Creating magic with fabrics

Qualified fabric designers work with furniture or clothing companies, or they create patterns and sell them to manufacturers. They may be involved in printing their patterns onto fabric, or they may simply invent designs and sell the templates.

A good fabric designer needs to have a good knowledge of colour, pattern specifications and weave. Further, the designer must be comfortable enough with the machinery and the manufacturing process in order to help customers with their queries.

Career prospects

In present times, this course is in great demand as people now hire designers to get trendy designs for daily wear. Fabric design involves creating textiles for use in clothing and decoration. Both certificate and degree programs are available to help students develop their artistic abilities and technical knowledge. After pursuing a course in Fabric Designing, one can build their career as fabric designers, stylists, design assistants or CAD operators. Working independently is also a good option.

Job prospects

Fabric designers can be found working in varied environments. While some work independently, as freelance designers, and sell their designs to fabric manufacturers, some work for furniture, swimwear, or clothing manufacturers, creating fabrics to be used exclusively by those companies. Designers can work either in teams or by themselves in studios and offices.

Eligibility

Students with 10 +2 qualification in any stream can pursue this course. Many colleges, institutes and universities in India offer degree, diploma and certificate courses in Fabric Designing. If one wants to pursue a professional, one-year course, then one must be a graduate. There are diploma, post-diploma and even certificate courses in each area of specialisation. Four-year degree courses are also available.

Skills required

For being a successful designer, one needs to have a good knowledge of colours, prints, and fabric simulations. He must know how to use drafting instruments and art supplies to create sketches, detailed illustrations and blueprints. He must also have good communication skills to be able to communicate well with clients and co-ordinate with other members of the corporate team, including the sales, marketing and production departments.

Duration
The duration of the course depends on the choice of the candidate. Apart from undergraduate and post-graduate courses, some institutes also offer certificate/ diploma courses in Fabric Designing. A diploma course usually lasts for 2 years (4 semesters) and if one wishes to go for a professional course, it is for a period of one year.

Remuneration

Fabric Designing is a highly remunerative field. A professional designer can begin his career as an intern or trainee with some good clothes or furniture manufacturing house. A fresher can expect anything between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 as minimum salary.
At the senior level, a person can expect sky-high returns. Even a bachelor’s degree holder can earn nearly Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000 per month. This field offers good growth prospects in terms of position and money for talented and hardworking individuals.

Institutes offering courses in fabric design

*Pearl Academy of Fashion, A - 21/13, Naraina Industrial Area - Phase II, New Delhi - 110028; Ph: 41417693-94; 25703451/ 5478/ 8506, 49807100 / 01; Email: counsellor@pearlacademy.com

* NIFT Campus, Hauz Khas, Near Gulmohar Park, New Delhi - 110 016, Ph: +91-11-26542000; E-mail: nift.ho@nift.ac.in     

*JD Institute of Fashion Technology, JD, Vardhman Airport Plaza, Part - II, Plot No 14, M.L.U., Sector-6, Central Market, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110 075; Ph: +91-11-011 65074663; E-mail: admin@jdinstitute.co.in

*Apeejay Institute of Design, 54, Tughlaqabad Institutional Area, Mehrauli Badarpur Road, New Delhi 110062; Ph: +91-11-29955459, 29957050; E-mail:aid.del@apj.edu

*International Institute of Fashion Technology, H-12, South Extension Part - I, New Delhi; Ph: 91-11-24620430, 4629370; Email:rdlal_iift@hotmail.com