6 answers
Mattea
Student
North Branch, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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What should I put in my fashion and design portfolio, and when should it be done?
I’m dead set on being a fashion designer, but as a year round athlete, it’s hard to build a portfolio. More specifically one that is worth looking at. #fashion #design
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6 answers
D.R. LaVoie
Retired, Fashion Footwear Design
7
Answers
Middleborough, Massachusetts
Updated
D.R.’s Answer
Hello Mattea,
Being a good athlete while still in school if a great achievement and also great for keeping healthy and fit. Now with that said, when it comes to college, you can STILL be involved in sports, but by your Sophomore year, and certainly no later than your Junior year, you will need to start seriously working on putting together a well thought out and high quality portfolio. Being a full time Fashion Designer is extremely time consuming. Once you graduate, you should have a broad knowledge of at least three design software programs, and be quite proficient in at least two of them. Your entry level job, will most likely be a "gopher" job, until you can gain your boss's confidence. Then you will slowly be given tasks of more responsibility, and if you do those well, your responsibilities will grow in a couple of years.
Once you become a full fledged official Fashion Designer, you can pretty much forget about a social life (IF you want to get ahead quickly). Your time will be fully taken up by doing: Fashion Research; Competitive Research; Market research; Researching materials; Communicating with factories; Working on material lists; Co-ordinating your projects with the development person on your team; and a lot of little things that just chew up the hours in your day. But in the end, I have found this to be the most exciting, rewarding, and fun job I have ever held !
So if you REALLY love Fashion Design, go after it with a passion, and you will be rewarded both financially and mentally.
Once in your Senior year of High School, start learning a good desing software program, then add on more programs when you start college.
Being a good athlete while still in school if a great achievement and also great for keeping healthy and fit. Now with that said, when it comes to college, you can STILL be involved in sports, but by your Sophomore year, and certainly no later than your Junior year, you will need to start seriously working on putting together a well thought out and high quality portfolio. Being a full time Fashion Designer is extremely time consuming. Once you graduate, you should have a broad knowledge of at least three design software programs, and be quite proficient in at least two of them. Your entry level job, will most likely be a "gopher" job, until you can gain your boss's confidence. Then you will slowly be given tasks of more responsibility, and if you do those well, your responsibilities will grow in a couple of years.
Once you become a full fledged official Fashion Designer, you can pretty much forget about a social life (IF you want to get ahead quickly). Your time will be fully taken up by doing: Fashion Research; Competitive Research; Market research; Researching materials; Communicating with factories; Working on material lists; Co-ordinating your projects with the development person on your team; and a lot of little things that just chew up the hours in your day. But in the end, I have found this to be the most exciting, rewarding, and fun job I have ever held !
So if you REALLY love Fashion Design, go after it with a passion, and you will be rewarded both financially and mentally.
D.R. recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
HELLO MATTEA,
Building an impressive fashion and design portfolio requires a blend of creativity, technical skills, and industry knowledge. Here's what you need to include:
Sketches and Drawings: Start with hand-drawn sketches that display your creativity, uniqueness, and design process. This section should contain concept sketches, color studies, and technical drawings.
Digital Renderings: Add digital illustrations or renderings to show your skills in design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Sketchbook Pro. These digital renderings offer a more professional presentation of your designs.
Pattern Making: Highlight your pattern-making skills by including flat pattern layouts and 3D prototypes made from fabric samples. This shows your understanding of how designs become wearable pieces.
Swatches and Fabric Samples: Gather swatches of different fabrics that represent the textures, colors, and patterns you've used or plan to use. This gives potential employers or clients a tactile experience of the materials you use.
Garment Samples: Produce a few finished garment samples that represent your best work. These pieces should reflect your personal style and showcase your ability to use different design techniques and fabric choices.
Research: Add research pages that show your understanding of current fashion trends, designers, brands, and industry influences. This proves to potential employers or clients that you're up-to-date with the latest industry developments.
Photography: Take high-quality photos of each piece in your portfolio using a professional camera or smartphone with excellent photography skills. If necessary, consider hiring a professional photographer for consistent results.
Personal Statement/About Me Page: Write a persuasive personal statement that explains who you are as a designer, what inspires you, and what makes you stand out in the industry (optional but highly recommended).
Contact Information: Don't forget to include your contact information such as email address, phone number, website (if applicable), social media handles, and mailing address. This makes it easy for potential employers or clients to contact you.
When to start your portfolio? Ideally, start building your portfolio early in your fashion design career – preferably during college or while studying fashion design at a reputable institution. This gives you a robust platform to showcase your skills and growth over the years. But remember, it's never too late to start if you're already in the industry but don't have a portfolio!
GOD BLESS YOU MATTEA!
JC.
Building an impressive fashion and design portfolio requires a blend of creativity, technical skills, and industry knowledge. Here's what you need to include:
Sketches and Drawings: Start with hand-drawn sketches that display your creativity, uniqueness, and design process. This section should contain concept sketches, color studies, and technical drawings.
