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Tafe SA Marleston Campus
South Australia, Australia
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Tafe SA Marleston Campus
So You Want To Be A Fashion Designer:
Job Prospects Below Average
Salary Range $25,000 to $75,000 plus
Brief Many fashion designers are currently enjoying a trip down memory lane, reliving the disco fever fashion of the 1970s, but it's generally not long before they've moved on to their next fashion inspiration. Competition in the field of fashion is intense, yet lots of people want in! Each year, approximately 100 training places are offered in the Fashion Design and Technology courses available from TAFE.
TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for:
Fashion Designer
Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and Technology
2008 - Semester One
Introduction
Fashion designers use their knowledge of fabrics, style and colours to create clothing people will want to wear. The design process usually starts with a series of sketches of original designs. A pattern, which may be computer generated, is created on the basis of these sketches and used as a guide for cutting fabric. The designer chooses the colour and style of fabric and proceeds to cut out a sample, while always keeping in mind the cost of production. Winning Fashion Before samples are approved, fashion designers may look at ways to improve their designs. Once samples are given the go ahead, designers liaise closely with manufacturers and production staff, overseeing quality control and the merchandising and retailing of their garments. A fashion designer must be creative and artistic, have a good sense of style and colour and preferably be able to sew.
Education Requirements
A Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and Technology is offered at TAFE SA Marleston campus. The course includes a Certificate I and II in Fashion Design and Technology and takes 18 months to complete. Successful applicants may then choose to study the Diploma of Fashion Design if they wish. Both courses may be studied full or part time. For further information about the course, contact Marleston campus directly on 8226 0665 or check out the TAFE SA site below.
Career Path
Is There A Future In Fashion? Prominent young designer Megan Salmon says, ''Professionals in the field have recognised that new designers are being welcomed into the industry more readily and that the focus is moving away from 'big labels'. ''However, job prospects in this field are limited with numbers remaining very small outsied the larger cities. The fashion industry has much greater representation in Melbourne and Sydney, but even there, fashion design is a small and competitive occupation. A career in fashion design is not for the weak hearted. For every designer who achieves success and recognition, many more have failed. Entry into this highly competitive occupation will require presentation of a portfolio of your work, so try to get one underway as soon as possible. And for those people interested in opening their own business, they are strongly advised to gain some first hand experience about retail management. Megan, who is enjoying success as a self employed fashion designer, is the first to admit that running her own business was an eye opener. ''You must be very resourceful when opening your own fashion store, taking into consideration the cost of advertising, rent, and materials. Establishing a new label is a costly and an unpredictable business.''
Interview
Fashion designer Megan Salmon's long term love affair with clothing has never wavered. Megan continues to make her presence felt in the local fashion industry and in other major Australian capital cities.' 'I love doing what I'm doing. But because I cater for the top end of the fashion market, it's especially important for my designs to be unique and fresh.'' ''I'm very aware, through observing popular culture, about what's going on in the fashion industry. But I don't want to just hit on what's supposed to be the next big thing in fashion,'' says Megan .Although Megan first studied painting, she says she has always been a keen observer of clothing. It wasn't long before this affinity steered her toward her current career. ''I design clothes because it's exciting working with fabric in a sculptural way. I enjoy covering and presenting the body in many combinations of colour, shape and texture,'' says Megan. Megan remains a strong contender in an industry where only those who are passionate about fashion and who have a head for business survive. ''Creating designs is the easy bit for me. The business side is hard. Developing and running my own business has been a real learning curve for me. Fashion is tough because even though you get orders, you only get paid after the garments are made and they've been accepted by the client.' 'Megan is currently designing her collection for the annual fashion extravaganza, Sydney Fashion Week. And even though it's summer, in the fashion industry, you've got to be one step ahead, or in Megan's case, two .''I'm in the midst of my winter collection but my next summer collection is already on the drawing board.' 'Megan believes that the best part of her job is organising fashion shows. It allows her to show off her latest collection, create new styles and most importantly, catch the eye of the media and potential buyers. But with the excitement comes the hard work. ''So much is riding on these shows in terms of your reputation that you have to put as much into it as you possibly can. But don't be put off. It is more likely for (today's) young designers to receive support and encouragement and possibly an income in their pursuit of creating a label,'' says Megan .And for some parting advice from Megan to anyone interested in the fashion industry. ''Keep watching what the industry is doing. Keep in line with it or offer something different. Be as confident as you can.''
