Of all sought-after professions, perhaps that of a fashion designer is one that has fascinated many without fail. It is natural to want to dive into the depths of not just a fashion designer’s mind but also their life – What is their schedule like? How do they draw inspiration? What guides their designs? How stressful is their work-life?
On the surface, it looks all about glamour with a dash of creativity on paper and then fabric. On looking closer, one may find that beneath the garb of allure lies a whole lot more, some that may catch many off-guard.
So, what does it take to become a successful fashion designer? Let’s find out.
Step#1 Completing a professional degree program
The best way to gain a strong footing in an industry so competitive is to get oneself enrolled for a professional course.
Students pursuing a certificate course in fashion designing will find themselves getting more and more conversant with the history of textiles, evolution of fashion through the ages, freehand and digital drawing, computer-aided design, pattern-making, different types of fabrics and how each drapes, and a whole lot more, the knowledge of which is imperative to make it big in the industry.
Hence, the first step is to familiarise oneself with the basics via a professional fashion designing course.
Step#2 Gaining hands-on experience
Once the technical aspect has been covered in theory, it’s time to practice it in real-life scenarios. The entire process of executing a design successfully from an idea to a finished product is a complex one and needs hands-on experience to perfect.
Aspiring fashion designers must, therefore, look for promising internship opportunities or volunteer to work under successful designers so as to get one-on-one with not only design applications but also the demands of a fashion designer’s work-life.
Step#3 Putting together a solid portfolio
In the world of fashion, a portfolio is every aspiring designer’s mouthpiece; so, the more stellar the portfolio, the better the chances of attracting big-ticket clients or getting hired by top fashion houses.
To craft a professional and sleek portfolio, aspirants can include their most impressive work done during their degree program. Work done as a part of internships can also be included. It is important to ensure that the portfolio covers all the basics that potential clients are looking for – sketching, sewing, pattern-making sensibilities, and so on.
Step#4 Leveraging the power of networking
Many aspirants tend to avoid networking because it is time-taking. However, one must change their perspective and look at the process as an investment, the returns of which, though gradual, are sure and bountiful.
The ability to connect with the right people in the right way can play a huge role in pushing an aspiring fashion designer’s career in the right direction. These people could include almost anyone from within the industry – from the obvious industry experts, top clients, and popular fashion houses, to even fellow designers and collaborators.
Step#5 Keeping abreast with the trends
Finally, even after getting a much-needed breakthrough into the industry of fashion, it is essential to remember that the highly dynamic nature of the industry demands walking neck-to-neck with the trends.
Every season brings with it something new and exciting, and it is the early bird that catches the worm! Aspiring fashion designers must always stay on top of the trends by regularly scouring through top fashion magazines, industry journals, e-papers, and more.
Much-needed guidance in the right direction is offered by world-class Indian institutions such as the Pearl Academy, an academy that is at par with any international institution in terms of its curriculum and education practices.
A certificate course in fashion designing from the said academy will give students a thorough knowledge of freehand and digital sketching, design research, fabrics, pattern-making, and much more.
