Directory of Art Schools
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Top Art Schools*
University of Phoenix
The Associate of Science Degree program in Fashion Merchandising Degree is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the fashion merchandising and retail industries.
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes offer professional certificates, associate and bachelor degree programs in graphic design, digital design, and interactive media design.
American InterContinental
University Online
The Visual Communication online degree program is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers in the fields of commercial art and design.
*Programs very by location. Not all programs available at all locations.
Become a Fashion Designer
Take the first step to become a fashion designer - Fashion Design School: Check our Directory for colleges to become a fashion designer. The best fashion schools put students on a fast track for an entry-level position with a high fashion manufacturer or retailer. Plan on spending at least 18 months in pursuit of an associate degree.
Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training. They normally need 1 to 3 years of training before they advance to higher-level positions. A four-year liberal arts education, with courses in merchandising and business administration, along with training in art, can speed up advancement and is recommended for designers who want to freelance when they become a fashion designer.
How to Become a Fashion Designer: Look for fashion design courses that emphasize sketching - both by hand and with the aid of a computer. A good portfolio-a collection of examples of a person's best work-often is the deciding factor in getting a job.
Fashion designers also need coursework in the characteristics of specific fabrics, such as durability and stiffness. They study the construction of garments from start to finish. In addition, prospective designers should seek out quality internships with designers, manufacturers and fashion houses.
Fashion design courses include:
- fabric printing and print design
- sketching for the designer and illustrator
- industry-standard pattern drafting
- showroom and retail sales
- fashion history
- costume design for film, television and stage
- art and art history
- principles of design
- garment construction
- textiles
- computerized design
- merchandising and marketing
- business administration
- consumer behavior
Check our Directory of Fashion Design Colleges and start turning your fashion design visions into reality.