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How can I prepare myself to become a fashion major?
#college-major #professional #fashion #fashion-design
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Natalie’s Answer
Hi Jason. Do you have a sewing machine? Learning to sew different fabrics together might be a useful first step to entering the fashion industry.
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Malavika’s Answer
Hi Jason, I love the fashion field! First off, you'll need to have a portfolio - do you have any fashion sketches (either hand drawn or digital)? This might help universities identify if you have the creativity, artistic and technical skills required for taking up the course. Do you know the styles you're more inclined towards - chic, casual, business, avant garde, etc.? Is it sustainable fashion, or is it couture fashion? There's a lot to explore in this field, so don't worry about sticking to any one style.
Software knowledge such as CAD and Adobe products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop are used most in this field) may help you as you progress in your studies. Fashion is all in the details, so take a note on how you observe the world around you. How do you bring this into your designs and what makes it stand out? Texture and design are the key to creating a unique outfit.
Also its useful if you have basic sewing skills - I think universities will teach you more intricate methods of this, but I suppose its dependent on the colleges you apply to.
Overall, you'll have a bit of self-exploration to do before you start preparing your applications because it'll give you some clarity in what is unique to and about you and what makes you stand out among the crowd in this highly competitive field.
Software knowledge such as CAD and Adobe products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop are used most in this field) may help you as you progress in your studies. Fashion is all in the details, so take a note on how you observe the world around you. How do you bring this into your designs and what makes it stand out? Texture and design are the key to creating a unique outfit.
Also its useful if you have basic sewing skills - I think universities will teach you more intricate methods of this, but I suppose its dependent on the colleges you apply to.
Overall, you'll have a bit of self-exploration to do before you start preparing your applications because it'll give you some clarity in what is unique to and about you and what makes you stand out among the crowd in this highly competitive field.
Updated
Allie’s Answer
Hi Jason,
An interest in studying fashion is exciting! While considering studying fashion, you should try to decide what division of the fashion industry interests you more specifically. For example there is fashion design and then there is the business side of fashion which includes marketing, advertising, merchandising, buying, wholesale, retail and more. I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where you are required to declare a major prior to freshman year. If you would like to major in fashion design, you would have to submit a portfolio with your applications. Fashion business majors do not require a portfolio. Some fashion schools/ programs offer summer classes for high school students which can definitely be helpful in making you stand out on college applications, especially if you plan of submitting a portfolio for design.
I worked in luxury retail for 6 years where I learned more about fashion than I did at school! I highly recommend working in retail for a fashion brand even if it is part time, just to gain some experienced and knowledge. Internships are super important as well and highly recommended. My advice to you would be to do as many internships as you can and build your resume. The fashion industry is extremely competitive, be prepared to work very hard!
An interest in studying fashion is exciting! While considering studying fashion, you should try to decide what division of the fashion industry interests you more specifically. For example there is fashion design and then there is the business side of fashion which includes marketing, advertising, merchandising, buying, wholesale, retail and more. I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where you are required to declare a major prior to freshman year. If you would like to major in fashion design, you would have to submit a portfolio with your applications. Fashion business majors do not require a portfolio. Some fashion schools/ programs offer summer classes for high school students which can definitely be helpful in making you stand out on college applications, especially if you plan of submitting a portfolio for design.
I worked in luxury retail for 6 years where I learned more about fashion than I did at school! I highly recommend working in retail for a fashion brand even if it is part time, just to gain some experienced and knowledge. Internships are super important as well and highly recommended. My advice to you would be to do as many internships as you can and build your resume. The fashion industry is extremely competitive, be prepared to work very hard!
Updated
Willianetta’s Answer
Preparing yourself to become a fashion major really begins with assessing why do want a career in fashion and thinking about what area of the industry draws your interest. The next thing is to mentally prepare yourself to be creative & embrace the business side of things. Everything you learn will be relevant so prepare to be a sponge because it’s more than pretty clothes but rather true understanding how people think and want to be perceived. So go in like a scientist.