Fashion Design As a Career – The Truth That No One Told You

So you’ve decided that you want a career in fashion, and maybe you’re even about to enter the real world with your portfolio full of stunning fashion illustrations and a head full of hopes. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that glamorous perception of the design industry is a myth, and that vision of yourself as a famous fashion designer with your own clothing line is almost close to impossible to reach. The actual chances of that are probably the same as becoming a movie star. It doesn’t mean that you won’t become a successful fashion designer working for a company- it means that your chances of becoming the type of designer you envision yourself as are quite slim. Not only do you have to compete with the already established professional fashion designers, but nowadays throw pop singers, celebrities, and TV stars into the mix. There is a better chance that you’ll end up working for an established designer collection or as a designer for the next big celebrity’s clothing line.If this sounds like old news to you, then congratulations – you’re a step ahead of the game because you already know what you’re getting into. If what I just said comes as a total surprise, take a moment to let reality sink in – and then keep reading. In either case, we want to give you the info you need to know to prepare yourself for some of the challenges that lie ahead…In school most of your time was spent learning fashion illustration, draping, sewing, and patternmaking. While these are certainly good skills to have, they aren’t very practical when you’re trying to land your first job in the fashion industry. In the real world you’ll be expected to know how to sketch flats, create garment specs, CADs, and presentation boards.Knowing popular computer applications for creating flats and CADs is extremely important. Most companies expect proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel. Many companies also request knowledge of WebPDM. Many fashion school grads believe they know these programs well. But schools don’t teach computerized flats or the software used to create them well enough for entry-level designers to be competent within the industry.Whether you’re applying to different fashion schools, already in school, about to graduate, or already have your first job in the industry, it’s important to have an idea of where you ultimately want to end up. You might think that as a fashion designer; you’ll have the opportunity to work with all types of clothing, but you should be aware that there are different categories and specializations within the fashion industry. Have you thought about which fashion market you want to end up in? What specialization? Developing a plan of action will increase your chances of reaching your goals.When creating their first fashion portfolios, many design students and entry-level fashion designers make the mistake of filling them with all of their favorite fashion illustrations. But companies don’t need to see tons of imaginative avant-garde sketches – they just don’t sell! Following an organized portfolio format is a better approach to get your ideas across and show off all of your talents and skills, while demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of what companies expect from you.You’ll also need to create a well organized, intelligent resume to get yourself through the door. If you don’t look good on paper, recruiters won’t give you a second glance. Not only do your skills and qualifications have to impress, but you need to make sure they stand out amongst the hundreds, or thousands of other applicants for the same position.Employers know that entry-level candidates will require a lot of training to fill in those education gaps. However, they do look for a candidate that won’t be difficult to train, or take up too much training time. Someone who learns quickly and is willing to go the extra mile is a worthwhile candidate for the employer to hire. Express your interest in the company, and your flexibility and eagerness to learn and develop within the field. To really impress, make sure your have researched the market and are familiar with common industry terms so you won’t get caught off guard when they are mentioned in the interview.Despite what I said earlier, I’m sure there are still some of you who are determined to become your own designer; create your own label, design your own fashion line, runway show and all. We commend your ambitiousness and of course, we are here to help! With our advice and observations, we want to provide you with our suggested approach to make it happen. Educating yourself, knowing the business, designing for a cause you love, and promoting yourself through new avenues are all steps towards becoming the designer you’ve always envisioned!Keep in mind that the above issues are topics that deserve serious individual attention. In our upcoming articles, we’ll discuss each topic further, giving you insider tips and insight so you can sidestep the pitfalls of the industry, giving you that much-needed competitive edge and increasing your chances of getting where you want to go within the industry. Basically, we want to prepare you as much as possible, so take it from designers who have been in your shoes, and soak it up!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off

How a Competent Home Designer Can Create the Environment You Want

Many homeowners may already be living in their dream home even though they don’t know it. The right design, color scheme, furnishings and details can transform a less-than-perfect space into exactly what the homeowner had in mind. Hiring a home designer can make this process easy and affordable, freeing the homeowner to indulge his or her creative site.A good home designer usually works with an entire service that handles every aspect of a home makeover. Instead of contracting multiple service providers, many home design services have their own carpenters, plumbers, painters, and other construction personnel. This makes the process much more convenient and less time-consuming.Home designer services can address any need. They can remake the landscaping around a house to create a shining exterior, or rework the entire interior to transform a space into an elegant, livable home. Many people think this service is only available to the wealthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, having a home redesigned and updated is one of the best ways to invest in your home. The improvements will be reflected in the home’s overall value, and will benefit the owner if they should decide to sell.Runcorns.com can redesign interior and exterior spaces, including gardens, to suit any homeowner’s wishes. Their home designer services are quite affordable and their staff includes skilled carpenters and other professionals who make sure the job is done right, both mechanically and aesthetically. They offer a variety of service packages that cater to all homes and budgets, and work with homeowners to help them realize their dreams.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Home Design Tips

Your abode is a reflection of your lifestyle and personality. Regardless of it’s size, it is your personal touch and indulgence in your home that makes it look unique and warm. For many, the very thought of home decoration leaves them into frenzy considering the huge expenses, however, if your home is designed using a well-sorted designing plan, you will surely achieve the right look at a much affordable price.Here are some home design tips that help you build your dream home.The right color: Color is one of the most important home design tips that can add spark to the dull appearance of your home. Every room expresses something and the right hues and shades used gives it the right feel. Search what is the latest in terms of textures and colors and choose what best reflects your personality.Home lighting: Your dream home would be incomplete if it looks dull and dark. Use the proper illuminating system for adorning the interiors of your rooms. Another useful home design tip is avoid putting dark items in the corners where lightening is bleak. Similarly, avoid putting bright pieces where light is in abundance.Place the main furniture first: One of the most effective home designing tips to avoid cluttering at your home is to place the main and the most important furnishing first. For example, beds, couches, desks at all should be placed first and at the center of the room so that enough space is left for the placement of the rest of the furniture. Make sure that large pieces of the furniture are evenly placed in the room to strike the right balance. After the placement of the main pieces is done, then place the rest of the sundry furniture to ensure smooth flow of the traffic in the room.Accessorize: After your fixtures have been placed, wall’s painted, think of accessorizing your home, only if your budget allows you. Start with your living room as that is the most visited place by your guests. Soft illumination, unique decorating items, colorful drapes, comfy furniture will all make for an appealing living room. You can also select one from a varied range of home decoration accessories like floral decor, glass ware decor and wall decor to add a touch of class in your abode.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off