What Do Fashion, Industrial or Jewellery Designers Do?
Got an eye for detail, a habit of starting trends or a natural ability to dream up designs? If so, a career in Fashion, Industrial or Jewellery Design may be the perfect fit for you. Here we will look at what it’s like to work in one of the world’s most creative industries.
What is Fashion, Industrial or Jewellery Design?
The world of design is all about conjuring up the perfect look, feel, and style. It can include crafting anything from the things we wear to the furniture we use through to the jewellery we adorn ourselves with, and products may be custom-designed or made for mass production.
Everyday tasks of a designer can include meeting with clients, creating detailed drawings, selecting materials and, of course, helping to bring those fantastic ideas to life. Designers work with materials ranging from stone, wood and plastic to natural fibres and precious metals and the average salary of designers in Australia are approximately $57,000 P/A.
To succeed in the Design Industry the following skills are required;
- Extensive knowledge of materials
- Creative thinking
- Hand-eye co-ordination
- Ability to follow safety standards
- Attention to detail
- Familiarity with Computer Aided Design (CAD)
As of 2015 Australia’s Design Industry included almost 11,000 professionals, 84.5% of whom work full time. Below are some of the many and varied positions of this constantly evolving industry;
- Fashion Co-ordinator
- Tailor
- Textile Designer
- Product Designer
- Sign Maker
- Interior Decorator
- Engraver
- Craftsperson
- Industrial Designer
- Gemmologist
“Over the past five years, employment levels in Fashion, Industrial, and Jewellery Design in Australia have risen by 37.4%, a trend that is expected to continue, with the majority of positions available in the Professional, Scientific, Manufacturing and Technical Services sectors.”
What Qualifications do I Need?
While some designers have enjoyed success without any formal education, professional training can certainly be an asset, especially considering that modern designers work with high-tech tools, dangerous chemicals, and industry-specific software. The following are a few of the many great courses for those looking to study design.
Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and Technology
This nationally recognized program will have you ready to work in roles such as Assistant Patternmaker, Fashion Design Assistant or even Product Development Assistant. With a strong focus on sketching, measurements and garment construction, this innovative program also teaches students how to network, communicate and sell designs in the Fashion Industry.
Certificate in Dressmaking and Pattern Cutting
If you’ve got your heart set on a career in clothing design, this program will help to lay the foundations for a successful career. Taught by experienced and qualified professionals, this course covers everything from applying features, fasteners, and embroidery through to custom making clothing for adults and children.
Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology
This popular program teaches advanced patternmaking principles, the art of producing fashion illustrations, as well as how to design and create your own intricate garment patterns. You will also pick up vital business skills, such as cost estimation and marketing, making this course ideal for the fashion student interested in starting their own design-related business.
Where Will my Career Take me?
The world of design has expanded dramatically in recent years, thanks in large part to the rise of technology, so whether you want to start your own business or work for one of the many large and established companies this is an industry full of opportunity.
Over the past five years, employment levels in Fashion, Industrial, and Jewellery Design in Australia have risen by 37.4%, a trend that is expected to continue, with the majority of positions available in the Professional, Scientific, Manufacturing and Technical Services sectors. Most design professionals in Australia are employed in the east of the country, particularly in cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
If you’d like to make your living by being paid to get creative, consider a career in Fashion, Industrial or Jewellery Design. Few other industries provide the same opportunity to leave your mark on the world around you and getting started simply requires finding the right course.
