Fashion designer - what it sounds like! After all, this is just a fabulous profession - how many opportunities, how many ideas do young talents have ?! But after all, among other things, it is also a difficult, thorny path.
Just think how many qualities a fashion designer should have. Many people think that it is enough to be able to draw and feel beautifully. No, my dears, this is a misconception. A modern fashion designer is a versatile person who must combine two personalities. The first, with a technical mindset, the ability to create drawings, select fabrics and design clothes. However, all of the above can be learned, but this is only the first step in a career. But the most important thing in the profession of a designer is practically impossible to learn. After all, it is not enough to be able to draw, you must be able to feel the thing that you create! It is necessary to take into account even the smallest details of the image you create, its color, proportions and combinations.
There is an opinion that designers do not become, they are born. Perhaps, to some extent, this is so, but after all, with hard work and dedication, it is quite possible to become a fashionable and in-demand clothing designer - there would be a desire.
What does it take to become a designer?
Before you get started, you need to determine if you are capable of becoming a designer. To do this, at the first stage, remember the school, whether you loved the subject of "labor training" at school, because this is the first and for many not entirely conscious design school.
The second question every aspiring clothing designer should ask himself is are you a creative person? If you are more attracted by standard things and you have no particular desire to change anything, maybe fashion design is not at all your vocation?
Very often, clothing designers have to draw, draw. How else? The profession requires constant sketches, be it blouses, pants, skirts or dresses. Do you like to do this kind of creativity? Do you have talent?
It is worth considering whether you are ready to devote yourself to the endless search for something new, non-standard and unusual? If you answered “yes” to all the above questions, then you will definitely succeed!
I want to become a clothing designer - where to start?
As you know, teaching is light. Everything in our life needs to be learned. Before entering an institution specifically aimed at design, it is worth trying to sit down at a creative table and make a few sketches. After that, evaluate your work, show it to your loved ones. If you have received praise from relatives, friends and, most importantly, from yourself, then with peace of mind choose and enter the university in this direction. In addition to the university, you can go to a personal teacher, to courses or to a design school. But in any case, do not forget that you have to work hard wherever you go.
Design schools
To become a fashionable and famous designer, it is not enough just to be able to draw beautifully and have a sense of style. To get a job, as you know, you need a diploma. And you can get it in several ways. Mainly:
Of course, not all employers will be surprised by a higher education, but a diploma of completion of courses - for sure. Therefore, if you are determined to realize yourself in the profession of a designer-fashion designer, then you should look for a suitable design school in your city.
And finally, I would like to say that the career of a fashion designer depends not so much on the education received, but on the desire and dedication to the profession. Never forget that fame and money love brave and passionate people.
Let's talk about how to become a clothing designer, where to start. The profession of a designer has always been considered fashionable, its relevance has not been lost at the present time. In specialized educational institutions that train fashion designers, there are real "live queues" of applicants. Not everyone understands how difficult and thorny is the path from an ordinary schoolboy to an eminent fashion designer. Let's talk about how to become a clothing designer. Someone is trying to master the profession from school, someone has a career only at a respectable age.
The specifics of the profession
First you need to understand the content of the profession, only in this case you can get an idea of what it takes to become a clothing designer. What do such specialists do?
Not sure how to become a famous clothing designer, but really want to? A professional clothing designer creates, presents his sketches to the fashion world. He must take into account the latest trends in the fashion world, otherwise his products will not arouse interest, will not become in demand.
- creates clothing projects;
- draws up technical specifications for the design of clothing items;
- uses information technology when designing;
- organizes the full-fledged work of performers;
- controls the manufacture of clothing;
- prepares applications for samples for certification;
- develops patterns
What a future designer should know about
If you don't know how to become a designer from scratch, in that case, first get acquainted with the theoretical questions regarding the worlds of fashion and design.
- Learn the history of costumes.
- Learn to distinguish the main trends of fashion.
- Learn the basics of designing and modeling clothing.
The future couturier is obliged to understand all issues related to technical equipment, methods of sewing fashionable clothes.
Where can a fashion designer work?
Schoolchildren contemplating how to become a famous designer often do not think about where a representative of this specialty can work. In addition to fashion houses, a certified designer can find a job at a light industry enterprise, in an atelier (elephant), at a textile and haberdashery (sewing) production. In addition, thinking about how to become a designer, where to start, we note that you can always take individual orders, developing real fashion masterpieces at home. In many large cities of our country there are experimental workshops in which professional clothing designers are in demand.
