What do Textile Designers do?
Textile
designers create 2D patterns and designs that can be featured on many different
mediums including clothing, wrapping paper, ceramics, or carpeting. Textile
designers are usually self-employed and either contract themselves out to
companies or agencies or work within their own business sometimes with a design
team. Textile designers work with different patterns, colors and materials to
create the visual look they or their client requests. Sometimes textile
designers work with special computer programs and software to create digital
designs rather than sketches on paper. These designers also work directly with clients
and oversee the processes that follow the design all the way to the finishing product.
Sometimes textile designers work for fashion designers, creating and improving
fabrics and patterns for the runway.
What Skills Are Needed?
Textile
designers must have the ability to visualize their designs and an ability to
either sketch effectively or have experience with computer designing. Textile
designers need to have a good understanding of the material with which they
wish to work (such as fabric, ceramics, paper, carpeting ect). They must have a
good aesthetic eye and have a creative flair. They must also be able to work
well with others (especially their clients) and be able to listen to clients as
well as dictate their ideas effectively. It is also recommended for textile
designers working in fashion to be aware of and stay up to date on changing
trends. If a textile designer is self-employed they also need the skills to
manage their company and market their ideas. Yet most importantly, textile designers must
love creating new and exciting patters and designs that will be shared with the
public.
How Do I Become a Textile Designer?
It is recommended
that any aspiring textile designer should first choose what area they want to
specialize in. Whether it is constructed textiles, printed textiles or mixed
media, having an area of expertise makes finding a job much easier. Degrees in
fashion or design are also encouraged. Without a degree it is much harder to
obtain a designing job and aspiring textile designers would have to start off
at a lower job such as a pattern cutter before working their way up. Having a portfolio
of work to show potential clients is always recommended as well as proof of
experience. Assistant designer positions are a good place to start to gain experience
in the field. Some universities and colleges also offer internships for design
students, another great place to gain experience. Becoming a textile designer
takes a lot of time and patience and often requires a lot of working from the
bottom up.
Here is a video profile of Mary Madigan, a Textile Designer who works with quilts.
