Just going to fashion school isn't going to turn you into a great designer. It's definitely a great first step, but you're going to need the drive to succeed in order to make it in this competitive industry.
Follow these tips, though, and you'll have no problem being a successful fashion design student and set yourself up for success long after you finish school.
1. Show up and work hard
This might sound obvious, but you would be surprised to find out how many students seem to view class as optional. You can’t learn from your instructors if you don't come to class. So show up, take notes, submit your assignments on time, and take advantage of a collaborative learning environment with experienced instructors.
2. Build relationships with your teachers
Speaking of teachers, your fashion school instructors can be one of your greatest resources as you develop as a designer and then embark on your eventual job hunt. Build relationships with these people who know how the industry works. Having a mentor is always a bonus and they may have connections that can help you score an internship or job!
3. Practice makes perfect
Most people aren’t going to sit down in front a sewing machine for the first time and start churning out design house ready garments. This is why practice- and not just while you're in class or studio- is important. Class is where you learn the skills. You'll need to block out extra time to really master sewing, drawing, CAD, or whatever else has you feeling stressed.
4. Always think about your portfolio
Having a killer portfolio is going to be the key to landing a post-fashion school internship or job. It's important to keep this in mind as you finish projects in different classes. If possible, try to tie everything together so that you have a cohesive portfolio to show prospective employers when you graduate.
5. Stay up to date on fashion news and trends
Staying true to yourself as a designer is important, but if you want people to buy your clothes you also need to make sure you keep up with what's popular. Read fashion blogs. Follow brands on Instagram. Subscribe to our favorite publications online. Just make sure you're consuming some sort of fashion media on the regular.