How to become a fashion designer

If you are an aspiring fashion designer, here we bring you everything you need to know to become one. We bring you the top institutes where to study, the qualities, career path, and much more. So, read on.

A fashion designer is someone who creates designs for clothing, accessories, and footwear. To be a fashion designer, you must not only have a proper understanding of different fabrics, their properties, and colors but also possess a creative and artistic mind. You will also need to have a fair understanding of the technical aspects of the profession and build dependable networks and professional relationships.

In this article, we discuss how you can become a fashion designer, especially a successful one at that. 

How to become a fashion designer

If you have the fire and desire to become a haute fashion designer, here we bring you the route you need to take. So, keep reading.

Find out whether you have it in you to be a fashion designer

Before plunging into a career in fashion design, you must ensure you have some of the basic traits to become one. Here are some common traits of a fashion designer:

• A fashion designer must have good communication skills
• He or she must be creative and have an artistic bent of mind
• Have an interest in everything related to fashion design and fashion trends
• Drawing skills
• A good sense of color
• Decent visual ability

Some of these skills can be cultivated. So, if you intend to become a fashion designer, make it a point to improve these basic traits. 

Complete your degree in Fashion Design

Nowadays, it is considered non-negotiable to not get a B.Des or similar degree if you want to make it big in the fashion design industry. If you are the son, daughter, or relative of a celebrity, maybe you can buck this trend. But otherwise, a degree is more or less a must.

The B.Des degree will help you understand the basics of the subject and also play a role in introducing you to important people in the industry. If you play your cards well, you can depend on these people to build a good network for future fashion design projects.

Admission to top institutes like NIFT Bangalore, NIFT Kolkota, and NIFT Delhi is done on the basis of the NIFT entrance exam.

Some of the other top entrance exams you can take are NID DAT and UCEED.

Ensure you have a solid portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your best works.

Assemble a portfolio showcasing your best work. This should include sketches, illustrations, and completed projects that reflect your evolving design style. A strong portfolio is crucial when applying for internships, jobs, or fashion design programs. Regularly update and refine your portfolio to demonstrate growth and versatility in your design capabilities.

Generally, it is recommended to maintain a digital portfolio, as then you can easily share your work with important people. The portfolio may include sketches, mixed media illustrations and digital work, two and three-dimensional articles and collaging, photography,  3D objects like sculpture, gadgets, etc.

Along with theoretical, get practical knowledge as well

Design is not a field where you can go very far only with theoretical knowledge. So, to get the ins and outs of the profession, you need to learn the ropes by taking internships at fashion houses, fashion shows, etc.

Once you understand and experience first-hand, the nuances of the profession, you are ready for big things.=

Be an extrovert and keep track of current industry trends:

Being shy may work sometimes. But you can’t afford to stay in a cocoon at all times hoping good things will come to you on a platter. So, go out and meet important people.

Also, given the nature of the fashion industry, where fashion trends can change overnight, keeping track of emerging trends is vital.

The evolving fashion trend may relate to a political or cultural statement or some other thing. But as a designer, it is important to catch the pulse of the changing trends.

Work on your technical skills 

Being a designer, you will have to deal with many technical aspects, including fashion software, pattern making, Adobe Illustrator, textiles, fabrics, etc. So, even if you can’t transform into a technical geek, you at least need to learn the basics. This will help you make practical and correct decisions.

Note that as a fashion designer, you may also be asked to make presentations. So, you must be able to handle different design software as well and prepare your presentations.

Build a strong network and professional relationships:

If you want to be a successful designer, you need to have a strong network across all design verticals. Remember, these networks will be the launchpad of your success. One way to start building networks is to participate in fashion events and take membership in professional organizations. 

Having warm relationships with your peers, professors, mentors, and industry people could also go a long way in building a strong network and professional relationships.

Create a unique brand and identity:

As you mature in the profession, it is important to develop your own brand and design identity. You must define your USP and create a brand that not only stands apart but is also a part of your identity.

If you can build a personal brand, it will help you establish yourself more firmly.

Top fashion design colleges in India

How to get admission to top fashion design colleges

Admission to the top fashion design colleges is often conducted on the basis of entrance exams like NIFT, NID DAT, UCEED, and SEED.

For instance, if you are planning to get admission to one of the NIFTs, then you need to take the NIFT entrance exam, which is conducted by the NTA.

The admission process typically starts with the filling out of the application form. The candidate has to next appear in a written exam. If shortlisted, the candidate has to next appear in a Situation Test or Studio Test. PG candidates have to appear in a Personal Interview.

Job profile and salary of a fashion designer

The job profile and annual salary of a fashion designer is given in the table below.