As an aspiring fashion designer, you may find yourself dreaming about the moment when you see one of your creations illuminated under the lights of the runway. However, to reach that pinnacle in your fashion design career, you must first understand the steps it takes to get there.
From fashion sketching techniques to creating a fashion portfolio, you can learn the fashion design process in greater detail by pursuing a degree in fashion design. Read on below to discover what achieving your fashion design goals might look like.
The Foundation — Starting With Sketches
The fashion design process does not begin with fabric shears and a sewing machine; rather, it begins with a sketchpad and a pencil, or with the leading computer-aided design (CAD) software. By perfecting your fashion illustration skills and learning how to create cohesive and versatile fashion sketches, you can establish a strong foundation upon which to build your career in fashion design.
Learning the Basics of Fashion Illustration
Fashion illustration and sketching techniques involve fashion design students doing more than simply improving their drawing and illustration skills. According to research published in the International Journal of Novel Research and Development, fashion illustration for beginners requires designers to not only illustrate silhouettes for particular pieces, but also be able to effectively capture the movement and draping of fabric in their illustration.
Understanding Fabrics and Textiles
In order to create a cohesive and accurate fashion design sketch, you should develop an in-depth understanding of the most widely used fabrics and textiles. These are some sketching techniques to keep in mind when working with common fashion design fabrics and textiles:
- For fashion illustration sketches involving velvet, create an outline using a marker and utilize chalk to mimic the pile of the fabric.
- For illustrations that include satin fabric, create the base with a marker pen and use a fine-tipped marker to highlight the shine of the fabric.
- For illustrations that include delicate lace fabric, you may have to invest in custom stamps that outline the design of the lace.
Developing Design Concepts
In the early stages of the fashion design process, fashion designers often seek inspiration from outside sources as they begin to develop ideas for their collections. The design concept development process is highly fluid and can vary from one fashion designer to the next. The key aspect of concept development is to identify a central theme, then carry that through the entire collection.
Conceptualizing Collections
According to research published in the International Journal of Fashion Design Technology and Education, fashion designers tend to rely heavily on visual elements as inspiration for their design concepts. As you begin to create sketches for your fashion design portfolio, consider a single source of inspiration and create an entire collection based on that concept. On the surface, the inspiration source may seem small and insignificant, but choosing the right concept on which to base your collection can allow you to create an advanced, eclectic collection with a variety of elements.
Experimentation and Draping
After you have completed your initial illustrations and begun to explore the theme for your collection, you will need to start focusing on fabric manipulation and draping techniques. According to Manikins for Textile Evaluation, garment draping is the process of testing fabric on a mannequin to see how it performs in a real-world setting. Fashion designers use draping techniques to evaluate the performance of the fabric and determine if it is the right fit for the design, this process plays a crucial role in determining the look and feel of the final product.
Technical Skills – From Sketch to Sewing Machine
While your career in fashion design may begin by building the artistic skills required to develop the leading fashion sketching techniques, you must expand your knowledge and focus on technical skill development. The fashion design industry may be anchored by artistry and creativity, but it’s an incredibly advanced, technical field that requires a core set of 21st-century skills. According to research published in the International Journal of Humanities, Arts, Medicine and Sciences, the technical skills required to succeed in fashion design include fashion illustration, couture sewing techniques , and computer skills that allow designers to become proficient in the leading design software.
Pattern-Making
Many industry experts consider the pattern-making process the most central component of fashion design. According to research published in the International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, the pattern-making process involves:
- Creating a basic pattern as a starting point for the garment. The pattern should be customized to fit the look and feel of the individual.
- Developing a bodice block (or upper portion of the garment) after the initial pattern has been created.
- Using draping techniques to evaluate how the pattern performs on a body.
- Using flat pattern-making techniques to improve and perfect the design for the individual.
- Using CAD software to customize the pattern for a wide range of clients.
Sewing Techniques and Garment Construction
Once the pattern has been developed and perfected through the pattern-making process, the fashion designer can move on to constructing the garment. When working with premier and exclusive fabrics, fashion designers often have to leverage couture sewing techniques that will protect the integrity of the fabric and ensure the garment will perform as expected on the runway. Advanced couture sewing techniques are necessary to bring the designer’s vision for the garment to life.
Preparing for the Runway
Once you have the garments designed and created for your collection, it’s time to start preparing for the runway. This is the moment for fashion designers to showcase their work, and it’s an ideal way to begin the process of fashion industry networking.
As you begin preparing for the runway, you will have to create your own timeline and determine the pace that works for you. This can be a hectic time in the fashion design process, but it’s also one of the most exciting moments.
Producing a Final Collection
You will want to finalize your collection before you begin selecting models and preparing for the runway. As you look at the range of garments in your collection, choose those that will work best for your models, represent your ideas as a fashion designer, and showcase the inspiration for the design concept. Once you know which garments you will be using on the runway, order any accessories that are required for the final design so that you have all the elements available in time for the runway show.
Fashion Show Logistics
There are numerous moving parts involved in a fashion show, and designers need an intimate understanding of the logistics to ensure their collection is showcased in the best possible light. Logistics involved with planning a runway show include:
- Securing models for your collection.
- Providing models with appropriate hair and makeup services.
- Verifying the length of the catwalk and the lighting that will be used.
- Identifying the music to be played during the fashion show.
- Understanding the impact that the venue will have on the look and feel of the show.
The Runway Experience
In a word, the runway experience is thrilling. Fashion designers across all sectors of the industry often find this to be the highlight of working in this field. There’s a sense of excitement that permeates the air as designers and visitors alike anticipate the reaction to the collections. Whether you are entering fashion design competitions or showcasing your work at a charity fashion show, there is nothing quite like the runway experience in any other creative industry.
Showcasing Your Work
Fashion design competitions and other runway events provide the opportunity to showcase your work. Not only will your final garment be on display, but your creativity and innovation will be visible to all in attendance. These events allow you to begin building your brand and developing your reputation as a fashion designer.
Networking and Industry Exposure
Additionally, the runway is the perfect place to begin networking in the fashion realm. At most runway shows, there are industry insiders looking to invest in up-and-coming designers. You never know when your breakout moment may take place, so it’s essential to always bring your best to any runway show.
Life After the Runway – Career Paths in Fashion Design
Creating collections for the runway is only one facet of the fashion design industry. You will find that there are numerous other career paths to consider, allowing you to build on your existing foundation as you explore compelling and creative opportunities.
Opportunities in Fashion Design
By relying on the best fashion design portfolio tips and showcasing your work throughout the community, you can explore new opportunities in fashion design. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fashion designers often work for clothing companies, fashion manufacturing organizations, merchandise wholesalers, and organizations in the entertainment industry. Nearly 9% of fashion designers are self-employed and can explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry.
Continuing to Innovate
As an ever-evolving field, the fashion industry requires all professionals to be committed to innovation and development. Always be on the lookout for emerging trends and unique ideas that you can incorporate into your designs, as the tastes and preferences of the public can shift without warning.
Interested in Becoming a Fashion Designer? Learn More at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Those who would like to pursue a career in fashion design may benefit most from furthering their education. At Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, we offer an on-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design as well as an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design degree. Both programs offer a skills-based curriculum that allows students to explore the fashion design process steps, including:
- Trend forecasting
- Market analysis
- Color theory in fashion
- Fashion illustration
- Textile design
- Couture sewing techniques
Request more information about our on-campus and online fashion degree programs today.
