Paul Smith

Fashion Designer
Responsibilities
You will be creating or visualising an idea and producing a design by
hand or using computer aided design. You will have to keep up to date
with emerging fashion trends as well as general trends relating to
fabrics, colours, shapes. The role includes planning and developing
ranges and working with other in the design team, such as buyers and
forecasters, to develop products to meet a brief. Sourcing, selecting and
buying fabrics, trims, fastenings and embellishments and developing a
pattern that is cut and sewn into sample garments.
Professional and personal characteristics
You need o be creative and have an eye for colour and a feel for fabric
and materials. The ability to generate ideas and concepts is a needed
skill for the role of a fashion designer as well as technical skills
including pattern cutting. You need to have knowledge in garment
technology and have the ability to negotiate and to influence others.
Salary
Starting salaries in the fashion industry are often low. Design assistants
may start at around £16,000 to £17,000. A junior designer can expect to
earn approximately £25,000. Typical salaries at senior at senior
designer and creative director level range from £42,000 to £85,000+. The
salaries depend on geographical location and the type of employer
Qualifications
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in the
following subjects will increase your chances: art and design,
clothing technology, fashion, fashion marketing and buying,
graphic design, knitwear and textiles.
Foundation degree graduates face increased competition from BA
graduates.
I also think I would be happy with this role as I get to make clothes for
people and make them happy. I also get a way to get my creative flair
across and express my imagination through art.