Becoming a fashion designer is the dream of many young minds, however, without proper information, they tend to divert from their goal. So, we are here to guide you through your dream career as a Fashion Designer. Fashion Designers are not limited to sewing but they have their feet stretched in different corners such as fabrics, patterns, textures, design, and many more. One such career path which is not only rewarding but also alluring is set to gain more attention with every passing year.

Candidates who see design everywhere their eyes gaze are the ones who truly seek Fashion Designing courses. To become a flourishing designer in the fashion industry students require a combination of higher secondary education, soft skills along with technical skills and an experienced journey in this professional field. There are multiple types of fashion designers such as footwear designers, accessory designers, and costume & clothing designers. These designers are not only restricted to the fashion industry but also have a huge demand in the film and television industry.

So, if you think you fit into the unique fashion designer role and have the zeal to learn new concepts to generate creative ideas, then choose the best role for yourself and get started. To know more about how to become a fashion designer, dive with us through eligibility, skills, specialisations and much more that it takes to pursue your dream!

How to Become Fashion Designer

One can be a Fashion Designer by simply following the steps mentioned below. Here's an outline of the steps to how to become a Fashion Designer after 12th: 

Step 1: Complete your Bachelor's Degree

One of the requirements for becoming a Fashion Designer is a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, or Visual Arts. After finishing your 10+2, you must prepare for the entrance exams for top fashion design colleges. Top fashion designing colleges in India include NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune, and Pearl Academy, New Delhi.

Step 2: Get a Master's Degree

You have two options for continuing your education after earning your Bachelor's degree: either get some work experience first and then pursue a Master's degree or vice versa. Master of Design (MDes), Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech), and Master of Fashion Management (MFM) are a few most pursued postgraduate courses for fashion designers.

Step 3: Make a Portfolio of your Works

You must start building a digital portfolio of your designs as soon as you can if you want to work as a Fashion Designer. Your portfolio must include all of your sketches, collections, and designs, including any that you have created as part of your coursework. Recruiting companies can see your skills, personal style, and future potential in your digital portfolio.

Step 4: Make a Resume for a Fashion Designer

You must acquire practical experience in the fashion industry after graduation. You need to stand out yourself from other applicants by adding a strong fashion designer resume to your portfolio. Your educational background, professional experience, skills, and links to your portfolio must all be listed on your resume.

Step 5: Get Hands-on Experience in the Fashion Industry

Because the fashion industry is so competitive, you must begin your career with well-chosen internships. You could search for internship opportunities with reputable businesses or work with seasoned Fashion Designers. This assists you in developing real-world job skills, insider industry knowledge, and professional networks. Famous Fashion Designers like Rohit Bal, Manish Malhotra, Varun Behl, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Raghuvendra Rathore hire recent fashion design graduates.

Step 6: Create a Business Network

In order to succeed as a Fashion Designer, networking is essential. You should always be looking for opportunities to connect with other aspiring Fashion Designers as well as established professional Fashion Designers and colleagues. As a result, you must attend all fashion shows, participate in amateur competitions, join professional organisations, and foster a positive work environment with your coworkers and employers.

Lastly, keep up with current fashion trends. As season to season, fashion trends change. Therefore, as a result, you need to keep up with current trends and keep an eye out for emerging ones. Attending fashion shows and reading fashion books and magazines can help you polish your instincts. You have to take advantage of opportunities as they come your way in whatever way you can at the time.

What Does a Fashion Designer Do?

Fashion Designers work professionally to create clothing, accessories, and shoes. Depending on your position within an organisation, you might be expected to create finished products, develop draught designs, or manage any steps between the creation and production of designs. The following are roles and responsibilities for a Fashion Designer:

• Analysing fashion trends to foresee consumer-friendly designs
• Theme selection for designs and collections
• Designing with computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Presenting designs at fashion shows
• Selecting materials, hues, designs, and other aspects for the pieces
• Instructing producers or design teams on how to create the object
• Directing the creation of the pieces
• Making models or prototypes
• Talking about designs with managers or directors
• Finding new markets for designs with consumers

Eligibility to Become Fashion Designer after 12th  

Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria required to apply for fashion designing courses before considering how to become a Fashion Designer After 12th. To be eligible for Fashion Design after 12th, candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or equivalent in any stream and with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. However, the eligibility criteria differ depending on the course and type of fashion programme chosen by the student. 

