Five Myths and Five Tips for Breaking Into a Career as a Fashion
Designer
Becoming a fashion designer is a lifelong dream for many of us.
We all love to wear beautiful clothes and make ourselves feel
good from the inside out.
We often imagine what it feels like to actually make money doing
something this great: dressing people up and making them feel
good, models catwalking the runway gracefully to showcase our
designs, stylists working frantically at the backstage and we
are introduced as "the designer" at the closing. Ah, pretty
tempting, indeed, but somehow it feels so surreal. Can I
actually become a fashion designer?
Despite the misconception that only those who graduate from New
York prestigious fashion schools can make it big in this highly
lucrative and competitive field, many fashion designers
literally work their way up working from home.
Karen and Warren Hipwell, for instance, started and still
operate design studio from their residence in Massachusetts.
Despite their humble start, now their products are sold in 110
retailers nationwide. Pure luck? Think again.
You, too, can become a fashion designer even if you have never
worn "designer" clothes, don't have a fashion degree, can't draw
or sew, and live far away from New York or Los Angeles. These
are no more than myths. Let me briefly explain them to you.
Myth One: I have never worn "designer" clothes. Reality: All
clothes, including those in your closet, are designed by fashion
designers. Many people confuse designer "collection," which
means high-priced seasonal line designed by top designers, with
"the person" who designs clothes.
Myth Two: I don't have a fashion degree. Reality: Unlike the
medical professions, which require extensive classroom and
hands-on training, you can learn how to design anywhere. No
special education is needed. You'll be surprised to know that
many established designers don't have any special training.
Myth Three: I live far away from New York or Los Angeles.
Reality: While NY and LA are great places to find an internship
position with established designers, fashion is a part of life
and fashion designers can be found everywhere. Whether you live
in a city of millions or a town of 10,000, there must be at
least a few local fashion designers.
Myth Four: I cannot draw or sew. Reality: Nobody can at the
beginning. Strong motivation and perseverance are more important
than how well you can draw or sew. Such skills can be learned
easily (including using some free resources).
Myth Five: I don't feel comfortable working in a high-profile
industry. Reality: Well, this glamorous image is no more than
the most over-rated trait of the fashion industry. This image is
created by the media with the help of fashion publicists and
marketers to boost sales. Thus, the purpose is pure business.
The better the coverage, the better the sales will be. Fashion
designers work very hard for 18 to 24 months to deliver the best
designs of the season.
Now you're ready to plunge into this often-misunderstood field,
here are some tips:
First, a fashion designer is an artist and an entrepreneur in
one. Why? Because if you design in the name of art without
considering the marketability, it's very likely you won't be
successful. Many designers fail because of this.
Second, you can choose your design specializations from a long
list of classifications. Trivial items, such as beach and leg
wears, are highly profitable products and relatively easy to
produce compared with haute couture pieces.
Third, understand what your career goal is. You can choose
whether you want to work for others or for yourself. Whichever
one your choice is, apprenticeship is always a great option for
new designers.
Fourth, keep up with the industry trends and news. Travel and
read a lot to be informed and inspired. New insights will keep
your creative skills fresh and ready to roll.
Fifth, persevere. Perseverance is the most important virtue of
all because without it, nothing can be completed. Perseverance
is your ticket to the peak of your career.[]