Design and Fashion

Always sketching and doodling? Forever spotting striking designs and trying to predict the next big fashion trend? Sounds like a career in design and fashion could be for you. As ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ showed us, this world can be a tough one but if you are talented and hard-working then this industry is reliant upon new, creative types – especially when it comes to digital design.

Wear glowsticks in your hair, on your wrists, make them into glasses

Fred Butler - Designer

There are a million different jobs in this industry so the most important thing is to get focused and decide what you want to do – graphic designer, fashion buyer, make up artist are just a few of the options…

Research some people doing your dream job and see how your skills and experience match up with theirs - it's a great way of indentifying the gaps yo need to fill in. Practice and perfect your talents and TELL PEOPLE what you are doing. It’s all about getting your work seen so be sure to offer up your service wherever and whenever possible and to have a good online presence showcasing your portfolio of work on sites like http://creativepool.com/

Work experience is really important as it will give you the opportunity to learn more about the field, the chance to make contacts, and it is a great way of showing people your work.

Approach the big companies which generally all have internship schemes in place, but also think about getting in touch with smaller up and coming companies too. These smaller businesses may not have official internship schemes in place but if you send them a nice email (or two!) conveying your passion and showing your talent then they may offer you some experience just for taking the initiative. Just remember, at this stage every little experience can help you become one of these:

Textile Artist, Sales Advisor at River Island, Fashion Stylist, Graphic Designer, Make up Artist