1. LEARNING THE CRAFT TO
BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER
By: Nikolette Baxter
February 2012

2. SKILLS THAT DESIGNERS SHOULD KNOW
• Fashion Illustration
• Pattern Making
• Sewing Techniques
• Building Professional Portfolio

3. FASHION ILLUSTRATION
• Practice sketching in art books
• Learn painting and coloration techniques
• Croquis (Fashion Figure) development
• Drawing Faces

4. PATTERN MAKING
• Fabric Design
• Sewing Machine Skills
• Abstract Printing Development

5. SEWING TECHNIQUES
• Designers should/learn how to construct garments by hand and machine.
• Must know how hem and tailor to adjust garments
• Know the different tools to use while constructing costumes

6. PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
Inspiring designers should have a professional portfolio that
showcases their skills of Fashion Illustration, Fabric Design, Pattern
Making, and Sewing Techniques. Designers can use the portfolio as a resume
to apply for art schools, interns, and jobs. Also the portfolio shows the
improvement of the designer’s craft. The professional portfolio rather its on
the web or a paper look book is a timeline of the designer’s work that can help
them become part of the massive fashion industry.