Fashion designer: area of interest
The domestic labor market is represented by both designers and fashion designers. Thinking how to become a clothing designer, where to start? Please note that professions complement each other. If you are sure you know how to become a designer, where to start, you can try your hand at being a fashion designer. The main directions of its activities:
- Technologist. The sphere of professional duties includes the choice of the sewing method, the creation of simple clothing options, the search for effective options for processing seams.
- Constructor. This direction involves the development of high-quality drawings of clothing, fitting products to the individual characteristics of the customer's figure.
- Painter. It is he who draws the finishing option, creates sketches, the entire design of the future fashion accessory.
So what do you need to do to become a clothing designer? It is advisable to master several different skills at once, that is, to become a universal fashion designer.
What a true designer should be able to do
Representatives of this profession can be considered real “fashion geniuses”. They must come up with the whole concept of new collections, develop individual sketches, propose new designs, original technologies. In addition, the designer himself thinks over the key points of the scenario of the future fashion show, takes part in advertising.
Advantages and disadvantages of the design direction
Before you start thinking about what you need to do to become a clothing designer, weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of this profession.
Among the pluses, with a successful combination of all circumstances, one can mention world popularity and fame. A good designer has high fees, can develop his creative potential, build useful connections. Representatives of this profession are in demand in the modern labor market, they will not be left without their favorite work.
There are also disadvantages, which are also important to mention. Work involves hard physical labor, often you have to work in an emergency mode. There are certain limits specified by the customer, which cannot be exceeded. There is serious competition in the market, it is difficult to achieve success and popularity on your own. Novice designers have to spend time and effort looking for potential customers. There is no guarantee that the profession will immediately bring a stable and high income.
In order to take part in a fashion show, you need to prepare 50-60 full-fledged ensembles, this takes a lot of time and effort. A professional spends 4-5 months to create one suit, so only professionals and true fans of their craft "survive" in the fashion world.
We become designers without experience and education
In reality, when thinking about how to become a designer, where to start, realize that simple enthusiasm, having neither the skills, nor experience, nor connections, will not make a dream come true. Where to get training? So, looking for an answer to the question of how to become a clothing designer? In this case, take a look at design schools, fashion institutes, art schools. Among the most popular educational institutions in the world of fashion, we will single out the following: MGUDT, MGTU im. A.N. Kosygina, National Commercial Institute of Fashion, Institute of Costume Design (St. Petersburg), Ivanovo Textile Academy, Moscow Industrial College.
For those who are seriously thinking about how to become a fashion designer at home, distance learning is offered at the British Higher School of Art and Design, College of Fashion and Design.
What is important to remember to make your dream come true
First, it is important to decide on your preferences. You don't know how to become a clothing designer, but you really want it, then look for your strengths. For example, if you like a business suit, study all the nuances of its creation in order to gain theoretical skills. Without them, you will not be able to come up with a new business image, surprise modern women of fashion with your designs.
Thinking about how to become a children's clothing designer? First of all, it is important to study all the features of children's physiology. Clothes for children should be not only beautiful, but also comfortable for young fashionistas and women of fashion, any professional knows this.
Thinking about creating a collection of comfortable yoga clothes? Get to know your customers, find out their preferences.
Are you thinking about how to become a clothing designer yourself without wasting time in class? Subscribe to several popular fashion magazines, study biographies of world fashion designers, closely follow all fashion trends. It is important to develop your artistic taste, find a sense of proportion, and feel inner harmony.
If you decide to develop your technical skills, form a three-dimensional mindset, want to learn how to combine different colors and textures, and are thinking about how to become a fashion designer of clothes, you can enroll in design courses.
In addition to courses, try to put into practice what you have learned. For example, looking into the nearest fashion boutique, analyze its assortment, select an ensemble of clothes for different occasions. Try to compose your ensembles using ready-made versions, in which you will include your ideas, "zest". A true design professional must be fluent in any sewing machine, hand-sew, embroider.
The hardest part is creating quality patterns and sketches. Try to devote as much free time as possible to the formation of this skill, otherwise you will not be able to make a full-fledged pattern. Do not forget that the materials market is constantly being modernized, new fabrics with certain characteristics appear.
Looking for your own style
Collecting a variety of information about popular designers, borrow the most interesting ideas and suggestions from them. Follow all fashion trends, seek advice from experienced mentors who have practical experience of "survival" in the fashion world. Try to find your own style that customers will recognize you by. It is the individuality that is primarily appreciated in the world of fashion and beauty.
