don't like your artistic approach.
- Also remember that seasonality has a certain impact on fashion, and it may also have an impact on the type of clothing you will make and where you want to sell it.
- Consider the power of e-commerce. Provided you use good quality, three-dimensional images that can be zoomed and turned, selling online anywhere in the globe is another realistic possibility nowadays. It guarantees you greater flexibility: you can choose where to live, take care of the design you prefer and cancel the daily movements. It is an ideal solution if you are planning to indulge in fashion on a small scale. However, even then, you should still calculate the costs to go to the major fashion shows.
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Living in a city where this field thrives is a sensible choice for many designers. According to the Global Language Monitor (GLM), the following metropolises (in descending order) were the fashion capitals of the world in 2012:
- London, England
- New York, United States
- Barcelona, Spain
- Paris, France
- Mexico City
- Madrid, Spain
- Rome Italy
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Milan, Italy
- Los Angeles, United States
- Berlin, Germany
- Mumbai, India
Part 5 of 5: Create a Portfolio
Become a Fashion Designer Step 14 Step 1. Develop a portfolio with all your projects
It is essential in order to apply for a job or internship. In fact, it's the primary way to sell yourself and your work. It should showcase your best creations, emphasize your skills and creativity. Use a high-quality binder to show that you are serious about the profession. Include the following:
- Hand-made sketches or photographs of these designs
- Computer made designs
- Curriculum
- Page where you collect your main inspirations and ideas
- Pages with the presentation of textiles and colors
- Any other piece that clearly reflects what you are capable of and what your evolution has been
Advice
- Wear your creations as much as possible. Is there a better way to promote your clothing line? When people ask you about it, be prepared to explain everything succinctly, but interesting enough to intrigue the listener.
- Colors will help you create even more innovative designs.
- Learn not to blame yourself too much for offenses. Nobody's perfect. Take advice from family and friends. Never give up, don't give up your passion!
- Are you planning on showing others your designs and sewing clothes? First consider if this style really reflects you.
- Create a good logo for your fashion business. It will define your style from the beginning, so it needs to be valid from the very beginning. If you are not able, it is better to contact an experienced graphic designer.
- Learn from the start how to prepare a good packed lunch and snacks before leaving the house. In the fashion industry, you find yourself working for hours and hours, and sometimes leaving the creative space is impossible. The brain, however, needs to receive substantial nutrients. Remembering to pack a packed lunch and several snacks in your bag, you can nibble on something to support all your intellectual and physical labors, without starving or not even being able to hold a needle.
- If you start your own business, at first you need sound advice on just about everything. Surround yourself with a trusted team of financial, legal and marketing consultants. For now, they don't have to become part of your staff, pay them based on the help they give you.
- Read a lot. Find biographies and true stories about the icons of the field you are interested in. Learn all the pros and cons of their experiences and figure out how to use their experience to your advantage to improve. For example, if you want to try the fashion industry inspired by good causes, there are many pioneers whose exploits have been well documented. Just think of Start Something That Matters, by Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms, or Anita Roddick's books on the (closely related and pertinent) beauty industry.
Warnings
- Being a fashion designer is a physically exhausting career. You have to be willing to work hours and hours, even when you don't expect it, to meet deadlines.
- Working in contact with the catwalks and haute couture will lead you to get to know the most controversial aspects of the industry up close: underweight models chosen to fit the sizes of clothes (as a result, you can become complicit in encouraging these male and female portraits unhealthy), malice of other stylists and elite circles, impossible needs, such as tight deadlines. If you are not self-assertive, you may want to take the time to improve your communication skills. Learn to enforce your principles.
- The fashion industry is extremely competitive. Only pursue a career in the industry if your calling is absolute. It is also preferable to have a hard rind from the start and learn to distinguish between the different criticisms you receive. Most of them are driven by envy - if you believe in yourself, you will know when their only goal is to undermine your confidence or just be obnoxious.
