5 answers
Logan
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How can I develop and learn skills related to fashion design?
I am a freshman in high school. I aspire to be a fashion designer or stylist, but currently I just don't have the skills to be and don't know how to develop them.
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5 answers
Thamara Daniel-Viaud
Flight Attendant
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Thamara’s Answer
Hello there,
Why not start your journey by volunteering or perhaps securing a part-time job at a boutique or clothing store? You could do this after school or during the weekends. Even if it's just for a few hours, you'll have the opportunity to learn about various fabrics and the latest seasonal trends. Plus, it's not just about fashion - you'll also pick up valuable customer service skills along the way.
Why not start your journey by volunteering or perhaps securing a part-time job at a boutique or clothing store? You could do this after school or during the weekends. Even if it's just for a few hours, you'll have the opportunity to learn about various fabrics and the latest seasonal trends. Plus, it's not just about fashion - you'll also pick up valuable customer service skills along the way.
Rochishni Kolli
Ex - Software Testing Engineer
6
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Rochishni’s Answer
Hi Logan - great question! I love that you already know which path you want to take career wise. I urge you to find job positions that are out there currently, to set as goals! Pick out your ideal career and job posting - then look at the requirements. Try to formulate a game plans from there! There might be technical skills which you currently don’t possessive, however there are tons of certifications and design courses (ie. Coursera) out there that can be handled remotely! I suggest you look into to them and start further developing your skills! And of course, internships are the best way to go about getting exposure in the field. It’s also important to get your LinkedIn presence going! That way you can connect with potential recruiters and mentees!
Julia Belcher
IT Services Marketing
4
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Logan,
I was a fashion design major my freshman year of college and spent much of my high school years preparing. I ended up changing majors my sophomore year of college, but fashion design and styling are still hobbies I enjoy. Below are a few things I did to prepare, develop my skills, build an art portfolio and eventually get accepted into multiple art schools.
1. Experiment and develop skills: I borrowed books from the library to learn about sewing, beading, upcycling, etc. Sometimes, I purchased patterns and fabric to sew clothing from scratch, but I often found it more fun to buy items from a thrift store and redesign them! I created one-of-a-kind pieces while also getting a better understanding of clothing is constructed. Eventually, I was skilled enough to sew a couple of my own homecoming dresses.
2. Build a portfolio: If you are leaning towards fashion design, you need to draw, draw, draw. I took classes inside and outside of my high school. Figure drawing is especially essential for fashion design. If you want to focus on styling, you can build a portfolio with images of your styles. This is a great opportunity to ask your friends to be your models!
3. Find an internship or job to develop knowledge/skills: In high school, I worked at a dry cleaner. Not only did I learn about fabric, care of clothing, but I also did all their minor mends!
Hope that helps to develop your skills!
I was a fashion design major my freshman year of college and spent much of my high school years preparing. I ended up changing majors my sophomore year of college, but fashion design and styling are still hobbies I enjoy. Below are a few things I did to prepare, develop my skills, build an art portfolio and eventually get accepted into multiple art schools.
1. Experiment and develop skills: I borrowed books from the library to learn about sewing, beading, upcycling, etc. Sometimes, I purchased patterns and fabric to sew clothing from scratch, but I often found it more fun to buy items from a thrift store and redesign them! I created one-of-a-kind pieces while also getting a better understanding of clothing is constructed. Eventually, I was skilled enough to sew a couple of my own homecoming dresses.
2. Build a portfolio: If you are leaning towards fashion design, you need to draw, draw, draw. I took classes inside and outside of my high school. Figure drawing is especially essential for fashion design. If you want to focus on styling, you can build a portfolio with images of your styles. This is a great opportunity to ask your friends to be your models!
3. Find an internship or job to develop knowledge/skills: In high school, I worked at a dry cleaner. Not only did I learn about fabric, care of clothing, but I also did all their minor mends!
Hope that helps to develop your skills!
Jennifer Jackson
Film Director
79
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Logan,
As a high school freshman aspiring to become a fashion designer or stylist, there are several steps you can take to develop and learn skills related to fashion design:
1. Take Art and Design Classes: Seek out art and design courses at your school or in your community. These classes can help you develop foundational skills in drawing, color theory, and design principles, which are valuable in fashion design.
2. Learn Sewing and Pattern Making: Enroll in sewing and pattern making classes, or consider taking online tutorials to learn these fundamental skills. Understanding garment construction is essential for fashion design.
3. Develop Your Style: Experiment with styling your friends and family members, or start a T-shirt line as you suggested. Practicing hands-on styling and design can help you refine your personal style and gain a deeper understanding of what works in fashion.
4. Stay Informed: Follow current fashion trends, industry news, and influential designers to stay informed about the fashion world. Immersing yourself in the fashion industry can provide valuable insights and inspiration.
5. Seek Mentorship: Look for opportunities to connect with fashion professionals, such as stylists, designers, or local fashion artists, and seek mentorship and guidance from those who have experience in the industry.
6. Explore Internships and Work Experience: Look for internships or part-time work opportunities at fashion boutiques, design studios, or fashion events. Gaining real-world experience can provide practical knowledge and networking opportunities.
7. Attend Fashion Shows and Events: If possible, attend local fashion shows and events to gain exposure to various styles and trends, and to expand your understanding of the fashion industry.
