How to Become a Fashion Designer

Let’s talk about what a fashion designer does in their day-to-day role to kick things off. While creating awe-inspiring designs is a part of the job, you will also need to juggle a variety of other tasks. On any given day in the office, you can expect to:

Before you dive into a career as a fashion designer, you’re going to need to make sure that it pays the bills. According to the National Careers Service, an entry-level fashion designer can expect to make around £20,000 per year. This figure can double to £40,000 when you reach the peak of your career working as a full-time fashion designer. 

It’s worth keeping in mind that a successful fashion designer can expect to work between 40 and 42 hours per week. Since the national average for a full-time worker is currently 35.5 hours per week, you need to take that into consideration.

Before you can land your dream job as a fashion designer, you need to gain an education in the field. Luckily, there are plenty of options that will propel you towards this exciting career path. After you have finished your high school education, the next step in the process is gaining specific technical skills. 

Most of the time, fashion designers will have a bachelor’s degree in the field, or a related one, such as art or design. You can also take online fashion design courses that will equip you with all of the knowledge you’ll need to step into the industry.

Once you’re qualified, you may want to go down the internship route. This option means that you can learn essential skills, such as tailoring and merchandising, on the job. Taking on placements with fashion houses and designers will give you an insight into the sector. 

If you are serious about gaining a career in the fashion sector, it’s well worth looking into any of the additional courses you can take. From product development to textile design, you can learn many extra skills when you have started. 

For example, taking one of the many design courses may be the way to go. What’s more, you can gain additional qualifications online that cover the technical side of fashion design.

Now that you know how to qualify as a fashion designer let’s talk a moment to talk about the skill-set that you need. This role is varied, fast-paced, and requires you to collaborate with a whole range of industry professionals.

Whether you’re working in haute couture or a smaller fashion house, you’re going to need similar talents to get ahead. Let’s take a look at some of the traits you should have:

Whether you gain the above skills through formal education or additional training, they will help supercharge your fashion design career. Chances are when you gain a full-time role in the fashion industry, you will continue to gain relevant skills as you work.

Looking to land a role in the fashion industry? It shouldn’t come as a surprise that work experience will help you on your chosen career path.

While you may be able to land an entry-level position without any prior experience, the more knowledge and expertise you have under your belt, the better. It may be worth spending your summer working for free at a fashion house or even merely gaining some retail experience in a boutique store. 

Ready to launch your new career as a fashion designer? Where can you expect to see yourself in five, 10, or even 20 years?

The truth of the matter is that there are countless career prospects for a budding designer. You may be able to own your own fashion label one day, work your way to the top of a fashion house, or become the editor of one of the leading fashion magazines. This career has the potential to take you places.