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Click here to view a one
hour video of LACOE’s Fashion Conference 2001
California Labor Market
statistics estimate a 41% growth in the Design industry resulting in a projected 25,600 jobs by 2006. And these figures do not include self-employed designers.
Fashion Designers
continually compare their merchandise with those of their competitors to keep current on fashion trends.
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Fashion Design
Fashion Designers create clothing and accessory designs and may plan the production and marketing of their
creations. They make fashion news by establishing the silhouette, colors and kinds of materials that will be worn each season. To learn more, watch a 1-hour video of LACOE’s Fashion Conference
2001, or view our 2-minute viedo from the Career Conference 2000 Fashion Show.
Designers sketch their original ideas and may make patterns to be used as guides for cutting samples. They visit
textile manufacturing and sales establishments to select appropriate fabrics and trims. Then they use basic principles of dressmaking and tailoring, with flat pattern work and draping
techniques to obtain their design effect.
Designers may be self-employed, catering to individual clients or retail stores. They may also work for apparel manufacturers adapting
fashion trends to the mass market.
There are four basic Designer career categories:
Head Designers - responsible for executive and creative functions and they supervise design room staff. A large
manufacturer generally has a Head Designer and several assistants. Many small firms do not employe designers but purchase ready-made designs or patterns.
Assistant Designers - general assistants to Head Designers. They make patterns and samples as instructed by Designers.
Specialty Designers - arrange for styles to be distributed in foreign countries, coordinate special lines, or focus on accessory design.
Theatrical Costume Designers - develop period costumes for movies or theatrical productions, usually on a contract basis.
Education
Artistic talent is crucial in fashion designing. People in this field need a good sense of line color, balance and an eye for detail as
well as initiative, self-discipline, perseverance and the ability to organize and work independently. Often a portfolio representative of a Designer’s best work is more important in
finding a job than education credentials. However, formal training is critical for most Designers and graduation from a school or college that provides specialized training in fashion
design is recommended.
Many schools offer two-year programs in the fundamentals of fashion design. Students may earn certificates or an Associate
of Arts degree in the field. High school students interested in fashion design should take courses in sewing, art, mathematics, business, speech and English. Post secondary courses usually
include sketching, pattern making, draping and grading, garment construction, textiles and trimmings, costume history, principles of design and color, and how to plan price and promote seasonal lines.
How To Find A Job
Beginning Designers often start as Assistant Designers, as trainees in design department, or as pattern makers, pattern
graders or sketchers. Those who prove their ability are usually promoted to Designer status within two to four years. Promotion
for most Designers is reflected in a salary increase or in a work assignment which involves greater responsibility. Others may become self-employed.
Prospective Fashion Designers may find jobs through their training facility job placement offices. Experienced Designers
sometimes locate jobs through other people in the industry, professional affiliation, or advertisements in trade journals or newspapers. Jobs may also be found through direct application
to dressmaking firms, manufacturers, custom dress shops, design studios, department store, pattern houses and a variety of apparel and specialty shops.
Average Salary
California Fashion Designers earned an average of $18.00 per hour and a median wage of $16.49 per hour in 1997 (U.S. Dept.
of Labor Statistics). Earnings of Fashion Designers depend on individual ability and the kind of fashion design involved. Highly skilled and well-known Designers may earn well over $100,000
annually.
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