A Well-Dressed Fashion Design Degree

Everyone wears clothes, right? At least most of the time. And most people like to look good in the clothes they wear. From Wal-Mart to Bloomingdale's, we all regularly come in touch with the fashion industry.

If you're looking to build a career in fashion, get ready for some competition. Being creative is important, but it's not enough - you've got to know the business as well. Because it's so fiercely competitive, it makes sense to give yourself the advantage of a formal education. A fashion design degree, a fashion marketing degree, or a visual merchandising degree can all lead to a great career in the world of fashion.

As a fashion designer, you'll need to learn how to nurture the part of you that's innovative and creative, and find ways to cultivate your conceptual skills. In addition, there are a lot of technical skills that are essential for every fashion designer. These include knowledge of computerized pattern-making technology, flat pattern drafting, sewing, draping, and other abilities. You'll also need to learn how the fashion industry works, and the best way to make a name for yourself in this fast-paced, extremely competitive business. You'll find that as your technical and business knowledge grows, you'll gain the ability to fully unleash the creativity inside of you, and you'll be well on your way to a fashion design career.

On the marketing side, a degree in fashion marketing will develop your business skills more fully. You'll become familiar with buying and merchandising practices, explore development and implementation of sales strategies, and learn how to analyze costs and control inventory. Fashion marketing offers a host of options for your career - sales consultation, coordinating runway shows, fashion buying, manufacturer representation, and much more.

A visual merchandising degree takes you even deeper into the retail side of fashion marketing. You'll learn how to draw shoppers into a store and keep them there. You'll become familiar with buying habits, and how to use those habits to your advantage. You'll cover visual presentation, design techniques, use of color and accessories, display and merchandise placement, signage, and more. In short, you'll become a retailer's best friend, and prepare yourself for an exciting career.

Both campus and online fashion design & merchandising degree programs will help you build a portfolio that will qualify you for positions in your fashion-related field of choice.