Fashion Designer

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Work Tasks

FASHION DESIGNERS design clothing and accessories such as coats, dresses, shirts, hats, shoes, jewelry, and underwear for women, men, and children. They first determine the needs of the client and the design's appeal to customers. They research the design characteristics, such as size, shape, weight, color, materials, and fit. They make detailed designs using drawings, models, or computer simulations. They design original garments, as well as follow the established fashion trends. Most fashion designers work for apparel manufacturers, adapting men's, women's, and children's fashions for the mass market.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $58,500 average per year ($28.00 per hour)
• A small occupation (15,100 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.1% per year)

Entry Requirements

Employers prefer FASHION DESIGNERS with a 2-year or 4-year degree, and who are knowledgeable in the areas of textiles, fabrics, and ornamentation, as well as trends in the fashion world. Sketching ability is especially important. A good portfolio (a collection of examples of a person's best work) is often the deciding factor in getting a job.