Employers

Fabric designers are employed by large fashion houses, textile manufacturers, fashion designers, retailers, design companies, interior decorators, furniture or carpet manufacturers, and home design companies. Fabric designers may also operate their own freelance businesses.

Starting Out

It is essential that aspiring fabric designers prepare a portfolio of their best work and samples. The portfolio consists of sketches and drawings of fabric patterns and designs as well as swatches and samples of finished fabrics.

Individuals may participate in internships while still in school and/or start out as apprentices. They then become assistant fabric designers. Once they have some experience under their belt, they move into full fledged textile designer positions.

Advancement prospects for fabric designers depend on a number of factors, including the individual's experience, talent, motivation, and career aspirations. Some fabric designers advance by moving to similar positions in larger, more prestigious companies or by finding positions designing fabric for better projects.

After obtaining experience, some individuals are promoted to the position of head or lead fabric designer at a company. Some talented designers start their own companies. 

Take as many design, sketching, and art classes as possible to hone your skills.

Begin building a portfolio of your best work. It will help you get jobs because it illustrates your creativity.

Access job listings at:  

• http://www.creativejobscentral.com
• https://jobs.ifai.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/textile-designer-jobs

Investigate internship opportunities at textile manufacturers, home furnishing companies, interior design firms, and fashion houses.

Take advantage of the services of your school's career services office, which can assist with resume and portfolio preparation, direct you to internship and job opportunities, and help you to prepare for job interviews.