The question many aspiring young artists with a flair for fashion often ask is, “How long does it take to become a fashion designer?” The answer differs according to the individual, but there are some standards that can be set so that anyone who wishes to enter the industry and become successful in it can have some idea of what to do and how long to wait before he or she can launch a clothing line and start getting public attention.
Starting as Early as Possible
Students in high school should already have some idea of what they want to do in life, so if an interest in fashion is already apparent as early as fourteen years old, students can already start taking classes to get a jump start on training. There are art and design classes, home economics, sewing and tailoring, pattern-making and other fashion-related classes that high schools offer. If not, community colleges and other institutions are always open for students who are interested in taking classes like these.
After high school, how long does it take to become a fashion designer in the professional sense? Tertiary education is the next step in order for anyone to truly earn a niche in fashion. Four year bachelor courses in fashion design are offered in major colleges and universities, so are two year associate degrees. More prestige means a bachelor’s degree, but those who wish to finish their education in a shorter time may still enroll in associate courses. These courses give students the necessary background and knowledge and hone their skills in order for them to progress.
Getting into the Industry
After graduation, the logical step to answer the question how long does it take to become a fashion designer is to enter the industry. This can be done either through an internship or by getting employed as an assistant or any entry-level job, preferably with a big company or well-known fashion name. This way, a student can maximize the experience and learn a lot that can later be applied. Depending on how long the contract is, or how well a person does, this can take anywhere from two years to until the aspiring designer reaches middle age. New fashion designers can even opt to enter amateur contests in order to show the world what they can do.
For those who are just beginning, starting as soon as high school may knock a few years off the training process, so that it is possible to have gained the necessary education and experience in the early to mid-twenties. For those who found their passion later in life, it can take as little as five years if the person is really determined and has the proper drive to succeed, and as much as ten years if the individual stays longer with a fashion company or label. In the end, the only person who can tell how long does it take to become a fashion designer is himself or herself, as success in the field involves a lot of factors aside from education, such as talent, skills, experience and motivation.
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