Introduction
The fashion industry is alluring, exciting, and dynamic. Do you love all things fashion and want to reach the heights of Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi, and the like? Are you worried that the fashion industry is a tough nut to crack?
Stop worrying and start exploring! Remember, today’s fashion giants were once students just like you, awed by the fashion industry and determined to make their mark.
This blog gives you a wholesome guide on how to start fashion design career.
Is a Career in Fashion Designing After 12th Right for Me?
The key to success in fashion design is your sense of style and creativity. Let your imagination horses run wild, and use your skills to put them together to make beautiful clothes. The fashion industry is so vast that designing clothes is not the only career in fashion design after 12th.
Fashion designing primarily involves making clothes and styles that reflect culture, society, and recent trends. It is not just clothes; the industry needs designers and makers of accessories. People with technical skills are also required to convert the design on paper into viable and wearable garments.
People often assume that fashion design is all about dressing up the models and letting them walk the ramp. There is so much more to fashion design than the glitz and glamour seen on stage. A lot of work goes on behind the stage, and fashion designers must persevere to get media attention in this highly competitive industry. Known for the intense competition in the fashion industry, students often ask themselves how to start a fashion design career.
Your interest in fashion design could allow you to explore career paths like an illustrator, stylist, merchandiser, photographer, marketing, or retail manager. Your passion for fashion sense and style can take you to less-known yet lucrative career paths in the fashion industry.
How to Start Your Career in Fashion Designing After 12th
From 2024 to 2029, the global fashion market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.94%, with Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) reaching US$369.20. Creativity and interest in fashion alone are crucial but insufficient to succeed in such a dynamic industry.
Here is a roadmap to becoming a successful professional in the fashion industry:
#1 Get Qualified
The first step to building a career in fashion design after 12th is to get a formal education in fashion design. You are eligible to apply for bachelor’s degree or diploma courses once you complete the 12th standard with a minimum score of 50%.
To enter some prestigious universities offering fashion design courses, you must clear entrance exams like NIFT, NID DAT, and UCEED. You will get a seat in such universities if you cross the cut-off score. After completing your undergraduate degree, you can complete post-graduation in fashion design after clearing relevant post-graduation exams.
#2 Identify Your Niche
Within fashion designing, you may be interested in working on apparel, shoes, jewellery, handbags, and other accessories. Identify what you are passionate about within the fashion sector.
Once you understand your passion, stick to it and pursue further education in your favourite niche. Fashion is constantly changing and trending. You will learn new techniques and technologies that can help you create unique and inspiring projects.
#3 Build Your Skills
The answer to how to start a fashion designing career lies in skill building. You can build your skills only when you practise more. Internships offer you the best opportunities to gain first-hand knowledge about the industry.
Many colleges offer summer internships to qualified students. You can learn from your seniors but must be open to criticism. Use the feedback to improve your skills. Find internship programs from renowned fashion designers to get practical experience, boosting your resume if possible.
#4 Set Career Goals
The multifaceted fashion industry has loads of opportunities, and if you are unsure about what you want, you might easily get lost.
Depending on your interest, you can work with leading fashion designers or brands or create your own brand. Setting your career goals in the beginning will help you focus and build the skillset required for the job you are looking for.
#5 Explore The Latest Trends
You must be aware of the latest fashion trends and events for a successful career. Explore the social media platforms and research the Indian and global markets to hone your fashion sense.
While copying whatever is trending in the market is easier, your uniqueness will set you apart from the crowd. Incorporate and innovate new and fresh ideas that align with the latest trends.
How to Start Fashion Designing Career: Career Options Guide
Let’s look at the most popular options for a career in fashion design after 12th:
- Fashion Designer – Conceptualise and create original clothing, footwear, and other accessories designs. You need unique design skills to bring your artistic vision to life. A fashion designer takes part in each stage of the design process, which includes research, sketching, fabric selection, and pattern creation. They also oversee production to ensure that the final product looks exactly like they envisioned.
- Fashion Illustrator – The fashion illustrator brings life to fashion concepts and ideas through drawings and illustrations. Advanced sketching and illustration software will help you quickly advance your career. They work closely with designers to communicate their vision to the audience.
- Fashion Stylist – Modeling events are planned carefully, curating the right outfit and dressing up the models. Fashion stylists ensure that every model on the stage has cohesive looks and brings together the vision of the entire collection. They create fashion narratives and are key players in setting the latest fashion trends.
- Fashion Product Manager – The purpose of fashion designing is to create products that sell and generate revenue for the brand. The product manager oversees the entire fashion product lifecycle from ideation to product launch. They work closely with fashion brands to ensure the products reach the right audience.
Conclusion
The Indian and global fashion industry is growing rapidly, offering numerous growth prospects for Indian fashion designers. The e-commerce boom now allows individual designers to create their brands and sell their creations online. If you want to make a living in the fashion industry, learn how to start a fashion design career in your chosen niche. Continue to develop your design skills and stay updated on industry trends to succeed in this industry with cutthroat competition.
Wondering whether fashion designing is right for you? Connect with Mindler experts to explore a career in fashion design after your 12th to find the right niche and career path customised for your passion and skills.
