Q&A for How to Become a Fashion Designer

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I start fashion designing?
    Chloée Ohayon-Crosby
    Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist
    Chloée Ohayon-Crosby is a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Specialist in Los Angeles, California. With over eight years of experience in fashion consulting, Chloée specializes in personal, film, theater, and commercial styling as well as image consulting and costume design. Chloée has worked as an assistant designer for the distinguished fashion house Chloée and as a freelance stylist with Glamour Italia. Chloée studied Fine/Studio Arts at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Fashion Design and Merchandising at the world renowned ESMOD École Supérieure des Arts in Paris, France.
    Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Pay attention to the fashion trends and research other designers so you can get inspiration.
  • Question
    How can I know what to design?
    Community Answer
    Get inspired by the world and what you see. That's the key to picking out what to draw and design.
  • Question
    How do I start as a 14 year old?
    Community Answer
    Design doesn't have an age, all that you need to do is show your passion and develop your skills. Look online for fashion internships or maybe start a YouTube channel. You don't have to actually work for someone to show who you are. Maybe invite your friends over and have a fashion show.
  • Question
    What should I do to improve my drawing skills?
    Community Answer
    Your drawing skill won't affect your creativity unless you let it. Keep on trying and watch videos on how to improve it, or even take a designing summer camp or class at maybe a near fabric store or an actual designing camp. Practice often, as the more you do, the better you'll get.
  • Question
    What should I do if my parents don't support me?
    Community Answer
    Don't let your parent's lack of support hold you back or let you down. If this is what you want to do, then do it, your parents should be grateful for how talented you are and for the fact you're motivated. Find other ways to support yourself financially and be uplifted by the other talented folks around you. You know you're doing the right thing, your parents will come around eventually.
  • Question
    I'm very talented in dressing style. A lot of my friends and family members take me along to purchase clothes because I have great fashion sense. What is the first step to getting myself started in designing fashion?
    Community Answer
    You have a few options to start with. Sure the fashion degree is a great way to learn, but let's face it: it can be costly and doesn't ensure that you to get a job. Starting by working at a fashion store you love. If you know how to fold and organize a store so that it's appealing, you've got a first skill to start with. If you happen to have a sewing machine, learn how it works and tweak garments so they are unique and have a better fit. Once you're comfortable with your machine, try simple sewing projects until you're more confident and patient to do longer, bigger sewing projects. Don't forget your goals and work hard.
  • Question
    Do I have to be very creative to be a fashion designer?
    Community Answer
    Definitely, fashion designing is always about standing out and being different, so you need to come up with new ideas fast and at any time.
  • Question
    Do I need to love fashion to be a creative designer?
    Community Answer
    No, you can be creative in any possible way, but if you want to be fashion designer you should probably love fashion. If you are not going to love the job, what's the point?
  • Question
    Can I jut draw and sell my designs?
    Community Answer
    Yes, some designers will purchase freelance designs. As you build your portfolio, it will be easier to sell to more designers.
  • Question
    What if I am not good at sewing?
    Community Answer
    Take classes and watch videos to improve your sewing skills. Often, craft stores have sewing classes for a small fee, as do community education programs.
  • Question
    I have always had a strong passion for fashion design. I love to experiment and help others learn what looks good on them. Will these talents be taken into consideration?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    I want to be a fashion designer but I do not have much knowledge about design. What can I do?
    AccioElle
    Community Answer
    Practice, practice, practice! Look into taking some classes (either online or in person), and invest in items you will need to practice and create, such as a good sewing machine.
  • Question
    Do fashion designers have to draw on paper with their hands or can it be on an iPad or something?
    Community Answer
    They can do either. Nowadays, drawing on tablets or computers is becoming increasingly popular, but different designers have different preferences. However, the best way to learn and practice drawing is by drawing on paper.
  • Question
    How do I start my own business?
    Community Answer
    You might start by reading a few wikiHow articles on starting your own business. Here is a good place to start.
  • Question
    Can I still work in the fashion industry if I don't live in a big city?
    Community Answer
    For some jobs, yes, though you still might have to travel sometimes. If you want to open a couture store or something like that, though, you'll have to live in a fashion capital like NYC, LA, Paris, etc.
  • Question
    Can children 8+ be designers too?
    Community Answer
    You cannot be a professional designer as a child. It takes many years to develop the skills to do something professionally. Childhood is a good time to learn and practice, so you will get really good by the time you are old enough to pursue it.
  • Question
    How can I learn to draw fashion better?
    Community Answer
    There are lots of fashion designing courses and classes, for all ages, and probably one right near you. If you want to take individual drawing classes, thenthere will be plenty of options to choose from, but do be aware that a drawing school won't cover the designing part as much as a fashion designing school will.
  • Question
    I want to be a fashion designer, how can I start my portfolio?
    Community Answer
    You should start by choosing a theme. A fairy tale theme, maybe? Or perhaps a wear-for-fall kind of collection. You choose. Then, look up images related to your theme for inspiration and start sketching!
  • Question
    I like fashion design, but I cannot draw. What can I do about this?
    Community Answer
    Watch videos on YouTube to learn or develop your skills by going to drawing classes.
  • Question
    Which school would you recommend if I want to study fashion design? Are there any scholarships available?
    Community Answer
    The London School of Fashion or an art school in France would be good choices. The scholarships can be organized through the uni/college or even for a short/ broad course like art and product design. Ask the place or check their website for more details.
  • Question
    Where can I get a school where they teach fashion and design?
    Community Answer
    Try searching in your local area.
  • Question
    Is it possible to make a garment as an older child/teen?
    Community Answer
    Of course it is. You can begin making clothes whenever you want to start making clothes.
  • Question
    How old do I have to be?
    Community Answer
    Design doesn't have an age requirement, it's all about the passion. Elie Saab started designing at almost 17, now he makes dresses for Angelina Jolie and other celebrities. If designing is your passion, and you work hard at it, you can succeed.
  • Question
    What if I can't get any new ideas?
    Community Answer
    I personally get new ideas when I'm in the shower, falling asleep, and even making food. When none of those work, I usually look at other ideas and combine them, or look back in time and combine modern styles with something old. Going for a walk sometimes helps as well.
  • Question
    What skills do I need to become a fashion designer?
    Community Answer
    You would need to be creative, focused, and inspired more than anything.
  • Question
    How would I get started as a young fashion designer if I am still in school?
    Community Answer
    You can be a fashion designer even when you are still in school. You could make garments and sell them on Etsy or eBay, or you can keep them for yourself and start a blog showcasing your pieces.
  • Question
    What subjects do I have to take in high school?
    Community Answer
    Take whatever art and sewing/home economics classes are offered.
  • Question
    To become a fashion designer or to work in the fashion industry, is any degree or diploma necessary?
    Melissa Sorrells
    Community Answer
    Formal education is strongly encouraged, but not required. The majority of fashion designers who seek employment have some form of degree or diploma.
  • Question
    What if I live in the countryside?
    Community Answer
    There's nothing wrong in starting up in a small, less populated space. That can give you the opportunity to build up a client base, portfolio, etc.
  • Question
    How can I concentrate on designing?
    Community Answer
    Set a goal. Design two new pieces of clothing a day. If you find yourself really struggling to concentrate, take a break and look for inspiration; go shopping, flip through a magazine, or look at other people's designs online.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article