An eye for fashion.

Byline: EMMA THOMPSON 

What does a career as a fashion designer involve? As a fashion designer, you could work in one of three different areas - high fashion, designer ready-to-wear or high street fashion. Within these areas, you would often specialise further, for example in men's, children's or sportswear.

Your work would typically involve working to a design brief; analysing or predicting trends in fabrics, colours and shapes; producing concept and mood boards; estimating costs for materials and manufacture; finding suppliers and supervising the making up of sample garments.

You would often work closely with garment technologists and sample machinists. You could also liaise with manufacturers.

What personal skills are needed? A good eye for colour, texture and shape, as well as an understanding of the properties of fabrics and how they can be used, is essential.

Technical skills such as pattern cutting and sewing, drawing skills and the ability to spot and develop trends is also needed.

In addition, the ability to use computer design packages and an understanding of production processes and commercial awareness are required.

What training do you need? You will usually need a relevant degree. A course that teaches both design and technical skills will give you the practical knowledge necessary to work in the industry, so you should check the content of courses before making your choice.

You will need to put together a portfolio of work that you can take to course and job interviews. Your portfolio should include mood boards, designs and technical drawings. It is also important to take along actual garments you have produced.

Because the industry is very competitive (more than 4,000 fashion and textiles students compete for just 500 jobs each year), any work experience you gain will give you an advantage when getting a job.

What are the opportunities for career progression? You will often start as a design assistant before working your way up to designer - practical experience in the job and a good track record are crucial to progressing in your career.

You can develop your knowledge and skills by attending short courses and master classes.

You can gain professional recognition by joining the Textile Institute (TI) and applying for qualifications on three levels: Licentiate, Associate and Fellow.

The TI also runs conferences, seminars and short courses.

The Design Association Academy offers a Diploma in Design Business Management, which may be relevant if you are self-employed or freelance. What is the salary? (Guideline only) Starting around pounds 16,000, with experience ranging from pounds 22,000 to pounds 60,000.. Chartered Society of Designers (CSD), www.csd.org.uk. Design Association, www.design-association.org. www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk. Details provided for information only. Jobs not necessarily available.

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A relevant degree is a big plus for an aspiring designer: pictured, fashion students from Liverpool John Moores University with their work