To be or not to become a fashion designer is a tough choice. Fashion designers aren’t people you receive introduced to all the time. And successful fashion designers are generally too busy or too secretive to fairly share how they got the job. So it can be quite a dilemma on whether you must take the plunge and invest a small fortune on an as yet not known future.
No rewarding career in life is ever built to be simple. Fashion design isn’t any exception. Famous designers work impossible for their fame and money. But something is for sure – if you intend from the start to dedicate yourself, half the battle is won.
Many professionals in the fashion industry will readily concur that fashion students nowadays believe they deserve a paycheck without “paying their dues.” What dues, you ask? A lot of them might sound like modern-day slavery. Including frequent 18-hour work days; weekends spent at work; fetching coffee for the entire department; and being criticized and picked on constantly by co-workers.
Yes, the horror stories you see on reality TV are true. Some of them at least. In a creative industry, anything can happen. So be equipped for it.
Still wish to be a fashion designer come hell or rain?
Listed below are three mantras you must memorize:
1) Your portfolio is the design identity
Just like how celebrity models value their looks and work with maintaining their charm, you want to do the same for the portfolio. Future employers and people are likely to judge you based on your own skill to style fabulous pieces. And your portfolio will probably demonstrate to them exactly that which you are capable of.
No matter how hard you work, procrastination can be very difficult to beat sometimes. So the easiest way to get the most versatile fashion design portfolio should be to enroll for a fashion course. Being in school will force you to leave your comfort zones. With the proper training and dedication, email address details are often impressive.
2) Realize why people dress how they do
The Japanese have their kimonos, the Indians have their saris, and the Chinese have their cheongsams. Although global fashion is now mainly influenced by top fashion cities like Paris Luxury fashion looks, New York, and London, people around the globe still dress differently. A true fashion designer has got the EQ to understand what customers want and need.
Are people feeling warm in tropical climates? Do others need to full cover up for religious reasons? What kind of jobs do they have? Are your designs simplistic yet stylish enough to be worn every day?
In regards to fashion psychology, the variables are endless. Yes, you could argue it is more pleasurable to style for haute couture. But the truth is, fashion is more of a business than an art. Even the rich from the best echelons remain humans. One of the best methods to grow as a fashion designer is to generate clothes for everyday people.
The exciting bit about fashion is so it changes every day. So no two days will ever be precisely the same.
3) Find a good fashion school
It will make most of the difference in your life. Good schools have the facilities you need. And they also hire lecturers who are well-connected within the industry. Have plans to be an international fashion designer? Consider enrolling into an international school. This allows you to meet many kinds of individuals from round the world. And it can benefit you learn a little more about understanding people like mentioned earlier.
Whilst in school, you will continue to work on assignments necessary to build the best portfolio before you graduate. You could make your own fashion collections, sketch your very best designs, and pay homage by studying about the many designs and designers that made fashion history. A manner design student’s life is nothing in short supply of colorful and exciting.
If you feel that the country may be too conservative for full creative expression, an alternative is to review fashion abroad. Countries like Australia and Singapore are ideal for an English-speaking environment and career opportunities after graduation.
Feeling adventurous? Studying in developing nations can help you cut costs on craft materials. Not to mention, countries with strong manufacturing industries permit you to build a contact set of reliable suppliers. This will come in handy when you wish to begin your own label. Living costs in a developing nation can be less costly, so you may spend less on your overall education. Countries like China, Thailand, and Sri Lanka can offer you this experience.
Want to learn more about studying fashion design abroad?
Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To make sure quality education every semester, you can find limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling fast! Need extra information? Refill an enquiry form and a skilled Education Consultant will provide you with a totally free consultation.