Fashion Designer

Job Description: Fashion designers design clothing, accessories, and even shoes. Fashion designers create original designs based on inspiration from various sources. Many designers launch their own fashion design labels, or work collaboratively at some of the larger “houses” (established fashion designs like Chanel, Versace, Vera Wang are considered houses.) Fashion designers have a unique ability to set global trends, either by their choice of colors or use of innovative materials.

Salary Range: Salaries for fashion designers range from $54,000 to $77,000 and can vary greatly depending on their current popularity and the scope of their designs. Most fashion designers launch product lines through twice-yearly fashion shows, and sell their designs to department stores and boutiques. Many well-known designers are able to parlay their fashion sensibilities into product designs, paid endorsements, and even careers in film or television.

Education: While not expressly required, degrees in fashion design, fashion merchandising, and even marketing will increase the fashion designer’s chances of success. In fashion design degree programs, students learn the technical skills (sketching, sewing, etc,) that they will need to communicate their ideas effectively.

Outlook: As one fashion-based reality show is fond of pointing out, “you’re either in, or you’re out” when it comes to the fashion business. As cultural and societal tastes change, fashion designers must anticipate trends and respond to consumer demand, otherwise they risk becoming “so last season.” The US Department of Labor predicts 11% industry growth over the next seven years as more and more businesses and consumers believe all people should have access to beautiful and well-designed things.

Personality Traits: Fashion designers are generally creative people with the ability to visualize and the patience to see their designs through to fruition. Fashion designers must also have an aptitude for business, as they will spend considerable time marketing their vision and making sales. A perceptive nature will help fashion designers relate to and anticipate the needs of their target consumer.

Career Path: Assistant/Patternmaker > Junior Designer > Proprietor/Head Designer