Fashion design is a highly desirable industry, with many people dreaming of seeing models walk the catwalk bedecked in their creations.
At the highest levels, fashion designers can become celebrities in their own right, rubbing shoulders with fellow stars and enjoying a lavish lifestyle.
If that sounds like a dream to you, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into achieving it. Here’s how to make it as a fashion designer.
Get relevant qualifications
While a naturally artistic profession, there’s also plenty of theory that goes into successful fashion design.
There are all manner of courses available to learn the basics and keep on improving your knowledge as you go. Once you have these foundations in place, you will be able to build upon them and add a bit of your personality.
Build up some experience
Getting a start in an industry like fashion is often the hardest part, but opportunities will start to present themselves once you have a foot in the door.
While you are studying, you may be able to take short work placements – some university courses may even have things like this factored in as well.
Make the most of these opportunities. Ask questions of those who’ve been in your shoes in the past and made it to places that you aspire to be.
Start putting together a portfolio
Once you have worked on certain projects – whether it’s in a work setting or during your education – you can begin building a portfolio.
Creating a physical portfolio in a professionally designed booklet and bringing it to interviews with you is a great way to show potential employers the skills that you have built up over time, and also help you keep sight of all the hard work you’ve done so far!
Maintain a digital presence
The pandemic opened up a whole new digital world for major fashion events, perhaps hinting at the future direction of fashion.
In the meantime, putting yourself forward in the online realm with an up-to-date website and social media profiles will keep you at the forefront of people’s minds.
Utilize networking opportunities
Find as many shows and events to attend as possible – this may be made more possible if you can secure a longer-term work placement.
When you’re at these events, don’t keep your head down. Praise people’s work, discuss the show with those around you and get to know them. You never know who you might be talking to and how they might be able to help you…
Stand out from the crowd
The classics are classics for a reason, of course. But stepping outside of the box and putting your own stamp on something might just turbocharge your career if your original thought takes off as a new trend.
Making a breakthrough in the fashion industry will likely take a little bit of all these factors, so keep working hard and the dream might be your reality!