Consider going to school if you’re a fashion fan and want to create your own clothing line.
It takes a lot of time and dedication to complete a degree program in fashion design. Are you ready for this challenge? Here are five signs that fashion design school is right for you.
You’re creative
Fashion design is about creating unique, original designs. So, if you’ve ever drawn clothing in your sketchbook or come up with new outfit ideas for friends or family, you’re very creative.
You’ll likely hone your creativity through coursework and hands-on projects during a fashion design degree program. Many fashion schools or interior design schools online offer internships to help you gain practical experience and network with industry professionals.
The right fashion school will expose you to different design styles and cultures. This will broaden your perspective and inspire new ideas. Additionally, you’ll likely take courses in merchandising and business, which will teach you how to launch a line of clothing or work for an established brand. All these skills will be essential in a career in the fashion industry.
You’re a perfectionist.
Fashion designers must be meticulous and have a keen eye for detail. This is particularly true for those who work in alterations, where attention to small details can make or break an entire garment. This may be the right career path if you have a strong eye for quality and a tendency to overthink your designs.
In fashion design, there is often no room for error. Even if you have the most creative ideas, you need to make tweaks here and there for them to succeed. If you have difficulty accepting criticism, there may be better fields for you. Fashion design is a competitive industry; the fashion world doesn’t hold back when criticizing new designs.
A backup plan is essential if you need a different solution than a fashion design school. You may teach art se, sell your designs on Etsy, or work as a caricature artist for crumpled dollar bills in your spare time. Whatever you choose to do, be sure you love it enough to make up for the times when your dreams go awry.
You’re hardworking
While some fashion designers are self-taught, most use a degree program to help them gain confidence and exposure. A well-chosen school will teach you more than how to sketch, sew, and twill; they’ll also help you develop the business skills you need to operate as a successful designer.
The right fashion school will offer opportunities to showcase your work through competitions, exhibits, and networking events. You’ll meet other fashion professionals who can provide you with valuable connections when it comes time to apply for internships and full-time jobs.
You understand that fashion is a highly competitive industry, and you’re willing to crawl your way to the top, even if it means working long hours. You’re patient with details, able to learn from criticism, and can reproduce your designs in multiple iterations. This type of mindset is essential for success in this industry.
You’re competitive
Whether you want to be the next Alexander Wang or just a tiny player in the fashion scene, there’s no doubt that it’ll take a lot of work to get there. It would help to have a padded portfolio, industry connections, and a solid network. This is where a fashion school comes in handy.
The right program will go beyond teaching you how to sketch, sew, and twill. It’ll also teach you how to market your brand and run a business (manufacturing, sourcing, taxes, warehouses). This is especially useful if you plan on starting your line or working in the corporate world after graduation.
Most fashion programs also offer internships and other opportunities to hone your skills outside class. Those will give you real-life experience and help you develop your portfolio, which you’ll need to be taken seriously in the fashion industry. Plus, networking is crucial in any career field, and a degree from a well-known university can be your ticket to getting there. Take your time and research your options. You’ll be happy you did.
You’re a people person.
If you’re a people person, fashion design is your perfect career. Being at a fashion school means you’re surrounded by creative people from all over the world, and it’s excellent for networking and connecting with people from all walks of life. This can be useful for future collaborations, photoshoots, and modeling opportunities.
In addition to creativity, you’ll also learn business and marketing skills that will come in handy when working as a designer. Whether you plan on running your own business or a fashion brand, understanding your consumer’s needs is crucial. You’ll also need strong marketing and sales skills and sourcing and costing knowledge.
If you’re serious about turning your passion for fashion into a career, consider enrolling at one of the best fashion schools in the UK. With programs that offer internships at top brands and unique study abroad experiences, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills and take your career to the next level. So what are you waiting for?
