Fashion Design Programs in Washington DC
When you decide to work in fashion design, you want to work in an area with a diverse fashion industry and tons of different people who might like your designs! Why not Washington DC? This area has a hip, fashion-forward metropolitan population that’s always looking for the next trend.
Find Programs in District of Columbia
You must attend a school that is approved by your state to provide training in the discipline you want to practice. Check with the school and the state board to be sure that your program of study will prepare you for any applicable state licensure.
Whether you want to design for businessmen and businesswomen, college students, politicians and legislators, or another group, then a fashion design degree in Washington DC could be perfect for you.
With a fashion design degree, you can get the background information and experience you need to strike out on your own in this field. Like most beauty careers, fashion design requires a healthy mix of experience and education.
Find out what you need to do to get started by contacting fashion design programs in Washington DC.
Education Requirements for Fashion Designers in Washington DC
While most beauty programs are heavily licensed throughout the country, fashion design is one field that has escaped all licensing attempts. This is simply because fashion design doesn’t pose the same danger as other cosmetology careers; if you make a poorly designed garment, you won’t hurt or harm anyone. The same can’t be said for cosmetologists and estheticians.
However, education is required at the vast majority of fashion employers. You may want to consider earning a Bachelor of Arts in fashion design to start, since this degree allows you to complete a portfolio and an internship prior to graduation.
These are some of the most commonly required fashion design courses in Washington DC:
• Sample Room Techniques
• Fashion Illustration
• Product Development
• Apparel Design
• Digital Presentation for Fashion
• Advanced Problems in Fashion Design
Throughout your education, you may get input and feedback on your designs. Using this feedback to improve your designs and your techniques can help you once you start your career. You do not need to apply for licensure after you complete your education—you can just start working your contacts to find employment in the industry.
Working as a Fashion Designer in Washington DC
One of the benefits of working in the fashion industry is the fact that you can work in many different settings. If you have an entrepreneurial streak, consider starting your own fashion design company or becoming a freelance designer.
This may give you the freedom to work with individual clients, submit your own work to shows without the input of an employer, and set your own schedule. However, traditional employment may offer you the chance to build your reputation.
Overall, job growth for fashion designers is not expected to increase substantially through the year 2022 (O*Net, 2015). The average salary for a fashion designer is $64,000 per year (O*Net, 2015).
This field is all about reputation and experience, so working hard and putting in long hours may pay off over the course of your career.
Living in a large metropolitan area of Washington DC allows you to network with fashion professionals all over the country. DC Fashion Week is one of the biggest fashion events in this area, bringing designers from all over the world. The DC Fashion Foundation is a professional organization for anyone who works in the fashion industry.
If you’re ready to put your creative mind to work and see your designs on the runway, a fashion design education is where it begins.
Request information from fashion design schools in Washington DC today.