Starting early to develop your skills and gain experience in fashion design and styling is an excellent approach. Remaining persistent and open to learning will help you build a strong foundation for a future career in the fashion industry.
Best of Luck!
Jennifer
As a high school freshman aspiring to become a fashion designer or stylist, there are several steps you can take to develop and learn skills related to fashion design:
1. Take Art and Design Classes: Seek out art and design courses at your school or in your community. These classes can help you develop foundational skills in drawing, color theory, and design principles, which are valuable in fashion design.
2. Learn Sewing and Pattern Making: Enroll in sewing and pattern making classes, or consider taking online tutorials to learn these fundamental skills. Understanding garment construction is essential for fashion design.
3. Develop Your Style: Experiment with styling your friends and family members, or start a T-shirt line as you suggested. Practicing hands-on styling and design can help you refine your personal style and gain a deeper understanding of what works in fashion.
4. Stay Informed: Follow current fashion trends, industry news, and influential designers to stay informed about the fashion world. Immersing yourself in the fashion industry can provide valuable insights and inspiration.
5. Seek Mentorship: Look for opportunities to connect with fashion professionals, such as stylists, designers, or local fashion artists, and seek mentorship and guidance from those who have experience in the industry.
6. Explore Internships and Work Experience: Look for internships or part-time work opportunities at fashion boutiques, design studios, or fashion events. Gaining real-world experience can provide practical knowledge and networking opportunities.
7. Attend Fashion Shows and Events: If possible, attend local fashion shows and events to gain exposure to various styles and trends, and to expand your understanding of the fashion industry.
Starting early to develop your skills and gain experience in fashion design and styling is an excellent approach. Remaining persistent and open to learning will help you build a strong foundation for a future career in the fashion industry.
Best of Luck!
Jennifer
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Logan !
Fashion Design is constantly one of the most awesome careers and there are many offshoots of working in fashion that you can consider if your drawing and sewing skills need improvement. Becoming a Stylist can be easy and swift if you truly have a love for fashion and don't feel ready to work at developing sewing and sketching skills. Fashion school will teach you about everything and you will be expected to have skill at sketching designs and sewing simple and complex garments.
You can easily learn how to be a stylist. It will depend on where you plan to offer your services as people seeking Stylists usually are in the high income bracket. You may find opportunities in major cities. I do believe that you can learn to be a Stylist online and it wouldn't require a college degree, just training, instruction which can be done remotely/online and practice. You'd also want to keep a portfolio of before and after photos. By the way, an upcoming twist now is Virtual Styling. I left information about it for you below. You can basically start your own business doing it.
I have some links for you below of places to take free online study to be a Stylist. The Alison website I believe is from the UK, but for fashion it will be helpful if the course is from any location. I would encourage you to take styling from various locations such as France, Italy and the UK. I found some free courses, though and you can start out with them.
While you are studying Styling, you can decide if Fashion School would be something you'd want to do for Fashion Design. Visit the schools and get a feel for it. You can start obtaining some experience now in high school by asking the theatre teacher if you could do costuming for any plays or shows that they do. Ask friends and family if you can style them and remember to take before and after photos for your portfolio. You should start out with something that is doable like Styling and give Fashion Design some more time while you think about it more. Most of all, follow your passion and confidence at this time. You will always be growing and you never know what lies ahead. You have a lot of time to make discoveries, gain skills and decide where your calling is. Don't give up!
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward !
VIRTUAL STYLIST https://gigworker.com/how-to-become-a-personal-stylist-online/
STYLIST COURSES https://alison.com/careers/arts/fashion-stylist
FASHION COURSES AND CERTIFICATIONS https://www.classcentral.com/subject/fashion
FREE ONLINE FASHION COURSES https://www.whowhatwear.com/free-online-fashion-courses
Fashion Design is constantly one of the most awesome careers and there are many offshoots of working in fashion that you can consider if your drawing and sewing skills need improvement. Becoming a Stylist can be easy and swift if you truly have a love for fashion and don't feel ready to work at developing sewing and sketching skills. Fashion school will teach you about everything and you will be expected to have skill at sketching designs and sewing simple and complex garments.
You can easily learn how to be a stylist. It will depend on where you plan to offer your services as people seeking Stylists usually are in the high income bracket. You may find opportunities in major cities. I do believe that you can learn to be a Stylist online and it wouldn't require a college degree, just training, instruction which can be done remotely/online and practice. You'd also want to keep a portfolio of before and after photos. By the way, an upcoming twist now is Virtual Styling. I left information about it for you below. You can basically start your own business doing it.
I have some links for you below of places to take free online study to be a Stylist. The Alison website I believe is from the UK, but for fashion it will be helpful if the course is from any location. I would encourage you to take styling from various locations such as France, Italy and the UK. I found some free courses, though and you can start out with them.
While you are studying Styling, you can decide if Fashion School would be something you'd want to do for Fashion Design. Visit the schools and get a feel for it. You can start obtaining some experience now in high school by asking the theatre teacher if you could do costuming for any plays or shows that they do. Ask friends and family if you can style them and remember to take before and after photos for your portfolio. You should start out with something that is doable like Styling and give Fashion Design some more time while you think about it more. Most of all, follow your passion and confidence at this time. You will always be growing and you never know what lies ahead. You have a lot of time to make discoveries, gain skills and decide where your calling is. Don't give up!
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: