Tips for a Fashion Design Career

Starting a fashion design career takes hard work and persistence. If you're confident that you have what it takes to make it in the fashion world, don't give up if success doesn't come immediately. Set realistic expectations. When you're starting out in your fashion design career, expect to pay your dues in an entry-level position before you can work up to the job you really want. Make yourself as employable as possible. Put together a creative, appealing portfolio, and gain fashion design industry experience wherever you can.

When preparing for a fashion design career, it's never too early to start showcasing your best work. Whether you're applying to fashion design schools or looking for jobs, your portfolio can help you get your foot in the door.

When applying to schools, research each school's portfolio guidelines so that you'll know what admissions officers are looking for. When you're ready to find a fashion design job, you can choose what you include and how you present it. Whatever your purpose, your portfolio should demonstrate your fashion design ability and creativity.

It's important for you to demonstrate your sketching ability, color and textile knowledge, problem solving skills and design development. So be sure to highlight examples of all of these things. Above all, though, your portfolio should express your unique style and fashion design experience.

Getting industry experience is an important step in starting your fashion design career. Apprenticeships and internships have the double advantage of building your résumé while giving you the opportunity to learn from an experienced fashion designer.

Although internships may not add much if anything to your bank account, the opportunity to observe and learn from someone with a successful fashion design career can be worth all the ramen noodle dinners you'll be eating in the meantime.

There is a lot of competition for fashion careers, so having an inside track with someone in the business can give you a boost over other applicants. These personal connections may seem hard to come by, but it might be easier than you think. If you're a student, your professors or school career center may have industry connections and a willingness to help.

Take stock of the resources available to you and use them. Contact fashion houses or companies and find out what they need. Then you can polish your portfolio accordingly.

Don't be afraid to start small. Ralph Lauren started his fashion empire with a tie collection. Think about the big picture, but start with an attainable goal. Be creative.

Your portfolio and work experience can only take you so far. Perseverance is essential. If a fashion design career is what you want, keep focused and don't get discouraged. Your determination can pay off.