We create a portfolio
Take care of developing your own complete portfolio. Nowadays, this detail is a vital necessity. Without demonstrating your achievements, it is difficult to prove to a potential employer that you are a true professional in your field. In addition to a paper portfolio with certificates, diplomas, it is advisable to acquire photographs from fashion shows with your participation. You can supplement your portfolio with video reports, newspaper and magazine clippings. Professional designers have their own logos that help clients recognize their work. You can also think about developing such a "distinction mark" for your collections, and to protect it from encroachments from competitors, register it officially with Rospatent.
Learn to run a business
You need to learn how to make money, create not only beautiful, but also popular things. You need to learn the basics of modern marketing, look for an opportunity to sell your models. For example, you can organize exhibitions of finished models in cinemas, shops, exhibitions. Do not stop at the achieved result, you will have to start with apprentices in order to get professional skills. A designer who wears his own clothes inspires trust with customers.
Conclusion
If you don't know how to become a clothing designer, but really want to, you will succeed. Believe in yourself, in your strength, try to be in nature as much as possible in order to get new ideas for creativity. The main criterion that opens the path to success for a future designer is his personal talent, sense of style and taste. Such abilities do not arise spontaneously; they manifest themselves already in early childhood. In many cases, before leaving school, a young man realizes that his mission is to create unique clothing collections.
If you are good at drawing, have beautiful handwriting, know graphic design, love photomontage, such a direction as design is right for you. Keep in mind that in addition to being creative, fashion design also involves technical skills. To create full-fledged patterns for future products, you need to be able to build flawless drawings.
The creator of dresses and suits has to "throw" his ideas on paper in a matter of minutes, getting beautiful sketches. A designer is a profession that requires a certain perseverance. Sometimes it takes 5-6 months from the moment the idea itself appears to the receipt of the finished product. You need to be prepared not only for high fees, victories in competitions, but also for defeats and disappointments. Not all invented projects have a happy future, because the path to real success is thorny and long. Have you made a choice in favor of the profession of a designer? In this case, decide on a specialty: a designer-designer or a fashion-cutter. Specialization "designer" will require creative ideas, and for a "cutter" it is first of all important to have a good technical base. Higher education institutions offer comprehensive training, releasing true universal specialists from their walls. In addition to such prerequisites as talent and diligence, punctuality and tolerance are important. Answering the question of how to become a clothing designer from scratch, we recall that it is important to be a good psychologist, to help your clients find their own style.
Knowledge in the field of interior design is needed both for future professionals and for those who want to equip their own home on their own. We asked Art Glück School to prepare a guide that will help you navigate the profession, understand what needs to be studied and how long it will take to become a specialist.
What an interior designer does
An interior designer is engaged in the arrangement and planning of space to improve human living conditions. The profession implies the whole process of interior decoration: from planning the premises, lighting, ventilation systems, acoustics, wall decoration and ending with the arrangement of furniture, textile design and the installation of navigation signs.
Who can become an interior designer
Any person with creative potential can become an interior designer. For initial training, it is advisable to have an art school under your belt.
What you need to know
An interior design professional should know well:
- foundations of theory and methods of modeling architectural design;
- basics of composition, patterns of visual perception;
- system of design and working documentation for construction;
- modern building materials, structures and technologies;
- actual means of development and expression of architectural design (graphic, model, computer, verbal, video);
- traditions and modern standards of project communication.
What programs need to be studied
Graphic programs for presenting your ideas:
- Adobe Photoshop for creating collages at the initial stage;
- 3DsMax, Sketchup for the presentation of the final interior solution for the customer.
Programs for submission of working documentation:
- Revit, AutoCad, ArchiCad - any of the programs is suitable for drawing up working documentation.
What you need to be able to
An interior designer should be able to:
- to ensure the solution of urgent social and ecological problems of creating a natural, artistically expressive and comfortable environment;
- carry out project documentation at all stages of design;
- to develop design solutions in cooperation with specialist-subcontractors;
- choose and use modern building and finishing materials;
- carry out design projects in accordance with GOSTs.
How long does it take to become an interior designer
To create an interior for yourself, it will be enough to take specialized courses lasting from six months to a year and study graphic programs.
To become a professional, theoretical knowledge must be consolidated in practice. And there is no limit to perfection in it, since a real professional does not stop developing in his industry.
Art Glück School conducts a course "Interior visualization in 3Ds Max + Corona renderer Base", which learns the basic 3DsMax tools for correct and effective work in the program. Based on the results of the lessons, the students create their first project. The course can be taken from scratch - for beginners, two additional lessons are conducted, which are included in the price.
