Designers use tools like sewing machines to construct clothing.
If an item of clothing exists, it was designed by someone somewhere. Fashion designers imagine and create clothing garments for production, whether it be with a smaller company or a larger independent line. In order to become a fashion designer, several skills and characteristics are necessary. These skills help the designer become a success in the field. With the right marketing and good combination of skills, a fashion designer could reach levels of recognition such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel.
Design Skills
Design know-how is needed. This includes skills such as understanding color schemes and design trends. A fashion designer must keep up with current design trends in society in order to stay on top of things. Most fashion designers also look into past fashion trends for inspiration. Designers must be able to understand what kind of designs can work for which body types as well.
Sewing Skills
In addition to knowing design a garment, fashion designers must be skilled in cutting and sewing as well. Many designers must create design prototypes of their pieces in order for the clothing manufacturers to know what the garment should look like. Even if a designer does not create design prototypes, he must still direct the garment makers on assemble a piece to that designer's specifications. Without knowing the ins and outs of garment making, a designer's idea may not translate exactly as he intended.
Computer and Art Skills
Fashion designs usually begin as an artistic representation of a clothing piece. This means that the fashion designer must have some artistic ability in order to get that vision out for others to produce. Many fashion designers sketch by hand, while others are moving more toward computer-based sketching using drawing tablets and programs such as Photoshop.
Interpersonal Skills
Fashion designers are not resigned to only work with their clothing. As a designer, it is important to be able to work with other people. Interpersonal skills become beneficial when promoting designs, trying to communicate with buyers or sellers and talking with investors. Good people skills boost the chances that people will be interested in a designer's clothing line.
Education
In most cases, a formal education in fashion may not necessarily be required. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics mentions that employers tend to favor applicants with a two-year or four-year degree. Some colleges or vocational schools offer degrees in fashion design. In many cases, designers take courses in business, marketing, merchandising, art and human anatomy in order to use that knowledge in the fashion industry.
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