How to Become a Fashion Designer after 10th

Anyone who is interested in learning the fundamentals of design, such as the history of fashion, sketching, draping, pattern-making, and garment construction, should take the fashion designing course after 10th. With a focus on building practical skills that can be applied in the industry, the course is created to offer a hands-on approach to learning. Depending on the course and educational setting, there are different requirements for admission to fashion designing courses after 10th.

However, the following general eligibility criteria for enrollment in fashion design courses after the 10th are; in order to be eligible for admission into a Fashion Design course after the 10th, the applicant must be at least 16 years old. The applicant must have successfully completed their 10th standard, or the equivalent, from an accredited educational board. The minimum percentage of marks in the 10th standard exams that some institutions may demand from a candidate is typically between 40 and 50%.

Here are some Fashion Design courses available after 10th that you can pursue as a Diploma or Certification:

• Diploma in Fashion Designing
• Diploma in Textile Designing
• Diploma in Garment Technology
• Diploma in Apparel Designing
• Certificate Course in Fashion Designing
• Certificate Course in Textile Designing
• Certificate Course in Garment Construction
• Certificate Course in Apparel Designing
• Certificate Course in Fashion Illustration
• Certificate Course in Pattern Making and Garment Construction
• Certificate Course in Accessory Designing
• Certificate Course in Fashion Styling
• Certificate Course in Fashion Merchandising
• Certificate Course in Fashion Photography
• Certificate Course in Fashion Journalism

How to Become a Fashion Designer after 12th

To become a Fashion Designer after 12th, you must have a Bachelor's degree in a design-related field. Fashion designing bachelor’s degrees typically take three to four years to complete when studied full-time. Following that, candidates have two options, either to pursue a Master's degree programme, or sharpen their skills through internships. 

One can gain a solid understanding of textiles, fabrics, colour theory, and fashion trends by taking the following Fashion Designing courses. The following degrees are available for study at the graduate as well as post-graduate levels:

• Bachelor of Design (BDes): The topics of product design, fashion design, textile design, and industrial design are covered in the BDes course
  
• Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech): The technical facets of fashion design and the apparel manufacturing sector are covered in the BFTech course
  
• Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design (BSc Fashion Design): The BSc Fashion Design course covers the speciality areas of clothing design, interior design, leather design, footwear design, jewellery design, and accessory design
  
• Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising (BSc Fashion Merchandising): The marketing and merchandising facets of the fashion industry are covered in the BSc Fashion Merchandising course
  
• Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech): With specialisations in clothing design and accessory design, this advanced two-year postgraduate MFTech course covers all technical aspects of designing
  
• Master of Design (MDes): MDes is an advanced post-graduate degree that emphasises on design elements and principles in different industries, including fashion design

Also Read: Diploma Courses in Fashion Designing

Fashion Designing Entrance Exam After 12th

Based on the results of the entrance exams, several universities and colleges offer fashion design courses. Entrance exam criteria are set by colleges and institutes based on their requirements. The following are some fashion design entrance exams:

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam: NIFT is one of the best fashion and design schools in the world. NIFT holds entrance exams for the various undergraduate and graduate programmes it offers each year. NIFT is one of the country's largest colleges, with its headquarters in Delhi and branches in 15 other major Indian cities.
   
2. National Institute of Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT): NID is a pioneer in the field of fashion education in India. Students must pass the NID DAT Prelims and NID DAT Mains to be considered for admission to NID's Bachelor of Design and Master of Design programmes.
   
3. Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED): The CEED is offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to students interested in pursuing a Master of Design degree in Fashion Design. CEED exam scores are accepted as admission criteria by a large number of colleges.
   
4. Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam (IIAD): Many fashion design courses are available at the university, including the BA in Fashion Design, MA in Fashion Design, and BA and MA in Fashion Business Management. There are entrance exams for UG and PG courses, as well as studio interviews, at IIAD.
   
5. Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED): Many applicants to UG design programmes, including those in fashion design, take the UCEED exam. The entrance exam, which is administered by the IIT Bombay, has 24 colleges registered to take part.
   
6. Pearl Academy Entrance Exam: The Pearl Academy is highly regarded among fashion educators. The academy offers a wide range of specialisations, including courses in fashion design. The academy conducts three entrance exams each year. After passing the entrance exam, candidates must show up for an interview or studio round.

Fashion Designing Courses 

Candidates must pursue a course in Fashion Designing if they want to become a Fashion Designer after 10th and 12th. 

There are numerous fashion design courses offered at the undergraduate, graduate, and diploma levels. Top fashion design colleges in India offer students an extensive amount of industrial exposure in addition to first-rate academic opportunities. Pattern Making," "Fashion Illustration," and "Garment Construction" are important courses that help students develop their Fashion Design skills.

