Fashion Designer
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Fashion designers and product developers create new styles of clothing and accessories such as jewellery, belts, shoes, gloves and hats. Fashion designers may use their skills full time in accessory design, fashion consulting or designing uniforms for large corporations. They also may work part time as fashion illustrators, photographers' stylists, fashion writers, fashion show commentators or costume designers.
Many designers work as in-house designers for specialty stores or they freelance (produce individual designs for clients). Self-employed fashion designers may work out of their own home or studio and handle the production and distribution of the products themselves without the aid of a manufacturing or distribution facility. (alis)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- NOC - Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
- O*NET Online> - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- Alberta Learning Information Service (alis) - OCCinfo, including video
- A Day in the Life of a Fashion Designer - from the Princeton Review (U.S.)
- Costume Designer - Sokanu occupational info and videos (U.S.)
- Fashion Designer- Sokanu (U.S.)
- Food Stylist - Sokanu (U.S.)
- Jeweller - Sokanu (U.S.)
- Profile: Fashion Designer Tammy Beauvais Kanienkehaka - from SAY Magazine
- Costume Designer and related role profiles - Get On Set Manitoba
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer a program in Fashion Design. Related programs that are offered include: Bachelor of Fine Art or Bachelor of Environmental Design. To learn about these programs visit the University of Manitoba Academic Calendar & Course Catalogue. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Please also view the links below to learn about Fashion Design programs in Canada.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Robert Half Salary Guide - view the Tech & Creative guides for salary and hiring trends
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Fashion Designers of Manitoba
- International Association of Clothing Designers and Executives (IACDE)
- International Textile and Apparel Association
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba Fashion Institute Inc
- Canadian Apparel Federation
- Creative Manitoba (formerly the Arts & Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba)
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (U.S)
Job Boards
Search the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience: