Fashion Design Programs in Missouri
Known for large cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City, it should come as no surprise that Missouri has a booming fashion industry! Some of the Midwest’s largest fashion designers live in Missouri. If you’ve ever considered a career in fashion design, Missouri may be the place to get started. This career thrives on creativity, a dedication to excellence, and an eye for detail.
Find Programs in Missouri
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.
When you look at the fashion community of Missouri, you can see that this is a place where fashion is very important. The Columbia Tribune tells about a fashion camp held in Columbia, Missouri, designed to show girls the possibilities of the fashion industry. The Maneater notes that two cities in Missouri, St. Louis and Kansas City, are known for their impressive fashion weeks every year. A strong fashion career starts with the right education, so take a look at our fashion design in MO schools to learn more!
Choosing a Fashion Design School in Missouri
Working fashion designers utilize many different skills to make their mark on the fashion world, and you need to master all of these skills to begin a fashion career. Whether you earn an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree, you can expect to develop these skills in a fashion design program in Minnesota.
Before you start learning about different types of fashion and specific patterns, you need a general knowledge of the fashion industry. The first part of your curriculum may focus on these skills. Courses commonly included in the first half of fashion design school include Fashion Sketching for Design, Basic Draping Techniques, Pattern Drafting, and Industry Sewing. Clearly, these courses cover a lot of practical skills.
As you proceed to later courses in your curriculum, you may start learning how to use fashion technology. For example, most schools require Computer Pattern Drafting and Computer-Aided Fashion Design. You also start working on putting together your portfolio, which is an important part of your degree. You may learn about specific types of fashion, like swimwear design, children’s clothing design, women’s wear, and formalwear.
You should have a good understanding of the fashion industry and what may be expected of you by the time you graduate. Some schools require an internship or other type of practical experience, allowing you to put your skills to use in a real work environment.
Fashion Design Outlook in Missouri
Across the country, the job outlook for fashion designers is not very promising. In fact, through 2022, there may be a decrease in fashion design jobs (O*Net, 2012). However, that’s not the case in Missouri! From 2012 through 2022, O*Net anticipates a 13% increase in fashion design jobs in Missouri. This is extremely promising when compared to the national job outlook (O*Net, 2012).
Fashion design is a field in which salaries vary considerably between work environments and cities. According to O*Net, the average salary for a Missouri fashion designer is $60,800 per year. However, they report salaries ranging from $32,100 to $145,000 per year (O*Net, 2013). You may find that your salary potential increases as you gain more experience in your field.
There are quite a few fashion design associations and organizations throughout Missouri. Some are intended for alumni or students, like the Association of Fashion and Design. The Association of Textile and Apparel Management also hosts many training and networking events throughout the year. As a working designer, you may be able to participate in events like Missouri Style Week.
If you want to work in fashion design, now may be a great time to start your education and get to know the industry. You can take the first step by contacting schools in your area today!