How2Day: Fashion Related Jobs

Fashion related jobs occupy a variety of different industries, from hands-on textile work to photography to more financially savvy professions, such as a job in retail. Because fashion is a complex industry spanning multiple continents, finding the right job within fashion involves understanding what skills you possess, and what training you are willing to undergo.

A successful fashion designer must have a grasp of three principal areas: fashion terminology, artistic techniques and basic workings of the production process. Learning the difference between haute couture, pret-a-porter and sportswear, for example, is vital to any burgeoning fashionista. Additionally, a fashion designer should understand that a slight alteration in design may cost several thousands of dollars during the production process. Fashion designers traditionally begin by working as assistants to other fashion designers. Two to four years of schooling at a design academy is the best background for a designer. By designing collections that attract significant notice, fashion designers gain a reputation and other commissions for work. As of 2010, a fashion designer has a salary range of $18,000 to $200,000 a year.

Although fashion photographers do not design any clothing, their visual interpretations of a dress or other accessory on a model often prove vital to a brand's success. While no formal education is required, a fashion photographer must be prepared to work odd hours and accept assignments without much advance notice. A portfolio of completed photographs demonstrating the photographer's style and vision will often lead to other work. In some cases, a photographer can become a staff member of a magazine or other publication, although most fashion photographers employ themselves on a freelance basis. As of 2010, the median salary for a fashion photographer is $26,000, with a possible high end range of $100,000.

Fashion retail is the easiest part of the industry in which to become involved. Nearly every city has some kind of fashion outlet, whether in the form of a large chain store or a boutique. Those interested in building a stable career in retail fashion can often graduate from an entry-level clerk position to a managerial position over the course of several years. No formal education is required, although field experience is helpful, and ultimately leads to advancement. Running a successful retail business requires that managers understand the tastes of their clientele and purchase stock accordingly. A retail employee's salary can reach as high as $60,000, as of 2010.

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