careernav.

Typical Career Progression

 **The above table should be used as a guide only

Typical Accountabilities & Responsibilities

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Career Path Options & Employment

There is no standard career path in fashion design. Generally, you will spend your first few years after entering the workforce as a pattern maker or a sketching assistant. During this experience-gathering stage, you need to develop your portfolio,  a modest client base and  a supplier base. During this time, you will develop your own unique style of designing which expresses your vision and passion.

Building a portfolio that represents your work is essential. The portfolio is a designer’s calling card. During your studies for a fashion degree, you will receive instruction on how to develop a portfolio to meet industry standards. Each portfolio should contain:

As an aesthetic industry portfolio presentation is very important. Items should be displayed thematically and it may be worth including a focused commentary on your inspiration and successes within the industry. Given the increasing acceptance of the internet, it may also be worth creating a website which showcases your work.

The experienced and well-regarded designers advance to chief designer, design department head or a supervisory position in large fashion houses. You may choose to branch off and start your own design company, or if you work in a retail store, sell your designs there. Very rarely, the most successful fashion designers can work in high-fashion design houses, creating clothing for individual wealthy clients.

Employment opportunities for trainees are limited with preference going to those with some practical industry experience. The fashion industry is highly competitive, and success depends on talent and determination. A limited number of vacancies for qualified and experienced designers exist in both large fashion companies and smaller clothing manufacturing firms. Whilst the Australian fashion industry is growing, it is fair to say the real action is overseas.