Unfortunately, some who embark on the path of interior design have a wrong idea of the essence of professional work.
Certainly, some aspects of a designer's work can be delightful due to the fact that they involve experimenting with fabrics, colors and finishes. However, there is a completely different side of the work, which will seem routine to many. And believe me, it can get in the way of building a career.
Maestro of Communication
For example, take an article about famous architect James Blakely, where he notes that he spends most of his time talking with other designers, vendors, homeowners, manufacturers, etc. And what do you think? He is one of the most successful people in this field!
In a sense, it is like continuous self-promotion. Initially, you think that you will be exclusively creative, creating images, choosing colors, planning the arrangement of furniture and decor items.
In fact, it turns out that it was necessary to take a couple of lessons in communication skills instead of studying an endless number of design courses. After all, what's the point of coming up with impressive designs if you don't have the ability to sell them?
In addition, it is necessary to properly convey your ideas to manufacturers, contractors and other specialists of related industries.
Design is not just fun and experimenting with materials
Creative realization through communication skills
Good psychologist
It may sound silly, but the ability to interpret human gestures correctly helps you advance your career as an interior designer. Basically, you must learn to intuitively understand what your customers really need.
The customer can come to the first meeting either with a lot of ideas or expecting professional recommendations from you. Your reputation will now depend on what a discerning listener you were, and to some extent on your telepathic ability.
The perfect result of cooperation
Tireless explorer
We suggest you do an internship with a local designer before you earn your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Trust me, there is no better way to know if you can master this craft and enjoy it. In case of a positive result, you can begin to accumulate the necessary baggage of professional knowledge.
Once educated, don't stop there. The only way to stay in demand in your chosen field and have an advantage over your competitors is to constantly improve your skills in the field of architecture, building codes, sustainable design, etc.
Self-education is strength
Be modern and competitive
Here are some of the key points for moving forward to success:
- attend as many specialized events as possible, including international expositions and shows;
- Build a relationship with a good mentor who will allow you to be his assistant and introduce you to his professional social circle;
- Maintain relationships with former clients - they will recommend you to their friends first;
- secure your presence on the Internet using maximum resources (blogs, social networks, professional forums). Create your own website to showcase images and videos of finished projects, communicate with potential clients, and more.
- design your brand name.
From the outside, interior design looks like a dream profession: a lot of freedom for creativity, high earnings, the opportunity to become famous in your field and work freely, not obeying the office routine. But after the first acquaintance with the profession, beginners often lose all enthusiasm and put an end to their dreams. Ekaterina Konovalova from Sreda Obucheniya Graduate School tells how to become an interior designer and go freelance.
From calculations to wallpaper
More precisely, from assessing the state of the room to placing figurines on the shelves - this is a range of tasks that an interior designer constantly solves.
Specialists in this area are ready to help the client and relieve him of all the difficulties associated with the repair. The designer not only develops the concept of the future premises, but also controls the work at all stages.
If you decide to change your profession and become an interior designer, be prepared for the fact that you will have to learn how to calculate estimates, read technical documentation, communicate with suppliers and builders. It is not enough just to be able to come up with interesting design solutions - you need to bring each one to the end, to a specific tangible result, keeping within the given budget and satisfying the client's needs, and not just your own creative ambitions.
What an interior designer needs
Sense of style
The most obvious point, but it's important to keep it in mind. Be ready to learn and improve all your life, to develop "observation", to apply the techniques you have seen in practice, avoiding bad taste.
Knowing of limits
The client, when hiring a designer, relies on his competence, but addresses him with his own needs, which must be remembered. Perhaps you really want to make a spectacular high-tech glass kitchen, but will it suit your client?
IMPORTANT: an interior designer's success is based on the success of his projects and on satisfied clients. Having damaged your reputation at the beginning of your career, you risk losing orders for several years.
Computer programs
To work, you will need at least programs for making drawings and visualizations: ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, 3Ds Max, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop... Each of these programs is a complex and multifunctional tool that takes time and effort to master.
Communication skills
Much more important is your understanding of the color palette and color combinations.
A way of teaching interior design
So, you went through the checklist, determined what skills you have, and what you just need to learn? Your next step is to choose a learning path. There are several of them, each has both pros and cons.
In my own way
This is one of the most unreliable, difficult, but addicting ways. After making sure that you understand what the job of an interior designer is, you just go ... and do the design. At the initial stage, it is important for you to build a portfolio, so you should be ready for free orders, calling potential customers and vivid self-presentation.