Digital Renderings: Add digital illustrations or renderings to show your skills in design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Sketchbook Pro. These digital renderings offer a more professional presentation of your designs.
Pattern Making: Highlight your pattern-making skills by including flat pattern layouts and 3D prototypes made from fabric samples. This shows your understanding of how designs become wearable pieces.
Swatches and Fabric Samples: Gather swatches of different fabrics that represent the textures, colors, and patterns you've used or plan to use. This gives potential employers or clients a tactile experience of the materials you use.
Garment Samples: Produce a few finished garment samples that represent your best work. These pieces should reflect your personal style and showcase your ability to use different design techniques and fabric choices.
Research: Add research pages that show your understanding of current fashion trends, designers, brands, and industry influences. This proves to potential employers or clients that you're up-to-date with the latest industry developments.
Photography: Take high-quality photos of each piece in your portfolio using a professional camera or smartphone with excellent photography skills. If necessary, consider hiring a professional photographer for consistent results.
Personal Statement/About Me Page: Write a persuasive personal statement that explains who you are as a designer, what inspires you, and what makes you stand out in the industry (optional but highly recommended).
Contact Information: Don't forget to include your contact information such as email address, phone number, website (if applicable), social media handles, and mailing address. This makes it easy for potential employers or clients to contact you.
When to start your portfolio? Ideally, start building your portfolio early in your fashion design career – preferably during college or while studying fashion design at a reputable institution. This gives you a robust platform to showcase your skills and growth over the years. But remember, it's never too late to start if you're already in the industry but don't have a portfolio!
GOD BLESS YOU MATTEA!
JC.
Jennifer Jackson
Film Director
79
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi
I encourage you to include a variety of your fashion sketches, designs, and completed projects in your portfolio. Since you plays sports, incorporating sports-inspired designs could be a unique and personal touch to showcase your creativity. You can also include any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and any sports-related fashion projects you have worked on. As for when it should be done, You should aim to have your portfolio ready by the time you applies for fashion school or any relevant opportunities.
Best of luck!
Jennifer
I encourage you to include a variety of your fashion sketches, designs, and completed projects in your portfolio. Since you plays sports, incorporating sports-inspired designs could be a unique and personal touch to showcase your creativity. You can also include any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and any sports-related fashion projects you have worked on. As for when it should be done, You should aim to have your portfolio ready by the time you applies for fashion school or any relevant opportunities.
Best of luck!
Jennifer
Matt Huang
Design and Innovation
22
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Mattea -
I can't tell you what portfolio you need for fashion design school. My comments will be on portfolio in general.
1. Be clear about what's your point of the view for every project you included in your portfolio. What problem are you trying to solve for? Why does make your design better than ones on the market?
2. Show your process. I have hired many designers. I pay more attention to their thinking and problem solving skills than the final design.
3. Tell a good story. Make sure your portfolio tells who you are as a designer
4. A visually appeasing layout - digital or physical - that is important for anyone in design field. This is your first impression.
Good luck!
I can't tell you what portfolio you need for fashion design school. My comments will be on portfolio in general.
1. Be clear about what's your point of the view for every project you included in your portfolio. What problem are you trying to solve for? Why does make your design better than ones on the market?
2. Show your process. I have hired many designers. I pay more attention to their thinking and problem solving skills than the final design.
3. Tell a good story. Make sure your portfolio tells who you are as a designer
4. A visually appeasing layout - digital or physical - that is important for anyone in design field. This is your first impression.
Good luck!
Darlene Rodriguez-Silva
Designer in fashion, costume, interior and wedding
3
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
Darlene’s Answer
Every accomplishment in design be sure to take pictures of the process as well as the finished product. If it’s an event hire a photographer who knows how to capture the garment or costume. Often photographers focus on the model but it is the costume that’s important. Start a digital portfolio now. And add to it as you go along begin a curriculum vetea of every creative project you have worked on.
Sierra Sims
Fashion Design
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Sierra’s Answer
For your fashion portfolio people will want to see the following
1. Mood Board (Your inspiration for your designs. Getting the story across to the audience)
2. Color palette inspiration
3. Fabrics - which fabrics you have selected for your designs
4. Sketches (if you're not a great sketcher, you can collage, or use a computer program. Be creative)
5. Process - show your process. special details or trim you may want to include. photo of a mockup of the garment
You'll definitely want to work on the portfolio end of sophomore year/beginning of junior year.
1. Mood Board (Your inspiration for your designs. Getting the story across to the audience)
2. Color palette inspiration
3. Fabrics - which fabrics you have selected for your designs
4. Sketches (if you're not a great sketcher, you can collage, or use a computer program. Be creative)
5. Process - show your process. special details or trim you may want to include. photo of a mockup of the garment
You'll definitely want to work on the portfolio end of sophomore year/beginning of junior year.