Fashion designers combine their knowledge and skills with artistic ability to create the designs for fashion pieces. A fashion designer will typically study emerging trends, or consult with the needs of an individual client, before laying a design down on paper – or on the computer. Most designers today use some kind of software (often computer-aided design tools, or CAD) to lay down designs. The flexibility afforded by such an approach allows designers to try alternatives, quickly pull up colors or different textures, and more. Computers save designers a lot of time, frustration, and money.
Designers either work for a firm of designers, own their own business or work for someone who does, or work for an apparel manufacturing company. Salaried designers (in firms or apparel companies) usually work more normal hours than independent designers. Independent designers have the added stress of seeking out clients, meeting clients in locations they select, and running a business. Some designers work for high-end boutiques. Most designers work for apparel manufacturers and design the regular men’s, women’s and children’s lines one sees at clothing stores.
There were about 15,000 fashion designers in 2002. Many were self-employed. A large number of them also did freelance or independent work on top of holding down a salaried job. These side jobs may be a way to supplement income, or to work in a more creative capacity than their regular job allows.
Fashion design is a difficult field to get into. Many talented people are attracted to the field; success requires tenacity and a true love of fashion. Those with formal education, especially bachelor’s degrees, are more likely to find steady employment.
The average earnings for fashion designers in 2002 were $51,290. The top 10% earned more than $105,280.
Other Jobs in the Apparel Industry
Designers and Merchandisers (see this article, http://www.fashionschools.com/fashion-merchandising.html) are the originators of the clothes we see on the racks and on runways. But in getting from that original idea to the shirt a person is wearing, there are dozens of additional actors.
Merchandise Displayers set up the window displays and in-store displays that may have attracted that person to the store, or that particular shirt, in the first place. There were approximately 77,000 merchandise displayers in 2002; they made an average of $22,550 that year.
There were about 358,000 apparel industry jobs in 2002. These are the workers that make the clothes, from pattern cutting to the final pressing. Most work regular hours, with some overtime, in well-lit and clean shops. Most of the work is done in large warehouses. The apparel industry is bleeding jobs faster than almost any other industry, as more and more companies send their garment-making overseas. The 2002-2012 period is expected to see a net loss of 69%.
Patternmakers create the patterns, including the different sizes the clothing will come in. Markers lay out where the patterns will go, to minimize fabric waste. Cutters cut out the pieces – much of this is automated today.
Sewing Machine Operators assemble the clothing. Operators receive specific training, and today each one usually assembles the entire piece of clothing. Pressers iron out the wrinkles and shape the clothes.
The average weekly wage in this field is $334 – much less than the average.
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