Textile Designer

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. 

Sources: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/textile_designer_job_description.htm

 Here is a video profile of Mary Madigan, a Textile Designer who works with quilts.