THIS MONTH’S QUESTION:
I have a major dilemma. I'm stuck between Fashion Design and Apparel Manufacturing Management. I love aspects of designing fashion, but I'm not good at drawing or sewing. And I've always dreamed of owning my own clothing line. Help! Which one should I choose?

Dear Jodie,
Well, you've solved your primary dilemma: you know that you want to do something in fashion! Now you just have to narrow down your options.

The Apparel Manufacturer is the ultimate entrepreneurial position. He or she is the “manager” who heads the team that sources all materials and produces the design. If your goal is to own your own fashion company you need leadership ability, strong communication and people skills, and vision. This career is about 50% technical skills (sourcing, production, computer grading & patternmaking, and computer flat sketching), 30% business & management, and 10% creative problem solving.

On the other hand, the Fashion Designer is the “creator” who creates the original design for apparel and often works as part of a team as well. You might not be good at drawing or sewing now, but at a good fashion college such as FIDM, you'll take classes in these subjects. You’ll learn about drawing for the fashion industry, about sewing, plus the other skills you’ll need to be a professional Designer. Fashion Design is 60% creativity and 40% technical skills such as patternmaking and flat sketching, and computer skills like Photoshop, Illustrator, and computer pattern drafting. You need to be artistic and creative to succeed in this career and you need to have a great capacity for hard work.

For now, you've decided that fashion is for you, and that’s enough to focus you in the direction of a good fashion college. Junior or senior year in high school is the time to apply to FIDM. At that time you can call the FIDM Admissions Department and speak with an Admissions Advisor. They’re experts at helping students determine exactly what major will suit your needs, talents, and goals.

So don't worry--there will be someone to help you ultimately figure out which major is the best for you. For now, watch style shows, read fashion magazines, rent old movies, and read fashion history books for inspiration. It will serve you well no matter which career path you choose!

Have a wonderful and fashionable day,