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Studying at an accredited fashion design college is your key to success in the glamorous world of fashion. If you are interested in attending a fashion design college, learn more about required courses, degree options, and top fashion careers in the article below. If you have an eye for fashion, enjoy following the latest fashion trends, and are eager to begin a rewarding career in the competitive fashion industry, start your search today for the top fashion design colleges using our simple search engine.
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Is Fashion Design College Right for You?
If you have a passion for fashion trends and an eye for design, pursuing a degree from one of the many fashion designing colleges may be right for you. In addition to completing any general education course requirements, most programs will require basic coursework to develop drawing and design skills while expanding knowledge on basic color theory and aesthetic principles. Other course topics will likely include:
- Design techniques
- Computer-aided design technologies
- the history of fashion
- Sewing and tailoring
- Presentation, display design
- Ornamentation techniques
- Fashion Marketing
- Fashion Entrepreneurship
If you enjoy working with your hands to create unique pieces of clothing and accessories, a fashion design program will provide the necessary training needed to begin your design career. Keep in mind that most accredited fashion design programs will require classroom courses, hands-on learning lab courses, and visual arts classes to develop and strengthen your artistic skills.
Degrees can take two to four years of study, depending on the degree level desired. While a two-year associate's degree program can fast-track training for entry-level jobs in retail or window presentation design, most industry-level jobs require a four year degree for all applicants. Bachelor's degrees can lead to more job opportunities and more competitive salary ranges. Many fashion industry employees may go on to receive Master's degrees within the field to qualify for upper-level positions with established design companies.
Use the simple search engine above to find more information on colleges that offer fashion design in your area, or around the country.
Fashion Design CareersEarning a fashion design degree can qualify graduates for a number of jobs within the fashion industry, from freelance designers to fashion buyers, and more. Some of the most popular career options include:
- Designer: This is what most people think of when they think of attending a fashion design college. Designers create designs for individual items of clothing or accessories or entire lines. Successful designers become household names; however there are opportunities for designers in every aspect of the fashion industry.
- Patternmakers: Create patterns based on the fashion designers specifications. Many fashion design colleges offer special training in patternmaking.
- Textile specialist: Love fabrics? Perhaps this is the specialty for you. Blend art and science on the cutting edge of technology as you create new kinds of fabrics.
- Merchandising: It’s all in the presentation! Take special classes at a fashion design college and learn how to show off clothes to their best advantage. These fashion design college graduates will work mostly in retail stores.
- Stylists: Coordinate outfits and make clothing on models look just right for catalog and magazine shoots. Some stylists also work with private clients, such as celebrities, advising them on the latest trends.
Fashion design college is a great choice for those with a passion for fashion and the determination to excel within this diverse and highly competitive industry. Some designers go on to open specialty shops or signature boutiques, while others may work with established design companies and brands. Keep in mind that most graduates will begin fashion careers in entry level positions, and with plenty of hard work and determination, upper-level positions may become available. When choosing the right fashion design college for you, keep in mind that accreditation ensures the quality of the training received. Research whether these programs and colleges offer any professional internships to provide practical work experience during undergraduate study.
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