Working in the fashion design industry Finding a job is a job in itself

Competition for design jobs is intense throughout the industry, for every 15 buying job there isonly 1 design position! You may need to seek opportunities to work your way up from roles suchas design room assistant or even pattern cutter.Top design houses rarely advertise their vacancies, employment opportunities are frequentlysecured via speculative applications and effective networking. It is, therefore, important to try tobuild relationships with more established designers and companies by taking a proactiveapproach, visiting trade shows and making contacts through work placement opportunities.Crucial to your success in finding a job will be the strength of your portfolio, don’t let this stagnateafter graduation, continually update and review your work.Portfolio tip: when approaching a company always try to include a brief or some sketchesthat relate directly to the companies current collection. They will be impressed!You’ll need to show great awareness of current and future trends and to able to demonstrate thatyou are up-to –date with technological advances. Please don’t forget the non-design skills youhave developed on your course. Recent surveys have show that fashion and textile employersalso look for a willingness to work, strong communication skills, good timekeeping, adaptabilityand a flexible attitude.This handout will help you to focus on role of the fashion designer, what you need to do to landyour first job and provide some advice to those looking to operate as freelance designers.Good luck!

The jobsJob title: designerFashion designers work on the design of a clothing range. Some may focus completely on aspecialist area, such as sportswear, childrenswear or accessories. The main markets they designfor are haute couture, designer ready-to-wear and high street fashion.The work: tasks depend on the market the designer is producing for, but core responsibilitiesinclude:?? creating/visualising an idea and making a sketch by hand or using computer aided design?? analysing trends in fabrics, colours and shapes?? keeping up to date with emerging fashion trends?? planning and developing ranges

?? working with others in the design team, such as buyers and forecasters, to develop aproduct to meet the brief?? liasing closely with sales, buying and production teams to ensure the item complementsother products?? developing a pattern that is then cut and sewn into sample garments?? sourcing, selecting and buying fabrics?? adapting existing designs for mass production?? supervising the making up of sample garments?? overseeing production?? negotiating with customers and suppliers?? managing marketing, finances and other business activities if working on a self-employebasis?? There is scope for travel abroad, for example to attend trade shows or to meet suppliersExperienced designers with larger companies may focus more on the design aspect, with pattercutters and machinists preparing sample garments. In smaller companies these, and other taskmay be part of the designer's role.The working environment: varies between companies and can range from a Victorian-stylefactory, to a modern purpose-built office or a small, smart design studio. Freelance designersmay work from home or in rented studio areas.Skills and knowledge: employers usually expect to see a portfolio that clearly demonstrates theability to design. Potential candidates will also need to show evidence of the following:

?? creative flair, including an eye for colour and a feel for fabrics?? design and visualising skills, either by hand or through computer aided design?? experience of computer aided design packages such as Illustrator and Photoshop?? practical skills, including pattern cutting and sewing?? a proactive approach?? commercial awareness and business orientation?? self-promotion and confidence?? interpersonal, communication and networking skills?? negotiation and influencing skills?? team working skills?? organisational and time management skillsTraining: during a designer's career, training opportunities are frequently limited in scope ascareer development may result in only subtle changes in work. However, larger firms mayprovide business and computer training, which could include computer aided design or otherspecialist software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, to help design patterns.Pay and conditions: typical starting salaries range from ￡ 14,000 - ￡ 18,000, or ￡ 16,000 - ￡ 20,000for London-based roles. A good junior designer can expect to earn ￡ 30,000 - ￡ 35,000 withinthree to four years.Prospects/promotion: progression can be slow, particularly at the start of your career. Beingproactive and making contacts in the industry is essential in a sector where people frequentlymove jobs in order to progress their career and there is a lot of pressure to produce new ideas