What do I have to do to become a clothing designer?

I am the owner and CEO of Beau-Ty, LLC because I've always wanted to make my own clothes. I knew absolutely nothing about sewing, let alone, a sewing machine. However, I thought, if this is something that I wanted to do, I'd better learn. I took sewing classes and the rest is history. I design and make bow ties and shirts that "I" like and that "I" am happy and proud to wear. As it turned out, so did others. They are floored when I tell them "I made this!" I would do it even if no one noticed or wanted to buy what I was selling. If it's what you want to do, if it's fun to you to do it, if it's where your heart and mind are, then it will be what you want to do.

Hello Adrianne,

There is probably no one way to become a clothing designer. But one of the more likely paths would begin with attending an art or design school that has a fashion curriculum. They would allow you to get the education and possibly the connections to getting into the fashion and clothing industry. When looking up schools, don't just go by what they say about themselves, make sure to do the research and see how many of their graduates actually end up in their chosen field. And how many actually end up finishing the program and graduating.

There are other ways like design competitions and the like but those are less reliable and inherently risky with very low chances of actually getting into them let alone winning them. The best thing to do is pursue education and keep practicing.

I hope that this helps!

Thank you Adrianne for the question.

Fashion designers create designs for clothing and accessories and bring those designs to fruition, either sewing them on their own or overseeing their creation by employees or manufacturers. Each designer has his or her own aesthetic, and that aesthetic evolves over time as trends and the designer’s vision change.
Being a fashion designer involves more than just sketching a design. Designers often use special computer-aided design (CAD) software, are skilled at sewing, and are familiar with color theory and the many different types of materials used to make garments and accessories. They must also be aware of the business side of fashion, including merchandising and marketing.
Many fashion designers receive their training through a fashion design program at a college or university. Some attend schools dedicated to the study of fashion design, while others choose programs based in traditional colleges. Fashion design degrees are available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. Some schools even offer MBA programs that focus on the business side of the fashion industry.
Those who want to enter a fashion design program are often expected to develop basic skills before applying. A fashion program may require prospective students to submit their portfolio and pass design and sewing tests when they apply. Designers may teach themselves these skills or take classes to develop these skills before college.
Designers who complete a bachelor’s degree before seeking work in fashion take about four years to start their careers. While most graduates find work in fashion or related fields after school, it can take years for a designer to gain recognition in the industry.

All the Best.