Photo: Kris Krug at https://www.flickr.com/photos/kk (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Job description
The job starts with rough sketches and detailed specifications covering color schemes, materials, and construction, then moves into fitting and adjusting sample garments on models until the look matches the vision. Designers confer with sales and management on design direction, choose the materials and production techniques for each piece, and think carefully about who a design is actually for, factoring in age, gender, and other target-market considerations. Many also prepare samples for fashion shows or sales meetings to get buyers and press on board before a line goes into production.
Pros
- Low barrier to entry via vocational training rather than a four-year degree, with earning upside to $147k
- Creative autonomy over original designs, from initial sketch through material selection
- Direct connection to sales, seeing designs go from concept to fashion shows and retail
Cons
- Above-average hours, expect more than a standard 40-hour work week, especially around show seasons
- A relatively small number of positions nationwide, so opportunities may be geographically limited
- Constant deadline pressure tied to seasonal collections and sales meetings
A typical day
Morning starts at the sketchbook and mood board, refining a capsule collection around one silhouette idea that will not let go. By 11 the designer is in the sample room, draping muslin on a form and arguing amiably with the patternmaker about how far a sleeve can be pushed before it will not sew at price. The afternoon holds a fitting on a live model — pinning, marking, deciding in minutes what took weeks to draft — and fabric sourcing calls about minimums and delivery. Tech packs close the day: flat drawings, measurements, and construction notes precise enough that a factory an ocean away builds exactly what was imagined.
Tasks at the job
- Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
- Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
- Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
- Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
- Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
- Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent sitting at a desk.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines.
Education necessary or common
Vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate's degree
Common college majors
Career path
Related fields
Courses to take
- Art (drawing and design) — sketching is the native language
- Family & Consumer Sciences/Sewing — construction knowledge separates designers from dreamers
- Geometry — patterns, drape, and proportion are spatial math
- Business — fashion is a margin business
- Digital art/graphic design — tech packs and Illustrator flats are industry standard
Clubs, activities & competitions
- Sew and design your own garments — build a real portfolio piece by piece
- FCCLA fashion design STAR events
- Theater costume design and construction
- Enter local or national teen design competitions
First steps you can take now
- Sew one complete garment from your own design this month, however imperfect
- Learn Adobe Illustrator flats (free tutorials cover fashion specifically)
- Start a design sketchbook and fill a page daily
- Study one designer's full collection and reverse-engineer its through-line