Nature of the Job
fashion designing also requires a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing process, everything from cutting and sewing to pattern making. Most of the skills required can be gained via practical on the job training. Fashion Vision An important part of a fashion designer's job is to stay one, or many, steps ahead of fashion trends. To keep abreast in this industry, designers should be knowledgeable about past and present styles, and even art history. Well reputed fashion designers generally know what colour and hemline will be 'in' two years before the public knows they have to have 'it'.
Typical Physical Working Environment
A fashion designer's work is undertaken in a variety of environments such as retail clothing outlets, offices, sewing and cutting rooms or warehouses. Many designers operate home based businesses and are responsible for everything from the design concept to the completed garment, which may take place in their very own lounge room! On occasions, fashion designers may travel interstate or overseas to attend fashion shows or to view new trends. Given the demands of the fashion industry and the deadlines that need to be met, a 12 hour day is not uncommon for fashion designers. Networking is a must for fashion designers. They need to be a 'people person' as they regularly deal with the likes of textile manufacturers, buyers, advertisers, retailers and the general public. Networking is a great tool for fashion designers to help get noticed in this industry. While great fashion speaks for itself, a high profile designer speaks volumes too!
Typical Occupational Example
Experienced industry representatives suggest that with technology impacting upon the industry, a knowledge of computer aided design and e-commerce are seen to be important for fashion designers of the future. An increasing number of designers are going online to promote their fashion wares.
Earning Potential
Earnings can vary greatly. This is largely dependent on a fashion designer's skill, experience, and what areas of specialisation they choose to go into. On average, a fashion design assistant can expect to earn about $25,000 per year, while a more senior, and well known designer may earn $75,000 or more, much much more if they happen to be the next Armani, Yamamoto or Tom Ford!!
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au
Services
Mentoring for Emerging Designers
While creating exciting clothing and jewellery designs is commendable in itself, knowing how to sell them is the key to a creative person’s success.
Three final year TAFE SA students will enter into a mentoring agreement this year with T’Arts Collective, a not-for-profit incorporated collective of some 35 artists and designers, successfully selling and showing art in Gays Arcade, Adelaide.
Fashion student Karen Lindsay, 23, of Nailsworth creates her own clothes, works with felts and is perfecting her silk dying techniques.
'This mentoring arrangement is a great launching pad for me to promote my work and it's a great testing ground to see how the public responds to my work,' Karen said.
'Working with T’Arts for a year will help me improve my skills before I try and establish my own business.'
Karen’s work, and the creations of fellow students, Nia Kolokos and Enza de Cesare, will be on show in T’Arts, 10G Gays Arcade, just off Adelaide Arcade, from 9 February.
For further information about the T-Arts Collective and to see some of the art and fashion on display, check out the website.
Special Offers
Education and Training:
To become a fashion designer you usually have to complete a certificate or diploma in fashion design. Entry to the certificate courses usually requires at least Year 10. Entry to the diploma course usually requires SACE Stage 1 or Year 11. Applicants may be required to attend an interview, address selection criteria and/or submit a portfolio of their work. As subjects can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for full details.
You may be able to study through distance education. See the Learning Pathways section for more information.
There are no suitable diploma courses available in SA. The following diploma courses are offered interstate.
