Becoming a Fashion Designer

Get matched to an Online Fashion Design Degree Program for FREE!

Degree description image

BECOMING A FASHION DESIGNER

Fashion, as an art form, stands in a league of its own. Within the confines of a designer outlet, meticulous craftsmanship adorns each jacket, dress, and shirt, tailored to encapsulate a specific style. Every stitch carries a distinct purpose, and each button finds its place with meticulous precision. The enigmatic nature of forthcoming trends, along with the profound evolution of styles over time, eludes the comprehension of many. Herein lies the responsibility of the fashion designer: to dissect these trends, infuse innovation, and breathe life into the next iconic piece destined for the spotlight in store windows or on the illustrious catwalk.

Here are some things to consider when choosing an online fashion designer program:

  • The majority of fashion designers have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as fashion design or fashion merchandising, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • While an education and thorough understanding of the fashion process may be critical for a job in the field, employers also look for individuals that can display creativity and originality.
  • Fashion designers must be comfortable using fabrics and textiles in a real world setting, but there are also computer-aided design programs that a professional may have to use on a regular basis. Attaining an expert understanding of this software may also be important.
  • While searching for a position, many employers will request to see a portfolio. Building a sleek portfolio that showcases your creativity and work is often critical to pursuing a career in fashion design.
  • The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits institutions with programs in art and design. It may benefit you to search for online institutions that have been accredited as well.

IS AN ONLINE FASHION DESIGN PROGRAM FOR YOU?

Fashion designers aren’t just seamstresses designing apparel and sorting through fabrics. They’re master trendsetters that use their talent to predict what the next big wardrobe item will be, and with online training in fashion design, you may find what it takes to turn this pursuit into a career. Many students prefer online courses because they are often more convenient and require less commuting.

WHAT DO ONLINE FASHION DESIGN PROGRAM COURSES LOOK LIKE?

Some common courses include:

Intro to Fashion Design: Explore what goes into designing the next must-have trends. You could learn about fabric, color, 2D and 3D design, and more.

Fashion Technology: This course may delve into how garments are made, from start to finish. You could learn about sewing methods and how to construct a piece of clothing.

Art History: Build the foundations to understand art and design throughout history. You could study eras from medieval to modern art.

Digital Communication: In this course, you could learn how to get ideas across – in design and other settings. You may study digital tools, methods, and ways to express yourself.

Figure Drawing: The human form is central to fashion design! In this course, you could learn to draw figures, with a focus on composition, shape, and more.

FASHION DESIGNER CAREER PATHS AND POTENTIAL SALARIES

A foundation in fashion design may prepare you to pursue other careers as well. After receiving an education in analyzing trends and by carefully training your eye for style and design, it may be reasonable to search for employment in other related fields that value the same skills. Study which options may be available using statistics compiled by the BLS.

FASHION DESIGNERS

Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products they design.

Median Salary: $76,700 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 3% (As fast as average)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

PURCHASING MANAGERS, BUYERS, AND PURCHASING AGENTS

Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents.

Median Salary: $75,120 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: -6% (Decline)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

© Education Connection 2024. All Rights Reserved.

*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”).  So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking.  Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study.  By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school.

This is an offer for educational opportunities, not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The financial aid information on this site is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid.

1 You must apply for a new loan each school year. This approval percentage is based on students with a Sallie Mae undergraduate loan in the 2018/19 school year who were approved when they returned in 2019/20. It does not include the denied applications of students who were ultimately approved in 2019/20.

2 This promotional benefit is provided at no cost to borrowers with new loans that disburse between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. Borrowers are not eligible to activate the benefit until July 1, 2021. Borrowers who reside in, attend school in, or borrow for a student attending school in Maine are not eligible for this benefit. Chegg Study® offers expert Q&A where students can submit up to 20 questions per month. No cash value. Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit http://www.chegg.com/legal/smtermsandconditions for complete details. This offer expires one year after issuance.

Sponsored Results

Study anywhere. Study any time.

Join the millions earning their degrees online.

7 million undergraduate and graduate students were enrolled in some form of online education in 2019!*

X