Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects | Below Average |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $25,000 to $75,000 plus |
| Brief | Many fashion designers are currently enjoying a trip down memory lane, reliving the disco fever fashion of the 1970s, but it's generally not long before they've moved on to their next fashion inspiration. Competition in the field of fashion is intense, yet lots of people want in! Each year, approximately 100 training places are offered in the Fashion Design and Technology courses available from TAFE. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for:
Fashion Designer
Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and Technology
Stylist 1
Fashion Product Knowledge
Fashion Visual Merchandising
Fashion Buying
Fashion Event Coordination
Millinery Studies
Introduction
Fashion designers use their knowledge of fabrics, style and colours to create clothing people will want to wear. The design process usually starts with a series of sketches of original designs. A pattern, which may be computer generated, is created on the basis of these sketches and used as a guide for cutting fabric. The designer chooses the colour and style of fabric and proceeds to cut out a sample, while always keeping in mind the cost of production. Winning Fashion Before samples are approved, fashion designers may look at ways to improve their designs. Once samples are given the go ahead, designers liaise closely with manufacturers and production staff, overseeing quality control and the merchandising and retailing of their garments. A fashion designer must be creative and artistic, have a good sense of style and colour and preferably be able to sew.
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Education Requirements
A Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and Technology is offered at TAFE SA Marleston campus. The course includes a Certificate I and II in Fashion Design and Technology and takes 18 months to complete. Successful applicants may then choose to study the Diploma of Fashion Design if they wish. Both courses may be studied full or part time. For further information about the course, contact Marleston campus directly on 8226 0665 or check out the TAFE SA site below.
Short courses in clothing and textiles are offered at Tea Tree Gully campus. Phone 8207 8177 for details.
Career Path
Is There A Future In Fashion? Prominent young designer Megan Salmon says, ''Professionals in the field have recognised that new designers are being welcomed into the industry more readily and that the focus is moving away from 'big labels'. ''However, job prospects in this field are limited with numbers remaining very small outsied the larger cities. The fashion industry has much greater representation in Melbourne and Sydney, but even there, fashion design is a small and competitive occupation. A career in fashion design is not for the weak hearted. For every designer who achieves success and recognition, many more have failed. Entry into this highly competitive occupation will require presentation of a portfolio of your work, so try to get one underway as soon as possible. And for those people interested in opening their own business, they are strongly advised to gain some first hand experience about retail management. Megan, who is enjoying success as a self employed fashion designer, is the first to admit that running her own business was an eye opener. ''You must be very resourceful when opening your own fashion store, taking into consideration the cost of advertising, rent, and materials. Establishing a new label is a costly and an unpredictable business.''
Industries
Manufacturing, Retail Trade, Wholesale Trade
Interview
Fashion designer Megan Salmon's long term love affair with clothing has never waivered. Megan continues to make her presence felt in the local fashion industry and in other major Australian capital cities.''I love doing what I'm doing. But because I cater for the top end of the fashion market, it's especially important for my designs to be unique and fresh.'' ''I'm very aware, through observing popular culture, about what's going on in the fashion industry. But I don't want to just hit on what's supposed to be the next big thing in fashion,'' says Megan.Although Megan first studied painting, she says she has always been a keen observer of clothing. It wasn't long before this affinity steered her toward her current career. ''I design clothes because it's exciting working with fabric in a sculptural way. I enjoy covering and presenting the body in many combinations of colour, shape and texture,'' says Megan. Megan remains a strong contender in an industry where only those who are passionate about fashion and who have a head for business survive. ''Creating designs is the easy bit for me. The business side is hard. Developing and running my own business has been a real learning curve for me. Fashion is tough because even though you get orders, you only get paid after the garments are made and they've been accepted by the client.''Megan is currently designing her collection for the annual fashion extravaganza, Sydney Fashion Week. And even though it's summer, in the fashion industry, you've got to be one step ahead, or in Megan's case, two.''I'm in the midst of my winter collection but my next summer collection is already on the drawing board.''Megan believes that the best part of her job is organising fashion shows. It allows her to show off her latest collection, create new styles and most importantly, catch the eye of the media and potential buyers.But with the excitement comes the hard work. ''So much is riding on these shows in terms of your reputation that you have to put as much into it as you possibly can. But don't be put off. It is more likely for (today's) young designers to receive support and encouragement and possibly an income in their pursuit of creating a label,'' says Megan.And for some parting advice from Megan to anyone interested in the fashion industry. ''Keep watching what the industry is doing. Keep in line with it or offer something different. Be as confident as you can.''
Nature of the Job
fashion designing also requires a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing process, everything from cutting and sewing to pattern making. Most of the skills required can be gained via practical on the job training. Fashion Vision An important part of a fashion designer's job is to stay one, or many, steps ahead of fashion trends. To keep abreast in this industry, designers should be knowledgeable about past and present styles, and even art history. Well reputed fashion designers generally know what colour and hemline will be 'in' two years before the public knows they have to have 'it'.
Typical Physical Working Environment
A fashion designer's work is undertaken in a variety of environments such as retail clothing outlets, offices, sewing and cutting rooms or warehouses. Many designers operate home based businesses and are responsible for everything from the design concept to the completed garment, which may take place in their very own lounge room! On occasions, fashion designers may travel interstate or overseas to attend fashion shows or to view new trends. Given the demands of the fashion industry and the deadlines that need to be met, a 12 hour day is not uncommon for fashion designers. Networking is a must for fashion designers. They need to be a 'people person' as they regularly deal with the likes of textile manufacturers, buyers, advertisers, retailers and the general public. Networking is a great tool for fashion designers to help get noticed in this industry. While great fashion speaks for itself, a high profile designer speaks volumes too!
Typical Occupational Example
Experienced industry representatives suggest that with technology impacting upon the industry, a knowledge of computer aided design and e-commerce are seen to be important for fashion designers of the future. An increasing number of designers are going online to promote their fashion wares.
Earning Potential
Earnings can vary greatly. This is largely dependent on a fashion designer's skill, experience, and what areas of specialisation they choose to go into. On average, a fashion design assistant can expect to earn about $25,000 per year, while a more senior, and well known designer may earn $75,000 or more, much much more if they happen to be the next Armani, Yamamoto or Tom Ford!!
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au
This Career Profile information was last modified: 23/10/2007 3:39:57 PM
The information was accurate at the time of publication. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary
