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Job Definition
View MovieDesign clothing and accessories. Create original garments or design garments that follow well established fashion trends. May develop the line of color and kinds of materials.
Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Interests
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Knowledge
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Skills
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Tasks
Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.
Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.
Research the styles and periods of clothing needed for film or theatrical productions.
Sew together sections of material to form mockups or samples of garments or articles, using sewing equipment.
Visit textile showrooms to keep up-to-date on the latest fabrics.
Test fabrics or oversee testing so that garment care labels can be created.
Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals in order to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
Design custom clothing and accessories for individuals, retailers, or theatrical, television, or film productions.
Draw patterns for articles designed; then cut patterns, and cut material according to patterns, using measuring instruments and scissors.
Examine sample garments on and off models; then modify designs to achieve desired effects.
Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $75,110.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $33,470.00 and $142,560.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 4,600 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 5,300 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 70 openings due to growth and about 120 replacement openings for approximately 190 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Fashion/Apparel Design - A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional design of commercial fashions, apparel, and accessories, and the management of fashion development projects. Includes instruction in apparel design; accessory design; the design of men's', women's', and children's' wear; flat pattern design; computer-assisted design and manufacturing; concept planning; designing in specific materials; labor and cost analysis; history of fashion; fabric art and printing; and the principles of management and operations in the fashion industry.
Similar Occupations
Landscape Architects - Plan and design land areas for such projects as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Architectural Drafters - Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.
Art Directors - Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging.
Commercial and Industrial Designers - Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Floral Designers - Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Interior Designers - Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.
Set and Exhibit Designers - Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Costume Attendants - Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers.
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers - Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
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