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Careers in Fashion Design

Careers in fashion design are exciting and demanding.  Some jobs require people with a high degree of artistic creativity and originality, while others require people with technical knowledge and highly developed skills.  Apparel designers need to have the ability to lead a team and interpret fashion trends, in addition to being able to sketch, sew, and make patterns.  Success for designers in other fashion areas such as accessory and home furnishings design requires similar types of skills.  Overall, creativity, skill, ability, and hard work are the ingredients for a successful career in the industry. 

Individuals with a degree in fashion design work as fashion designers, computer-automated-design (CAD) specialists, merchandisers, technical designers, findings/trimmings buyers, graphic designers, stylists, first pattern makers, production pattern makers, sample makers, pre-production managers, apparel production managers, fabric buyers,  fabric quality control managers, graders, marker makers, showroom sales representatives, outside sales representatives, account executives, entrepreneurs, and company owners.   So many choices!

For people just beginning a career, entry-level positions in apparel  companies include assistant pattern maker, designer’s assistant, cutting assistant, findings/trimmings buyer, CAD operator, grader trainee, and marker trainee.  Regardless of the starting position, responsibilities increase with hard work, an interest in the job, and the development of skill and talent.  Individuals who show that they have what it takes can expect a long and exciting career in the fashion industry!