1 answer
Aliviah
Student
Strayhorn, MS
3
Questions
Updated
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What are the chances of success I'd have if I want to be a fashion designer?
I know there's tons of top tier fashion industries, and most starter stores don't make it far. But if it's something I commit to, what all would I need to start? What schools do I need to look at? What steps should I take to make an advancement plan?
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1 answer
Irene Smolyanskaya
Designer Creative Draper Educator
34
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hello Alivia,
As a creative professional in the Fashion industry of many years, I know for a fact that no matter what any advisors tell you, your creativity will always force you to make use of it, one way or another. If your mind is filled with images of clothing that you feel you must make, just go for it. There will be no other 'relief' for you.
And yes, you will find your customer eventually. Your initial step should be a good training program, where you could learn some essential skills, such as creative exploration, sketching, draping, and the actual sewing is a super important skill, too. You also get a chance to connect with like-minded students end see where you stand in terms of creativity and technical talent.
The garment industry of New York is always looking for entry level design assistants, and that would be an excellent place to start with your school- sponsored internships, even if for a month or two to see how a fashion business works and if the hours and the company’s culture are a good match for you. Be prepared not to be paid top dollar for these engagements, though the companies will often 'pay' their interns with their product.
I would strongly recommend getting an internship or a temporary job with a successful company before investing in your own collections/ runway presentations. That second path is really costly. Meanwhile, many fashion schools will have a platform for you to present your work on the runway, as part of your Capstone Project, at graduation. For many young designers their graduation collection was an excellent stepping stone into their first job, that is well paid, and is exciting and glamorous.
Good luck with your creative pursuits! It all works out if you put an effort !
Irene recommends the following next steps:
https://www.fitnyc.edu/
https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/
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https://www.fitnyc.edu is an excellent school in NYC, part of the SUNY network of universities. You must attend classes in the Fashion program in person
As a creative professional in the Fashion industry of many years, I know for a fact that no matter what any advisors tell you, your creativity will always force you to make use of it, one way or another. If your mind is filled with images of clothing that you feel you must make, just go for it. There will be no other 'relief' for you.
And yes, you will find your customer eventually. Your initial step should be a good training program, where you could learn some essential skills, such as creative exploration, sketching, draping, and the actual sewing is a super important skill, too. You also get a chance to connect with like-minded students end see where you stand in terms of creativity and technical talent.
The garment industry of New York is always looking for entry level design assistants, and that would be an excellent place to start with your school- sponsored internships, even if for a month or two to see how a fashion business works and if the hours and the company’s culture are a good match for you. Be prepared not to be paid top dollar for these engagements, though the companies will often 'pay' their interns with their product.
I would strongly recommend getting an internship or a temporary job with a successful company before investing in your own collections/ runway presentations. That second path is really costly. Meanwhile, many fashion schools will have a platform for you to present your work on the runway, as part of your Capstone Project, at graduation. For many young designers their graduation collection was an excellent stepping stone into their first job, that is well paid, and is exciting and glamorous.
Good luck with your creative pursuits! It all works out if you put an effort !
Irene recommends the following next steps:
https://www.fitnyc.edu/
https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/
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Irene recommends the following next steps: