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Textile designing is a fine combination of creativity and technicalities. As the designation suggests, a textile designer is responsible for creating two-dimensional designs and patterns used in fabrics and textiles. A textile designer is a crucial part of industries like clothing, carpet and upholstery. He can further venture in creating patterns and motifs used in the production of decorative ceramics, greeting cards, materials packaging and wrapping paper. It is the creativity of the textile designer that gets reflected in fashion and interiors. Right from cushion covers to dresses and curtains, textile designer provides his/her services to a range of segments. They not only have to be creative but also technically skilled. Textile designers are usually aware of the entire process of product design, production, sale and use.
Textile designing is quite a popular course. It is an ideal course for someone who is creative and willing to work on his own. Textile designers can work individually/on freelance basis or with a group. This is a creative job that requires long hours at work. Slowly, this job has started to become an integral part of corporate setup. To become a textile designer, one does not really need to have a formal education but it will help to have a certification or diploma in designing. Top level designers are usually equipped with a Master’s degree in fashion or textile.
Most of the beginners in this industry start their career as an industry cutter or machinist. Some others prefer to get a degree in design or a related field and slowly focus on building a creditable portfolio. This is a very competitive industry so one needs to be very original in his designs. Initial days could be struggling so candidates should be prepared for some paid or non-paid internships under a senior designer for gaining valuable experience which is going to be vital in the long run. This also helps in establishing important industry contacts.
The job profile of a textile designer also involves regular interaction with buyers, clients and technical personnel. The success of a textile designer depends upon his creative ability to conceive and design a textile or print. In case of freelance textile designers, they have to tackle all the aspects including marketing, negotiating and merchandising.
Textile designers are ably aided by computers and technology. Most of the textile designers are well versed with knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) tools. They also need to regularly attend textile design exhibitions and trade shows to showcase their designs to the world.
The demand for quality textile designers is on constant rise in last few years. Several renowned institutions across the world offer different courses in textile designing.
In India, institutes like;
National Institute of Fashion Technology
Birla Institute of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences
ALT Training College
Offer diploma and degree courses in textile designing. Qualified professionals can join fashion houses or garment manufacturers for wonderful job opportunities. Textile designers can also try their luck in USA, UK and Australia, Canada etc for more work opportunities.
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