Textile Designer
Job Description:Textile designers create fabric designs and patterns for woven, knitted and printed materials for clothes or interior furnishings.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- producing initial sketches by hand, or on a computer using design software
- reworking designs until they meet the customer’s needs
- making up samples or having them made by technicians
- researching design trends to decide what will sell
- working with clients, technical staff, marketing and buying staff
- keeping up-to-date with developments in manufacturing technology
If you’re self-employed, you’ll also need to manage your own business activities like marketing, finances and your website.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- knowledge of textiles development and technology as well as design software skills
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- persistence and determination
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to work well with your hands
- creative flair and an understanding of colour, texture and pattern
- budgeting skills and the ability to work out costs
Entry Requirements:
There are no set requirements, but most textile designers have a relevant degree in:
- fashion
- art and design
- textiles
- surface design
You may be able to start in a textile operative role and then work your way up.
If you are interested in working with specialist technical textiles for industries like healthcare, manufacturing and construction, you could do a technical textile specialist higher apprenticeship.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 40 hours a week, although you may need to work longer to meet deadlines when it’s busy.
If freelance, your hours will depend on your clients and you’ll usually split your time between designing and marketing your work.
A lot of your time will be spent at a computer, designing fabrics and working on patterns. You may sometimes need to travel to visit trade fairs, clients and manufacturers.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could progress to a senior design position, or work as a product or project manager.
You could also move into part-time teaching , or set up your own business.