If you have an eye for fashion and you know your way around textiles, then you might be dreaming of a career in design. Before you can pursue that vision, however, you need to make sure that you have the right education. Going to college for an artistic and creative course like fashion design is an excellent way to expand your skills and discover what it’s like to be deeply involved in the industry. However, it’s important to be prepared so that you know how to make the most out of your education. Today, we’re going to look at some of the things that you can do to put your best foot forward in this space.
Always Work on Your Portfolio
In the world of apparel, there’s a big difference between your resume, and your portfolio. Taking out a private student loan so you can get a degree will look great on your resume. However, most companies still won’t take you on unless you have a wide portfolio of looks that you’ve worked on and created during your courses. Your degree will be an excellent opportunity for you to explore your skills and different styles that work best for you. Remember that you’ll need to address every project although it’s going to be on the front page of your portfolio. Imagine what your future employers will think when they’re flicking through the pages of the work you’ve done.
Boost Your Practical Skills
Successful fashion designers have a set of crucial practical skills that they use for all of their work. The first skill is sewing. This is something that you’ll need to work on constantly. Invest in a good sewing machine and work on developing your techniques. You’ll need an intimate knowledge of how different fabrics and threads work together. The other skill that you need to develop as a designer is with technology. Most people overlook this, but like most industries, technology has become especially important to the clothing design world. There are programs available to help you create 3D versions of your designs or see how fabrics will fit together before you invest further time and money.
Chat with Graduates
Finally, one of the most important things you’ll do when you start your career in this industry, is build a network. Getting to know your community and learning from other designers is how you become a more competitive rival. Networking is also how you’ll find chances to display your designs in various stores and at catwalk events. Before you even start your career, you can begin working on your communication skills by talking to design school graduates. No-one will be able to prepare you better for what lies ahead than a graduate who has already been through it all. You can talk to people about their studying experiences, how they found people to work with when they wanted to volunteer and build out their portfolio, and more. Admissions officers can often connect you with current and recent students if you need some extra help finding someone.