Certificate Courses
TAFE SA - Marleston and O'Halloran Hill Campuses:
Certificate IV in Clothing Production , 2 years full time or equivalent
TAFE SA - Tea Tree Gully Campus:
Certificate IV in Design, 1 year full time or equivalent
Diploma Courses
Canberra Institute of Technology - Reid Campus:
Advanced Diploma of Design (Fashion Design), 2 years full time
Charles Darwin University (NT) - Casuarina Campus:
Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear, 1 year full time or equivalent
Sydney Institute of TAFE - St George and Ultimo Campuses:
Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design
TAFE Queensland - Moreton and Sunshine Coast Institutes:
Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
Advanced Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
TAFE Tasmania - Burnie, Hobart City and Launceston Alanvale Campuses:
Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear, 1year full time
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Employment Opportunities:
Fashion designers work for manufacturing houses (designing ready-to-wear clothing), for small businesses (designing one-off garments), or for retailers (selling directly to the public). They tend to specialise in one area, for example, menswear, children's wear, knitwear or lingerie. Some designers work from home as designer-dressmakers; others become costume designers in theatre, opera, film and television.
Opportunities also exist for specialist work in an established business as a designer, cutter, patternmaker/grader, sample machinist or general machinist, or to subcontract for an established business. Some fashion designers maintain and repair clothing and uniforms in corporate establishments or carry out alterations for clients of boutiques, bridal outfitters and menswear outlets. Fashion designers may also become trainers in the industry.
The fashion industry is highly competitive and success depends on talent and determination. Vacancies are extremely limited for trainees wanting to work their way up to fashion designing. Some employers promote employees who have gained practical experience in the industry.
A limited number of vacancies for qualified and experienced designers exist in both large fashion companies and smaller clothing manufacturing firms. Most vacancies occur in large capital cities, especially Sydney and Melbourne. Some opportunities exist for talented and experienced designers to work on a freelance basis.
Australia's designers are gradually receiving recognition in the overseas fashion market and the field is open to both men and women.
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For Further Information:
Australian Industry Group
Internet Address: www.aigroup.asn.au
Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia
Ph: (03) 9866 8962
Email: info@tfia.com.au
Internet Address: www.tfia.com.au
Manufacturing Skills Australia
Internet Address: www.mskills.com.au
Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (National Office)
Ph: (02) 9789 5233
Email: tcfuansw@tcfua.org.au
Internet Address: www.tcfua.org.au
Experience
News and Projects:
Fashion Show With a Difference
The creativity and skill of the TAFE SA Marleston Campus Fashion Retail team will be on display on Wednesday 23 May at 7.00 pm when they construct garments from IKEA's new textile range for an in-store fashion parade and exhibition.
The fashion parade will have an overall international flavour with a Scandinavian bent and will showcase IKEA's new bed linen, curtains, pillows and fabric pieces.
'We were drawn to this project with IKEA because it gives our students a creative outlet that they've never been exposed to before, and it will highlight many different aspects of the fashion industry from making the garments and meeting deadlines to the work that is involved in staging an event,' says Fashion Retail Lecturer, Helen Jansson.
'The brief we received from IKEA was that textile items were not to be tampered with but they had to be wearable. We have rugs as tops and bedspreads as dresses. It will be quite a spectacle for our guests!' she said.
Approximately 30 students from the Fashion Event Management, Visual Merchandising and Styling courses will be taking part in the event. Models will use the escalator in the main entrance as a catwalk and guests will be treated to a 45 minute show including canapés and drinks. The garments will be on display in the main entrance foyer for the following week.
Other Information
By:Lucy Hood
November 19, 2007 10:00pm
ADELAIDE designer Adrian Costanzo has scored a job with one of the biggest names in world fashion.
The 25-year-old, who studied fashion at TAFE SA's Marleston Campus, yesterday started working for Italian designer Valentino's fashion house in Milan.
Valentino, 75, has for decades dressed the globe's most glamorous women, including Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Liz Hurley, Heidi Klum and Uma Thurman.
Mr Costanzo, who will design Valentino's menswear line, said he would be one of the last to work under the couturier, who will retire in January after more than 45 years in the industry.
"It has been a dream of mine to work for Valentino, so this feels like a crazy adventure,'' he said from Milan yesterday.
"Seven years ago in Adelaide, I would never have imagined being here.''
Before moving to Milan last year to complete a master's degree in fashion design, Mr Costanzo worked at Rapsimo Bridal Wear in Goodwood.
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