For as long as I can remember, I have been asked for advice from so many people about getting into the fashion industry, namely that of the designing sector. It can often be easy to forget, being as I love my work and life in this industry so much, that it is not always the easiest of routes to break into first time around.

In fact, I am proof of what much hard work, pure determination, and grit can do for you in your effort to finally get to use the title you have only felt able to dream about for some time before now!

If you are eager to succeed and want to gather as much information to hand as possible beforehand, I feel there are a few simple tips and snippets of advice which could help you along the way. These are given to you here exclusively by one who is in a great position to part with such information – that is me!

Having an Eye for Detail Goes Without Saying in This Industry

Before I dispense with further information, I am afraid to say that if you do not have a good eye for detail, you are going to struggle to get through the fashion industry, or even get into it at all!

Having an eye for detail makes you stand out from the rest. A fashion designer should be able to pick up on those little bits of detail that someone without such a creative eye would otherwise miss.

Many a time in this industry, it is those finer of details which could make or break your product line or range, so it goes without saying that it is crucial you have this skill by the bucket load if you are to even think about attempting a career as a fashion designer!

Being Able to Draw Is Highly Advantageous in This Industry

Many people tend to overlook drawing skills when contemplating becoming a Fashion Designer. However, while no one is expecting you to reproduce a work of art similar to that of Picasso, you do need to be able to produce regular drawings in the world of fashion. This is essential if you are to capture a concept, draw it on paper and then show it to others and expect them to understand the picture straight away!

While I am not what you would call a professional in the world of drawing, I can manage to draw several various garments and body types, which those who need to view them can see automatically what they represent without having to have it explained to them.

If you find your drawing skills a bit lackluster, think about enrolling in a drawing class for some improving techniques. Alternatively, make it a habit of regularly drawing throughout the day – after all, practice can make perfect in this industry!

Gaining an Appreciation of Colors, Fabrics and Textures Is Crucial in This Industry

It goes without saying that as a fashion designer, you will be dealing with immense amounts of material, so it is vital to understand as much about all the available fabrics, and colors there possibly are as standard.

Once again, it could be the difference between knowing what color works with what type of clothing choice, which makes or breaks specific designs. This applies to understanding when to use a specific kind of material in preference to another which may not work as well on the garment you have in mind for a particular design.

I personally would recommend experimenting as widely as possible with scraps of fabric and materials, with a wide range of color choices, as and when you have the chance to give yourself the best possible appreciation of the tools you will be working with the most.

Having Your Eye on The Ball and Spotting Current Trends Is A Must in The Industry

No Fashion Designer will make it very far in their career if they do not keep up-to-date with the most current fashion trends. How else will you know what people are looking for in their clothes and designs if you do not keep up with the industry?

What are other designers creating at this current point in time and what are you creating? Though you do not want to be creating the same stuff, it would be madness to think that creating and designing flares when every other designer is contemplating skinny jeans, is taking note of what those people whom you want to wear your clothes actually desire.

Finally, several other elements could help you improve your standing as a fashion designer including:

• The ability to work well within a team alongside good communication skills: While you may believe a fashion designer is a solitary figure, nothing could be further than the truth. You may be responsible for the initial creation, but you then need to work with several different departments to achieve the perfect end product. Collaboration is often crucial in this role!
• A competitive personality: Regarding the competition, you need to have a good and healthy dose of competitiveness if you are to succeed ahead of your many competitors. This is essential if you want to be the trendsetter, not the follower!
• A strong sense of vision: Can you communicate your desired look to those around you? While having your ideas on drawings is required, so too is the ability to emphasize that vision of the finished product to those who will be contributing towards you achieving that end result. Therefore, you need to be able to convey your ideas easily to members to get on board with your overall vision.
• Business Acumen: Last, but by no means least, you will need to educate yourself about all things financial, marketing and sales related. Though creativity is your main component, you also need an understanding of the basics of business if you are to make a profit and keep your future brand afloat. There are schools like fashion graduate programs in NYC and other major cities where you can learn the business acumen to excel in the industry.