The following is a list of Fashion Design courses offered in India:

Fashion Design Portfolio

Fashion design portfolio is a collection of one's best work that displays their creativity, technical abilities, and design aesthetic. The term "fashion portfolio" refers to a collection of all the samples created and designed by a fashion designer. It allows you to present your body of work and designs to potential customers. A fashion portfolio, which includes several significant components, is absolutely essential for fashion designers. The introduction to a portfolio is advised to highlight the collection's inspiration and purpose rather than giving a lengthy introduction to the designer. 

However, it should be obvious and understandable to the client what kinds of designs to look for in the portfolio. A strong fashion design portfolio should include a variety of elements, including fashion illustrations, a mood board with fabric swatches as inspiration, flat sketches, "floats," and CADs.

Skills Required to Become a Fashion Designer

One needs to have a certain set of skills to be a successful Fashion Designer in order to justify the course. Skills such as "sketching," "sewing," "pattern drafting," and "fabric knowledge" are all important for becoming a successful fashion designer. The following are skills a successful Fashion Designer must have:

• Good Drawing Skills
• Creativity
• Artistic Thinking
• Innovative Skills
• Observation skills to look for Detailing
• Competitiveness
• Good Communication Skills

Also Read:  Know All About the Career & Job Options after Pursuing Fashion Designing

Specialisations Offered in Fashion Designing After 12th 

The following is a list of some of the top fashion and design specialisations:

Fashion Design: Students get an understanding of how to react to the dynamically shifting world of fashion in this area. They also investigate potential new career paths and support entrepreneurial endeavours. This industry offers positions such as Design Director, Fashion Director, Buyer, Curator, Fashion Blogger, Design Consultant, Couturier, Fashion Critic, Design Manager, Fashion Illustrator, etc.

Textile Design: Students are taught about a range of skills required in a variety of fields through this programme, from handcrafted printing to digital techniques and from handlooms to mills. This industry offers job profiles for textile designers, textile artists and installation artists, carpet and rug designers, etc.    

Accessory Design: This programme offers a thorough course curriculum for gaining integrated competence in areas such as consumer behaviour, design methodologies, forecast interpretation, market dynamics, trends, and production methods as well as materials and design processes.  Jewellery, accessories, leather goods, watches, crystal ware, & lifestyle products, footwear, etc. are among the job profiles offered by this sector of the design industry.

Fashion Technology: It covers a variety of design-related processes, including printing, marketing, and merchandising (textiles, apparel, garments, accessories, etc.). This industry offers job profiles for executive, export houses, boutiques, designers, and illustrators in a variety of industries, such as textile mills and jewellery stores. 

Fashion Communication: This area of fashion studies assists students in developing communication skills applicable to the lifestyle industry. Visual merchandising, retail space design, styling, photography, fashion journalism, PR/events, fashion advertising, and other related fields fall under the purview of graphic design.

Fashion Management: Students must learn leadership and management skills in order for the fashion industry to remain competitive. They gain hands-on experience in marketing, merchandising, supply chain management, garment exports, retailing, and other areas. 

Knitwear Design: This design specialisation has become an important part of the global fashion apparel industry. The use of knit and purl has demonstrated its versatility in a variety of fashion fields.

Fashion Design Colleges in India

Here is a list of the top Fashion Design Colleges in India, along with their location, courses offered, and course fees:
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Fashion Design Colleges Abroad

For aspiring Fashion Designers, the "Parsons School of Design," "Central Saint Martins," and "Fashion Institute of Technology" are important educational institutions.

Some of the best Fashion Design Colleges in abroad are listed below:

1. Central Saint Martins (London, England)
2.  Parsons, The New School for Design* (New York, Us)
3.  Bunka Fashion College/Bunka Women’s University (Tokyo, Japan)
4.  Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Antwerp, Belgium)
5.  Fashion Institute of Technology (Fit)* (New York, Us)
6.  Ecole De La Chambre Syndicale (Paris, France)
7.  Istituto Marangoni (Milan, Italy–Also London, Paris Campuses
8.  Royal College of Art (London, England)
9.  University Of Westminster (London, England)
10.  Lasalle Singapore

Fashion Design Software

In the fashion design industry, "Adobe Illustrator," "Photoshop," and "CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software" are commonly used tools. The fashion industry is starting to utilise 3D printing quite frequently. Designers who want to prototype or mass-produce clothing and accessories must use 3D modelling software in order to take full advantage of this technology. Since many of these software programmes provide high-quality renderings, using them to present your models to customers could be a great idea. 

The following are some of the best Fashion Design Software:

CLO: CLO 3D is a design software that is extremely simple to use, with an intuitive interface and numerous video tutorials to assist users. It enables the generation of renderings from 2D patterns. You can make as many iterations as you want because the software will automatically generate colours and textures for the new parts. 3D is a good way to get a good visual of the product, to see how it fits and how the silhouette looks

TUKA 3D: A user-friendly 3D fashion design programme, Tuka3D was created by Tukatech. With the help of this incredible software, you can scan your fit model and make adjustments using the many different measurement options available. An animated model that can dance, run, and other movements can be used to create virtual fitting sessions

Marvellous Designer: This programme enables the creation of 3D virtual garments. You can design any type of clothing using this platform, from simple shirts to extremely intricate dresses or suits. With a wide range of options and lifelike renderings, Marvelous Designer aims to increase accessibility to the fashion design process

Browzwear: Browzwear will enable you to work even more quickly while assisting you in creating imaginative designs for your clients

C-Design Clothing: C-Design Fashion is advertised as an all-in-one design tool that streamlines the entire clothing production process. You can create, edit, organise, and share all of your clothing and fashion ideas using this fantastic platform

CAD Romans: Software called Romans CAD was developed for the leather goods and footwear industries. Romans CAD allows designers to accurately make all the changes they need to your products, making it a particularly effective CAD fashion tool for prototyping

Fusion 360: Autodesk created the design programme Fusion 360. Because it is cloud-based, the various users can communicate and complete their tasks more quickly. You can use this CAD programme to create fashion items like clothing, shoes, or accessories because it works really well at bringing your design ideas to life. It has cutting-edge software tools that enable the creation of parametric modelling, mesh modelling, and solid modelling

Maya: Autodesk created the 3D modelling programme Maya. Professional fashion designers can use the sophisticated software tools in Maya

ZBrush: Impressive modelling software for painting and texturing is ZBrush. Working with this CAD software for the fashion industry is entirely feasible. Remember that this software is designed for experienced users and has cutting-edge tools. If you're looking for a programme to create stunning renderings, ZBrush is another excellent choice

Rhino: A very effective 3D modelling programme is Rhino. There are many industries that can use it, and the fashion industry is no exception. Since this is a professional tool, using it and making precise patterns for your prototypes or finished products requires experience

Fashion Design Influences

Influencers assist in generating demand for your brand or product. Consumers only purchase goods and services when they are aware of their needs. Influencers can play a role in creating that need! The audience will be informed of the need for and advantages of your product through the influencer campaign you develop. Influential fashion designers like "Coco Chanel," "Alexander McQueen," and "Yves Saint Laurent" are among those whose creations have influenced a lot of aspiring fashion designers.

Fashion Design Networking

Aspiring Fashion Designers can network and connect with industry professionals through "industry events," "fashion design conferences," and "fashion design associations." Building a successful career in the fashion industry requires networking. Making friends with people in the industry and keeping up with them can open doors for collaboration, professional development, and exposure to fresh viewpoints. Working in the fashion industry can present chances for both professional and personal development. Meeting and working with other designers, stylists, photographers, and other experts can lead to new design concepts and approaches as well as opportunities to pick up new abilities and knowledge. 

Being able to network allows designers and other professionals to increase their knowledge and stay current on the newest trends and developments, which is one of the most important reasons why networking is important in the fashion industry. It is possible to learn from subject-matter experts, uncover cutting-edge techniques and technologies, and gain insightful knowledge into the inner workings of the industry by attending industry events, conferences, and trade shows. In addition to this, internships in fashion design are the best way to expand your network. Internships at "fashion houses," "internship at a fashion magazine," or "internship at a fashion PR agency" are all excellent ways for aspiring fashion designers to gain industry experience. 

How Much Time Does it Take to Become a Fashion Designer after 12th?

To start a career as a Fashion Designer, you need to have a bachelor's degree, which takes three to four years to complete. You can look for internships or entry-level jobs in the fashion industry after earning your bachelor's degree. An alternative is to enrol in a two-year postgraduate programme to continue your specialisation. While you can begin working in the fashion industry in three to four years, it takes a while to establish yourself as a successful and well-known Fashion Designer.

Is it Hard to Become a Fashion Designer?

It is not difficult to become a Fashion Designer, but it is a little competitive. Graduates in fashion design have many options outside of working for well-known fashion houses and companies. You could, for instance, start your own label or collaborate with retailers. But no matter what career path you choose, becoming a Fashion Designer demands a strong work ethic and the capacity to learn from mistakes.

