There are a lot of people, both men and women, who want to become clothing designers. It doesn’t matter if they want to create evening dresses, pants suits, or even mascot costumes… fashion designers of any stripe will all have to do certain things to get noticed to break out into the world of design. And generally speaking, it’s a lot easier to get into a position as a professional clothing designer if you follow all the necessary steps.

It’s easiest to become a clothing designer if you begin at the beginning… while you’re still in high school or college. There are many opportunities in high school drama and theater to get some exposure and practice in designing clothes in the form of costumes. The same is true for college, however college also provides students with the option of a fashion design major. Completing these courses will give clothing design students hands on experience in all stages of the process (from initial design and drawing to actually making the clothes to fit models), in addition to learning how to work as part of a design team. These degrees make a very good impression on future employers as well, since they imply training and study in addition to the hands on projects the graduates of any fashion design program had to work on.

Once any degrees are finished (not necessary, but very helpful), you have to put together a resume and a portfolio. Your resume should list your previous work experience (focusing on as many aspects of clothing design as possible to make you look like a good candidate) in addition to any degrees that you’ve received. Your portfolio should show the clothing that you’ve previously designed, displaying photographs of the designs being worn so that prospective employers can get an idea of your level of skill and talent.

Many clothing designers may find that they have to work cheap, or for free, when they’re starting out. This is because clothing design is a difficult field to get into, and if you don’t have experience in the industry then you’ll need to get it however you can. Local theater companies and independent clothing stores may be willing to offer you work if you ask them. The same goes for tailors and seamstresses who may need assistance in their businesses. Not only will these positions get your experience, but they will help you make connections in the business that may come in handy when trying to move higher up the food chain.

Other than experience, education, and good connections, the only other things that a person needs to become a clothing designer are determination, skill, and talent. Often clothing designers will work independently, setting up their own businesses and building their own clientèle. This can also assist in building up a person’s experience and credit, particularly if their designs get noticed by someone in the clothing industry who wants to know the name of the designer.