Find Schools offering Fashion Design & Merchandising Degree Programs

• Merchandising professionals work to create an image that will sell.
• Fashion professionals work to create clothing, shoes and accessories.
• Fashion and merchandising professionals work in a highly creative, and competitive field.

What is the field of fashion and merchandising?

The fields of fashion and merchandising are two that go hand-in-hand nicely. Merchandising is the practice of marketing a brand or image. Ask yourself why you buy the things you do -- is it because of an advertisement you saw or the appealing packaging of the product? These are examples of merchandising strategies. If merchandising is done well, consumers shouldn't even realize they've spent money on something because of a strategy. Fashion designers help create the billions of clothing articles, shoes, and accessories purchased every year by consumers. Designers study fashion trends, sketch designs of clothing and accessories, select colors and fabrics, and oversee the final production of their designs.

What education is needed to get into the field of fashion and merchandising?

Most employers in fashion design and merchandising seek individuals with a 2-year or 4-year degree, who are knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation, and fashion trends. Designers must have an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation for beauty, while merchandising professionals must have an eye for marketing products. There are many bachelor's of fine arts and associate degree programs in fashion design and merchandising offered by schools. Though it's not a requirement, some fashion professionals decide to also earn a business or marketing degree so they can go into business for themselves. Aspiring fashion designers and merchandising professionals should also look around for internships where they can learn special techniques in sewing and patterning.

What career opportunities are there in the field of fashion?

In the field of fashion and merchandising there are two basic levels of professionals; there are entry-level assistants who learn the ropes and there are professionals well versed in the industry. Most fashion designers start out as pattern makers or sketching assistants for designers who have made a name for themselves. With more experience some career options include chief designer, design department head, or other fashion manager/coordinator. Though it's a very small percentage, some designers decide to start their own company and design their own product to sell. Another route to take is to create designs for clothing wholesalers or manufacturers, such as big name companies like The Gap or J.Crew. Designers can also choose to specialize in costume design for the theater, movies, and television productions. If you want to work with the best of the best in the field of fashion design, plan to spend at least a few years in New York City or California, where two-thirds of all professional fashion designers work. This is a field that allows creativity to flow and can be very rewarding, but it's also very competitive. There are many more people trying to get into the fashion business, than there are open positions.

How much money do fashion professionals make?

Earnings in fashion design vary based on the workplace and years of experience. Most entry level fashion designers earn a very low salary until they become established in the industry. The average salary for a fashion designer sits around $55,800 a year, with a range between $28,000 and $113,000. Starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low, until designers are established in the industry. Those in a salaried position usually make a more stable living than those who choose to work as self-employed designers.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Fashion Design & Merchandising?