You would need to set yourself apart from other candidates with a strong fashion design resume, internships, and advanced graduate and post-graduate training if you wanted to work for well-known Fashion Designers. You need to have a thorough understanding of every facet of fashion design if you want to launch your own label, including design, merchandising, marketing, and networking with suppliers and retailers.

Things to Know Before Becoming a Fashion Designer

Thinking about a fashion career? Wondering How to become a Fashion Designer? Be sure to research design college before submitting an application. 

Before becoming a Fashion Designer, you should be aware of these things; fashion is a creative art form that benefits from artistic talent. Drive and passion are what keep designers going in this demanding profession. For designers, seeing the results of their labours can take time, just like with other artistic endeavours. Designers reach their career goals thanks to their confidence and drive.

Fashion designers need not to be proficient in drawing always. Today, a lot of designers create designs using software. Others hand-pin fabric to create the ideal drape. While having a talent for drawing is helpful, becoming a Fashion Designer does not require you to be a da Vinci.

The fashion industry values networking. Make an investment in an industry network even before submitting an application to a fashion design programme. This includes participating in events, staying up to date on fashion news, and building relationships with designers, producers, and suppliers. Continue networking with business leaders while in school so that you can enter the workforce with a solid network.

Also Read: Best Designing Courses in India

Fashion Design Entrepreneurship

While a fashion designer's role varies from company to company, as an entrepreneur they require a wide range of abilities. An individual whose primary activities are within the fashion industry is referred to as a fashion entrepreneur, a term that derives from the word "entrepreneur". For instance, a fashion designer who organises, develops, and oversees ventures within associated and connected sectors of the fashion industry. 

The global fashion landscape is constantly evolving in various ways. The concept or style that is popular today might not be popular tomorrow. Entrepreneurs must therefore constantly try new things. They must remain current with the industry and consider the state of the market. On the other hand, people must advance as they get older. Due to their mistakes and failure to adapt to changing fashion trends, many clothing brands around the world are now useless. Therefore, keeping up with the times is crucial. Entrepreneurship has taken this work very seriously in the fashion industries. So it is clear that entrepreneurship plays a significant role in the fashion industry. "Starting a fashion brand," "fashion business plan," and "fashion design entrepreneurship courses" are useful for those who want to launch their own fashion label or brand.

How Much Does a Fashion Designer Earn?

Budding fashion designers might be confused about their salaries, as the field is twice as demanding as before, and the earnings have also seen an enhancement. We are here with average package information which freshers and experienced professionals can expect once they have the right potential and skills to flourish. 

However, it must be noted that fashion designers earn above-average salaries than other careers. The salary structure is also based on multiple parameters such as:

• The industry in which the individual is working. 
• Also depends on the geographic location of the candidate. 
• The level of experience attained by the fashion designer. 
• Educational qualification and training period of the candidate. 

As per the information on indeed.com, the average salary of a fashion designer in India is INR 18,945 per month. The salary bar for freshers is between INR 15,000 - 35,000 per month. However, with experience candidates can expect a salary hike of INR 2,00,000 per month. 

In India, the most demand for fashion designers is from Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Surat and Jaipur. Moreover, this highly skilful career is not limited to India, it has a broader scope around the globe which includes London, Paris, New York and many more.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Fashion Designer

For people of all ages and genders, fashion designers produce apparel and accessories. It can be a thrilling career, particularly if you enjoy studying the most recent fashion trends. But not everyone should work in the fashion industry. Here are some pros and cons of working as a fashion designer.

Pros of Becoming a Fashion Designer

• You get to use your creative abilities in a way that you enjoy
• There is a lot of flexibility in terms of where and how you work
• Your work has the potential to impact an entire industry—or even a whole culture
• Can make a lot of money
• There are numerous opportunities to travel
• Meet various types of people
• The key to success is creativity
• Getting Started in the Fashion Industry

Cons of Becoming a Fashion Designer

• There are no set working hours
• Uncertain Income
• Criticisms
• It is difficult to become well-known and famous
• Keeping up to date
• Clients who are difficult to work with
• You are not guaranteed to rise to the top of your field
• Finding work in such a competitive field can be difficult
• Working for yourself can result in inconsistent pay, while working for a company can result in long hours

Related Links

Candidates interested in learning how to become a Fashion Designer after 12th should read this article and keep an eye on this page for further updates. If you have any questions, please visit our Q&A section and feel free to contact us.

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