Design 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.

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.

1. Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.

2. Examine sample garments on and off models; then modify designs to achieve desired effects.

3. Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.

4. Confer with sales and management executives or with clients in order to discuss design ideas.

5. Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

6. Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals in order to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.

7. Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.

8. Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.

9. Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.

10. Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.

11. Visit textile showrooms to keep up-to-date on the latest fabrics.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: 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.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Fashion Designers. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Fashion Designers, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$45,920 for entry level workers, and $101,280 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 8,800 Fashion Designers employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 9,290  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 50 job(s) each year, and a total of 230 job openings each year.

Designers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

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.