Request information from any of the schools offering fashion design programs below, organized by location...
If you can draw and have a flair for design and a passion for fashion, consider a career in fashion design. Fashion designers design clothing and accessories. High fashion designers design original clothing for high-end customers. Most fashion designers, however, design clothing for mass-market outlets.
The highest concentrations of fashion designers work in New York City and California. Almost one-fourth of fashion designers are self-employed.
Employers look for designers with two- to four-year degrees who know about fabrics and fashion trends. Many colleges, universities, and private art and design schools offer associate’s and bachelor’s of arts degrees in fashion design. Basic coursework includes color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, and computer-aided design. Designers who want to run or own a business benefit from business, marketing, and merchandising courses. Students may also pursue a master’s of fine arts degree in fashion. Online and campus programs are available for all degrees.
Before you select a school for your training in fashion design, make sure the program includes hands-on coursework. Ask if costs for equipment and supplies are included in the stated tuition and fees. Find out what kinds of jobs graduates have and the salaries they are earning.
The median annual wage for salaried fashion designers was $62,610 in 2006. Slow job growth is predicted over the next few years and competition will be fierce. The most promising opportunities will be with firms that design mass-market clothing sold in retail stores.