Pavel Gerasimov, interior designer and co-director of the Geometrium workshop , in his blog, he describes how to get started:
“I took my first cafe-bar project for 'free'. In the course of the project, a huge number of questions arose. I ran to designers and architects for advice and that's how I finished the first project with their help. As a token of gratitude, I received the first quite decent money from the client. "
Look for small projects whose owners are willing to take the risk and hire a self-taught enthusiast. Do not neglect the opportunity to consult with professionals, watch TV shows about design, read author's blogs.
Important: be sure to photograph your work every step of the way - these photos will later become the basis for your portfolio.
Pros:
- practice from the first days;
- complete freedom in choosing orders;
- responsibility for all stages of the project;
- very fast learning by solving daily problems and tasks.
Minuses:
- tedious search for clients;
- very low pay;
- lack of a mentor who can appreciate the work.
For whom is it suitable: for those who are not sure that they want to change their profession, but are ready to take a chance and try, and also have a lot of free time. In addition, to go this route, you must have at least a small one that will support you until the design starts to generate income.
Workshop
This method is similar to an internship: you ask an experienced designer to take you as an apprentice or assistant.
Of course, it is far from the fact that your favorite designer will take you and teach you, but it's worth a try. Working on projects every day with a professional in your field, you will gradually be able to immerse yourself in all the subtleties of work.
Yulia Shatalova, art director of the Instilier interior design studio, in an interview with Heroine magazine tells about the beginning of her career:
“I got a job as a designer in an Austrian furniture company, where, under the strict guidance of an experienced interior designer, I honed my skills in developing space-planning solutions, decorating, and setting light in the interior. These skills were further consistently developed in two design and construction companies, where an understanding of technologies, norms and rules in construction was added. "
Pros:
- live learning on real projects;
- the ability to constantly contact a mentor;
- interesting cases from the first days of work.
Minuses:
- it is difficult to find a master who will agree to training;
- very low pay (or lack thereof);
- have to do routine, small, boring work;
- lack of own projects that can be invested in a portfolio.
For whom is it suitable: for those who want to look at the profession from the inside and are not afraid of hard and painstaking work. The internship will be time-consuming and demanding, so it will be good if you switch to a floating schedule at your main job.
Additional education
If you do not feel confident that you will be able to cope with self-study, choose a longer, but much more reliable path - additional education or a second degree.
In the first case, you will have to study for two years, the program will only include those subjects that are aimed at professional development.
Pros:
- specialized training, diploma;
- educational projects will be included in the portfolio;
- there will always be an opportunity to consult with practicing teachers.
Minuses:
- training will not be free;
- you will have to study, take tests and study projects.
Second higher education
In this case, you receive a full-fledged higher education. It will take four years, but on the way out you will not be self-taught, but a certified specialist.
Pros:
- state diploma;
- deep knowledge not only of the practical side of the issue, but also of the history of art and architecture, a foreign language, and related areas;
- the presence of a large portfolio.
Minuses:
- the second higher education will be paid;
- in four years of study, you can change your views and abandon the idea of becoming an interior designer;
- you will have to study not only specialized subjects, but also related ones, as well as take tests and exams on them.
For whom is it suitable: additional or higher education is a good choice for those who do not doubt their choice and are ready to spend energy, time and money on mastering the profession.
Free flight
Have you mastered the right skills and are you ready to get started? A few more tips on how to go to and receive orders.
1. Create. Potential customers will not evaluate your diploma or the list of programs you own - they will look at the results and make decisions based on whether they like your past projects.
2. Don't focus on one... Look for customers on different exchanges, recruiting sites, in, among friends and partners. Your task is to expand the base of projects, so do not limit yourself.
3. Offer customized solutions... Be prepared not to work with clients according to a well-defined template, but to create creative concepts every time. This will benefit both the client and you. Remember: more diverse cases - better portfolio!
4. Look for permanent cooperation... If you need to choose between a one-time expensive order and worse paid, but regular ones, give preference to regular ones. At the beginning of your work, it is important for you to have at least one or two regular clients, who will be the basis of your material well-being.
5... Keep learning... Additional courses, professional literature, specialist blogs are your developmental stages. Replenish your knowledge box, increase your value in the market.
6. Don't grab the first order you come across... As you go online looking for work, prepare to face. Be careful to enter into an employment contract and avoid questionable offers. The same applies to orders that you definitely cannot afford. Better to refuse than to perform poorly.
Interior design is an exciting profession that you can master on your own. Don't be afraid to develop and move forward towards your dream job.