Are you someone who is passionate about designing clothes and everything about it? You probably are, which is why, we are assuming, you are here reading this article. Being in a creative and dynamic industry can seem daunting but the fashion industry is rewarding and exciting for anyone interested about coming up with new things and creating everything that is meaningful.
In this article, we intend to elucidate about degrees in fashion design, tips on how to become a fashion designer and potential fashion design syllabus/currula. Keep reading further to know more.
Understanding the Fashion Design Career Path
Fashion designing transcends beyond sketching designs and creating clothes. The scope within the industry is immense and provides a lot of scope to branch out. Let us take a look at the various career possibilities within the fashion industry.
1) Stylist
Stylists are professionals who offer expert advice and tell you how a certain clothing can be styled based on the occasion, the look and feel of it and even your personality. Stylists can work with fashion companies, consultancy or even freelance.
2) Merchandiser
Merchandisers are responsible for making sure that the right products are available at confirmed stores. They also ensure that they are available in the right quantities and the right price.
3) Inventory Planner
They are professionals who, as the term suggests, plan the inventory and look into the quantity of clothing materials and apparels required. They mostly work around time, geographical and weather requirements and current inventory collection.
4) Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists work for apparel brands or with apparel brands as part of Public relations consultancies or firms. They work towards augmenting and upholding the company’s identity, brand tone and the brand image and they work closely with all things related to the media and public image.
5) Creative Director
The creative director decides and handles everything from coming up with a theme, colour palette to deciding what apparels to go for based on the season. Creative directors also work with fashion magazines, which again is proof that the fashion design industry is dynamic.
What are the Key Skills to Learn When Choosing a Fashion Design Career or Course?
- The foundations and fundamentals of design
- The ability to make creating and critical decisions
- Developing the skills to think practically and execute practical plans
- Being able to keep up with industry trends and advancements
- Collaborating with peers and industry specialists
- Making effective use of professional networking opportunities; which is also part of point no. 5, collaboration
- Understanding various career prospects and the versatility of the industry
- Building a robust portfolio or resume
Financial Considerations
Here is a basic overview of the cost you will have to incur and additional financial options you can go for assistance.
1) Overview of typical costs
Tuition fees can typically be around 1 lakh to 3 lakh per year in public colleges and 3 lakh to 5 lakh in private colleges/institutions. Course fees may vary based on the institute or college. Apart from tuition fees, students may also have to consider a budget for additional materials, software, sewing kits, fabric and other tools.
2) Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
A lot of fashion colleges offer financial aid and scholarships to students who would want financial assistance. You have the options for merit based scholarships and need – based financial aid that requires you to fill out applications like FAFSA or forms that may vary depending on the college. The FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India) also offers grants for aspiring candidates.
Practical Experience and Internships
1) The Importance of Hands – On Experience
Hands – on experience is an important aspect in fashion designing. From learning how to sew pattern making, to being able to make presentations and work around softwares, your fashion designing course – irrespective of a BA in fashions design or masters – will equip you with the required skills to gain effective hands – on experience.
Role of Internships and Practical Projects in Fashion Design Education
Internships and practical projects are an imperative part of your formal educational journey. Internships help you with learning necessary skill sets, collaborating and communicating with like – minded people, associating with subject matter experts and keeping up with industry trends. You also have the scope to receive instant feedback that can help you hone your skills and knowledge.
Most fashion design programs that are well – curated have internship programs and apprenticeship opportunities that can help you get ahead in your career and help you build a strong portfolio.
Making the Final Decision
Prior to choosing the best degree program and institution, there are a few factors every candidate must consider. Some of the important ones are as follows:
1) Curriculum
All college websites will have a page dedicated to program details and curriculum information. It is important to review these pages to understand the course better. You can read and evaluate if the curriculum seems well – rounded, all inclusive and comprehensive.
2) Placement Records
Placement options listed by a college is an indicator of the quality of education and opportunities it provides. You can even reach out to alumni to best understand placement facilities. Colleges with ties to leading fashion houses, businesses and even media houses are ideal options to go for.
3) Faculty
Always look for colleges with experienced professors who have a robust background in both legal education and business administration.
4) Accreditation
An institute’s credibility is known from its accreditation from recognized bodies and the rankings provided by various reputable organizations. Employers also prefer candidates who graduate from leading colleges with great rankings and accreditation.
5) Preferences
Always go for what best suits your personal preferences as passion in life. When it comes from a place of interest and personal choices, you end up being more satisfied and happy – which is ultimately what is important. It also ensures better mental well – being and you get to actively indulge in course work and other educational requirements with zeal.
Conclusion
Pursuing your education in fashion designing and building your career in the fashion industry is a fascinating and a life – evolving experience. Based on your time, energy, passion and interests, deciding your decision can give you favorable decisions.
The world of fashion is fast paced, active and all about creative and critical thinking – if these sound like things you can do, then you do not have to think twice, fashion designing is what you should go for.
Read more about AAFT’s School of Fashion and Design here
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