Fashion Designers
Human Advantage 75%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.9 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Also Known As: Accessories Designer, Apparel Accessories Specialist, Apparel Designer, Apparel Technical Designer, Apparel and Accessories Designer, Athletic Shoe Designer, Clothes Designer, Clothing Designer +36 more
Core Tasks
- Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
- Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
- Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
- Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
- Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
- Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
- Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
- Collaborate with other designers to coordinate special products and designs.
- Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
- Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.
- Visit textile showrooms to keep up-to-date on the latest fabrics.
- Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
- Test fabrics or oversee testing so that garment care labels can be created.
Supplemental Tasks (7)
- Determine prices for styles.
- Develop a group of products or accessories, and market them through venues such as boutiques or mail-order catalogs.
- Draw patterns for articles designed, cut patterns, and cut material according to patterns, using measuring instruments and scissors.
- Sew together sections of material to form mockups or samples of garments or articles, using sewing equipment.
- Design custom clothing and accessories for individuals, retailers, or theatrical, television, or film productions.
- Research the styles and periods of clothing needed for film or theatrical productions.
- Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff to develop design concepts and plan productions.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (29)
Tools & Equipment (20)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Fashion & Interiors Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Fashion Designers You are here
Zone 5
Architectural and Engineering Managers 77% match
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