The fashion industry is by far the most exciting industry that there is. Fashion professionals are always up for experiments, which means that you’ll experience a change in trends, patterns, fabric innovations, and business approaches almost every month. If you’re someone who likes to keep up with this constant change and loves almost everything this industry offers, then it’s time to consider a career in fashion.
In today’s time, turning your passion into a career isn’t a far-fetched dream. With social media, brand websites, and various other digital platforms at your disposal, you can reach your audience in a simpler way. So, whether you are into fashion designing, writing, or store visualization, you can make anything more than just a hobby. You can promote your love for the field and the skills you possess through digital or social media marketing for one. Create what you love, click a picture, write a little about your concept and execution, and you’re all set to upload!
However, if fashion is something you do out of interest or boredom and you wish to take it to the next level, the professional level, then, here is your guide. Read on to know how you can turn your hobby into a career in fashion.
Find Your Niche
While the fashion industry may seem limited to the traditional options like fashion designing, it honestly isn’t. There is a range of things you could do within the fashion industry that includes retail buying, fashion Illustration, merchandising, styling, makeup, textile designing, and so on. We know all of these career options in fashion sound equally tempting. But, it is important to do some research on the internet and within yourself too, and find out exactly where your heart lies. Say, fashion designing is a broad professional path and if you are drawn towards it, chances may also be that you are drawn towards a particular segment of fashion designing.
So, it is important to clearly think and identify what area of fashion you want to dive into. You can seek help from career counsellors, books, or even professionals in the industry. Moreover, you can also take up workshops and online fashion designing courses to test the waters for yourself and get more clarity. Nevertheless, no matter what category you may be inclined towards, there’s always a way to achieve your spot in it. Start your journey with a little bit of research on the scope and opportunities in your chosen field, then find relevant courses that will guide you and help you skill up.
Enhance Your Skills to Get Professionally Advanced
Passion, talent, and knowledge work in synergy to help you achieve success in your chosen field. One without the other, unfortunately, wouldn't let you get far enough. The first step in making your big entry into the fashion industry is to determine what you are really good at. Is it visualization, designing, styling, or writing? This will help you understand where your true forte lies. Once you've done that, the next step would be to practice until you achieve desired progress because perfection is a myth.
For example, if you're good at visualization, then working on sketches on a regular basis will help you get better at your craft. If you're good with sewing machines, then again trying new techniques to attain finesse is a good start. Apart from practising daily, you can also look up some designing courses online that will give you an inside view of your selected field and help you build connections. Honing your raw skills or interest with a professional’s teachings and guidance can fill the gaps and prepare you to take it to the next level.
Create a Strong Fashion Designing Portfolio to Showcase Your Skills
Once you have a clear idea of what exactly you are passionate about, it's time to show the world what you can offer. With every new design or sample you create during your practice sessions, make sure to capture them to build your professional fashion design portfolio. Having a strong online and offline portfolio will give you an edge over several candidates applying for the same position as you. So, take your time to build your own website, social media accounts, and offline work portfolio.
Source: Medium
Put up engaging content along with your work to attract more users to your page. Build strong connections that will not only help you get great freelance opportunities but also internships and jobs. It is a competitive world out there, and what will set you apart is individuality, which should reflect through your portfolio in every format. Many online courses help you design and build a portfolio in fashion design. Make use of these resources and take your time building that portfolio that showcases your ability to transform that fashion hobby into a career.
Dive into the Professional World
The most important part of any professional journey is to first gather some work experience under established experts. One cannot expect to leap from pursuing fashion designing as a hobby to landing a high-paying job. It is crucial to take it step by step and climb the ladder slowly and steadily. Start with a freelance gig, a part-time job, or of course, an internship. Take it as a learning experience and not as an opportunity to earn some cash.
When you join a professional work environment, you learn not just the works but also the practical tricks to sustain and perform better. It teaches you problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, negotiation skills, and other professional skills. All in all, it is a final finishing touch to your previous learning and skills, so you are ready to take it up as a full-fledged career in fashion designing.
Now, how can you do that? Here’s a quick checklist to tick off before you apply for that internship or freelance job.
Resume
A quick summary of your educational background and work experience. Here, you can talk about any online courses or diplomas you have taken that back your inclination towards that fashion career. Keep the resume crisp and to the point, and make sure it is tailored to speak to the employer. Meaning, keep it focused on your fashion related background and experience.
Cover letter
Consider this to be the online envelope for your resume. This sets the tone for what’s to come in your resume. And, this is also the first thing that urges the employer to read on and review your resume. Talk about why you want to work with them and what you can offer. Keep it crisp but let your personality shine through that write-up.
Portfolio
Keep a presentable fashion design portfolio ready before you apply for an internship. Make sure it includes your best work that showcases your skills, interest, and creativity. Make sure your overall portfolio is compelling and powerful.
An open mind
Lastly, have an open mind and willingness to learn, explore, and grow.
Final Words
Here’s a quick rundown of all that we spoke about in this guide. First things first, introspect, dive within yourself, get on the internet, read, research, and narrow down to your niche. Once you have your niche figured out, set out to expand on that skill or knowledge. Make use of books and online courses. workshops to help refine your hobby on a deeper level.
Next thing? Build an online or offline fashion portfolio to showcase all that you can offer in that particular fashion niche. Let it reflect your personality and of course, professionalism. After all, you are looking at a professional switch. And lastly, get yourself out there and seek learning opportunities with an internship or a job. Let that prepare you to get set and go into a full-fledged career with that hobby.
Remember, practice and patience are key.