vintage costume jewellery

I want to become a fashion designer, what should i do?

I’ve wanted to be a fashion designer and own my own boutique in NYC since i was 7 years old.
I am very talented at drawing and i have over 200 sketches done.
I do not know how to sew. I have a sewing machine and i’m going to learn soon.
I’m 15 by the way.
I hate the whole Hollister & Abercrombie deal. I know real fashion and it’s like my life, seriously. All my friends and my Art teacher think i should become a fashion designer.
Artistic ability runs in my family. My grandpa was a famous painter and my Aunt is a jewelry designer. I go to her shows and next summer i am going up to Maine and working with her in her store and learning all about it.
I’m planning on taking as many art classes in high school as i can, as well as a fashion design class, and i want to go to NYU or FIT.
What else should i do??
I’m so serious about this, it’s my dream ?
But is it a good job? Like how much money do they make (on average)?

Sounds like youre on the right track(but feel free to exercise a bit of modesty)

Being a Fashion Designer takes lots and lots of dedication and passion. You have to start at the beginning. Start sewing. Do it everyday. Like any other trade or skill, it takes patience and practice. Start sketching EVEN MORE. Take any and all art classes you are able to in school. Every class (2D, 3D, Drawing, etc) has valuable information that will definitely enhance your understanding of color theory, perception, realism, and design. 2D will teach composition, and value. 3D will teach connections(how to sew things together to acheive effect) and help you to think in terms of 3 dimensions. And Drawing will help with realism, perception, and perspective, which will help with your croquis (fashion sketches)

After you feel comfortable with your sewing skills and have designs you want to bring to life. You will start to make your own patterns. Youll have to do that when you are creating an original design. Most people recommend that you use premade, store bought patterns. I don’t. I think you should make your own. It also helps you to understand fashion design and sewing much better. After you have a feel for that, you’ll be able to make anything you want!

School is very valuable. They will teach you everything. You teach yourself a lot but they fill the holes you werent able to. They will teach you technique, draping, patternmaking(which will only tighten your skill if youve already done it), tailoring, and so many more things. Certain schools like Parsons<—which i go to—> and FIT will open so many doors for you. These schools have reputation, which means they hold status in the fashion world.

As for job wise. I hope that you realize that after you graduate from a major school, youll have about 5-10 years WORKING UNDER SOMEONE ELSES NAME before you even have the chance to break out on your own. Im not trying to discourage you, but you need to look at all the facts. Another dissapointing, but equally important fact, is that most designers, on an entry level position only make about $45,000/a year. which actually isnt much…AT ALL. To know more about how much different types of designers make you can go to http://www.stylesalaries.com . keep in mind that salary is dependent on what you do, what your skills are, and where you are.

Well! I hope this helps!

(Dont go to NYU for fashion!)

Susie Marie
http://www.missmerie.cjb.net
http://www.myspace.com/smsefashion