06/05/2015
3 STEPS TO BE A GOOD DESIGNER:
1
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Develop your skills. Successful
fashion designers have a wide array of
skills, including drawing, an eye for color
and texture, an ability to visualize concepts
in three dimensions, and the mechanical
skills involved in sewing and cutting all
types of fabrics.
2
Get excellent sewing tuition if you
haven't already learned this skill well.
Being able to sew difficult fabric
under challenging situations will stand
you in excellent stead throughout your
career but you need to work at it -
it's a skill that doesn't come easily to
many people.
Understand how fabrics move, drape,
breathe, react when worn, etc. Your
in-depth knowledge of fabric is
absolutely essential to using it
properly when designing. Also know
where to source materials from.
Learn from existing designers, not
just who they are, but their
backgrounds, their signature style, the
learning that they undertook, where
they studied. Knowing this will help
you to be a better designer yourself,
as you can borrow and build on their
ideas.
Learn how to create storyboards and
product ranges. Be good at
researching trends through media,
comparative shopping and trade
shows.
Start developing these skills at a
young age. Be prepared to devote
hours of time to perfecting your craft.
Learn more. If you can, it makes good
sense to get a diploma or degree in
fashion design or a related program. You'll
learn a great deal, make excellent early
contacts and have ample opportunity to
show off your skills in a less judgmental
environment (although still be prepared to
be critiqued!) Do one (or both) of the
following:
3
Assess your skills and personality
honestly before pursuing a career in
fashion design. You may love clothes but
clothing is only part of the story when
undertaking fashion design. You'll also
need excellent communication skills, a
willingness to work very hard (often 24/7),
a tough hide when criticized, an ability to
cope with stress, openness to having many
different clients and/or bosses, an
acceptance that there will be loneliness or
isolation on occasion (depending on how
you set up your design business or career)
and an ability to be a self-disciplined self-
starter.