The Roadmap to Becoming a Textile Designer Posted by Unknown on 12:33 PM 1 comment

Textile designing is the process of creating different patterns and designs on fabrics. These fabrics could be non-woven, woven or even knitted. It involves adding embellishments or other elements for decorative purposes.

It is a creative field and requires innovation. Those seeking to pursue a career in textile designing can read on to know more about the field as a whole and the career opportunities that it offers. 

What it takes to be a Textile Designer

Textile designing not only consists of pattern making; it also consists of supervision and production.The process starts from raw material and ends at the finished product. As a textile designer, you will be required to focus on the methods of textile production, including knitting, weaving and printing. You will have the options of working in different spheres, including apparel, furniture or automotive. However, you will need to keep yourself updated about the latest trends in fashion and also the design application software. Most employers in this realm demand a bachelor's qualification like B. Sc/ B. Des. In textile designing you should have relevant experience in the field of graphic design, textile design or fashion.

The Key Skills Involved

Textile designers should be creative and must possess strong communication and presentation skills. And since textile designing is a lot about working and coordinating with others, you must also be collaborative and multitasking.

There are certain computers skills that you need to have. You must be well-versed with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Also, proficiency in design software such as InDesign will help you go a long way. The knowledge of spreadsheet and CAD (computer aided design) software is also necessary.

Those who wish to successfully kick start this journey must possess an eye for detail and a good sense of color.  

Earning a Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in textile designing is the most basic prerequisite to building a fruitful career as a textile designer. Textile designing in India is considered a lucrative vocation and therefore there are several colleges offering textile design education in India.

The following is a list of popular textile design colleges –

National Institute of Fashion Designing – This institute offers Bachelor Degree in Textile Design.

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) – This institute offers Bachelor of Design in Textile Design.

JD Institute of Fashion Technology – This institute offers Diploma in Textile Design.

Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi – This institute offers Bachelor of Technology in Textile Technology.

Pearl Academy – This institute offers BA Honors in Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors in its Delhi and Jaipur campuses.  

Steps to Take

• Enroll for internship – Find yourself an internship in textile designing to get on-the-job training and hands-on experience that will help you build your worth. Once you take admission to a textile design program, you will be required to take up internship as part of the course.
• Join student associations – Many design schools offer clubs and associations for students pursuing textile design. There are many students who tale part in club activities to network with others and exchange ideas. This is a great opportunity, not only to know remain aware of what’s going on around you but also to collaborate on projects and learn from the experiences. Also, working in teams will turn out to be beneficial for your career in the future.
• Create a portfolio – It is necessary to make a high-quality portfolio of your work. All employers will ask for this portfolio when you step out to seek a job in the world of design. This portfolio is going to illustrate a designer's experience, education and skill set. You can include samples of the designs created in your class.
• Gain experience – If you wish to seek handsome salary and land a lucrative job as a textile designer, potential employers can demand up to five-six years of experience in this field. To gain experience, you can work as an assistant to any of the professional designers or even apply for an entry-level position with a reputed design firm. Many a times, aspirants even get started on jobs by turning internships into employment.

Although, it is not compulsory to hold a master's degree in this sphere, but having a post-graduate degree will always prove useful. It will provide additional knowledge and training, which will eventually assist you through a challenging job market.
 

Author Bio: 

Devika Arora is a professional writer who compiles relevant facts and analyzes the current state of affairs pertaining to education and employment in the global perspective. The above article offers facts and tips for students on how to build a successful career as a textile designer.