4 answers
Jane
Student
Winnabow, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
324 views
Fashion in this World
Is it hard to be a designer in this world of high quality fashion and clothing? Knowing that you have a lot to go up against and through.Will my fashion make it?
Login to comment
4 answers
Irene Smolyanskaya
Designer Creative Draper Educator
11
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hello Jane,
As a creative professional 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, sewing is super important, 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 your internships, even if for a month or two to see how a fashion business works and if the hours and vibe 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 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 !
https://www.fitnyc.edu/
https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/
As a creative professional 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, sewing is super important, 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 your internships, even if for a month or two to see how a fashion business works and if the hours and vibe 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 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:
Elizabeth Edu
political Scientist
4
Answers
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hello Jane,
I thought so too, but don't be overwhelmed by the big names and styles in the fashion industry. There is definitely a place for you, It's often said "Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder. So long as you are authentic with your skill and your brand, there is definitely a place for you.
Whereas there are people in search of big names and complex styles with all of the paparazzi, and yes, they are also others who want it very simple and original, therefore in what ever you do, give it your best shot, stay consistent, keep learning and upgrading on your skill and the sky will be your Starting point.
Furthermore, "Passion and Talent is key". You will find it difficult to be creative and innovative in style if the driving force of "Passion and Talent" is absent. In addition, for you to reach your full potential, you must know what your "Passion and Talent" is, which is the most crucial requirement to thrive in the Fashion industry.
In conclusion, there is no profession or skill without challenges, challenges exist to sharpen your skill and to bring out the best in you . Do not see it as hard, but perceive it as one more hurdle you have to tackle to be better. Go for your passion and talent, if it is "Fashion", work hard and smart, be consistent and original and you will see lines fall in pleasant places for you.
All the best Champ!
I thought so too, but don't be overwhelmed by the big names and styles in the fashion industry. There is definitely a place for you, It's often said "Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder. So long as you are authentic with your skill and your brand, there is definitely a place for you.
Whereas there are people in search of big names and complex styles with all of the paparazzi, and yes, they are also others who want it very simple and original, therefore in what ever you do, give it your best shot, stay consistent, keep learning and upgrading on your skill and the sky will be your Starting point.
Furthermore, "Passion and Talent is key". You will find it difficult to be creative and innovative in style if the driving force of "Passion and Talent" is absent. In addition, for you to reach your full potential, you must know what your "Passion and Talent" is, which is the most crucial requirement to thrive in the Fashion industry.
In conclusion, there is no profession or skill without challenges, challenges exist to sharpen your skill and to bring out the best in you . Do not see it as hard, but perceive it as one more hurdle you have to tackle to be better. Go for your passion and talent, if it is "Fashion", work hard and smart, be consistent and original and you will see lines fall in pleasant places for you.
All the best Champ!
Luza Rico
Fashion
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Luza’s Answer
Hello Jane! I think the question you should be answering is not about :”Will my fashion make it”, but instead, what’s your talent and what you want to share with the world? Also the why you want to share it is important. If you are doing something you love and you are passionate about, you will find your niche! Fashion Design is like any other career where people might see a lot of competition, and there is, but there’s also a place for others as well, because we all are unique and see the world with a different lens! In my journey, once I discovered who I was as a designer, everything started going with the flow!
I hope you can connect with who you are, and let your heart guide you. The mind will question a lot of things but the answers are always within.
Take an innovative design class or a creative one, so trust you can connect more with the art and discover what drives you.
I hope you can connect with who you are, and let your heart guide you. The mind will question a lot of things but the answers are always within.
Luza recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jane !
People perceive their own difficulties. If you love fashion and believe that it is where you want to and should be, I think you should pursue it if you are serious enough about it. It's not advisable to choose a career on how difficult it would be or what the future outcome will be. If we all did that, we'd have all convinced ourselves not to have the careers we have. I know people wonder because they just want to be secure and happy in the future, but there are no guarantees so no one can say. You need encouragement right now and also to start taking active steps towards your goal.
If your intention is fame and fortune, I would advise not going into the fashion industry. If you want to spend your life around fashion, than I say follow a path that will take you there. It is a business and should be approached as a business. Your first step is to formulate what you want to accomplish as a designer. If you believe you want to go forward, concentrate on education and experience. You will be held back if you are constantly thinking of how competitive it is, if your clothes will "make it" and fame and fortune illusions. Let things come step by step, naturally and focus on your skill and creativity. You know, some of your creations will be a success and some won't. It's just like when an actor auditions, they do not get every part they audition for. Fashion is an opinion business.
Many people will love your fashions and others will not. If you can accept that going forward, than you're headed in the right direction. I advise going to fashion school where you will learn a lot, do projects and meet professional contacts that can help you on your way. You do need to start receiving feedback on your work, so school would be a great place to be. Here is a link to a list of Fashion Schools in NC https://www.fashionschoolsusa.com/states/north-carolina . Explore their programs and see if there are any that you may want to consider. Go to North Carolina Fashion Week. Research how to get information about that.
Attend fashion shows and inquire about how you can participate so you can get one of your collections seen. It will all become real to you once you actively take part in the fashion scene.
So please do not worry about the future. Your talent is much needed and you should not throw your creativity behind you. Worrying will hold you back by creating barriers that shouldn't be there. Associate with people who understand you, are supportive and appreciate your work and you as a person. I think you will be fine.
Best wishes and I hope this was helpful !
NORTH CAROLINA FASHION SHOWS https://www.facebook.com/NorthCarolinaModel/videos/north-carolina-models-fashion-show/614487235704257/
People perceive their own difficulties. If you love fashion and believe that it is where you want to and should be, I think you should pursue it if you are serious enough about it. It's not advisable to choose a career on how difficult it would be or what the future outcome will be. If we all did that, we'd have all convinced ourselves not to have the careers we have. I know people wonder because they just want to be secure and happy in the future, but there are no guarantees so no one can say. You need encouragement right now and also to start taking active steps towards your goal.
If your intention is fame and fortune, I would advise not going into the fashion industry. If you want to spend your life around fashion, than I say follow a path that will take you there. It is a business and should be approached as a business. Your first step is to formulate what you want to accomplish as a designer. If you believe you want to go forward, concentrate on education and experience. You will be held back if you are constantly thinking of how competitive it is, if your clothes will "make it" and fame and fortune illusions. Let things come step by step, naturally and focus on your skill and creativity. You know, some of your creations will be a success and some won't. It's just like when an actor auditions, they do not get every part they audition for. Fashion is an opinion business.
Many people will love your fashions and others will not. If you can accept that going forward, than you're headed in the right direction. I advise going to fashion school where you will learn a lot, do projects and meet professional contacts that can help you on your way. You do need to start receiving feedback on your work, so school would be a great place to be. Here is a link to a list of Fashion Schools in NC https://www.fashionschoolsusa.com/states/north-carolina . Explore their programs and see if there are any that you may want to consider. Go to North Carolina Fashion Week. Research how to get information about that.
Attend fashion shows and inquire about how you can participate so you can get one of your collections seen. It will all become real to you once you actively take part in the fashion scene.
So please do not worry about the future. Your talent is much needed and you should not throw your creativity behind you. Worrying will hold you back by creating barriers that shouldn't be there. Associate with people who understand you, are supportive and appreciate your work and you as a person. I think you will be fine.
Best wishes and I hope this was helpful !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: