Career Corner

Fahion Designer

Description of Responsibilities
Fashion designers plan and create clothing and accessories. They make detailed drawings of clothing designs and note ideas for fabric, color, and construction. They work with a team that includes manufacturers, pattern makers, cutters, tailors, technical designers, and factory workers. Fashion designers can specialize in any number of areas, such as women's wear, men's wear, children's wear, swimwear, handbags, and sleepwear. Some high-fashion designers are self-employed and design clothing for individual clients. Other high-end designers design clothing or accessories for specialty stores or fashionable department stores. These designers create original designs in addition to following established trends. Most fashion designers work for clothing manufacturers and design clothes for the general public.

Education, Training, and Professional Qualifications
A bachelor's degree is required for most beginning positions. Employers seek people who have a two- or four-year degree, as well as knowledge of textiles and fabric and an understanding of fashion trends. A solid portfolio, with examples of your work, is needed when applying for jobs.

Other Considerations
Fashion designers must appreciate beauty and have an eye for color, details, balance, and proportion. They also need to be able to sketch their ideas for others to see.