How can one become a Textile Designer?

Who is a Textile Designer?

The designs, textures, illustrations and patterns for knitted, woven, dyed, embroidery or printed fabric are created by a Textile Designer. These are then used in clothing, furnishings, towels, floor & wall coverings, carpets etc.

The textile designers must be up-to-date with the trends& people’s preferences because then only they’ll be able to manufacture appropriate products in relevant patterns that will not only attract people but will also sell in the market.

Duties:

• Liaising with clients, partners, teams
• Keeping abreast with trends, consumer taste and innovations. Analyzing the existing as well as newly launched materials basis the cultural and functional aspects.
• Evaluating commercial, cultural and functional requirements.
• Creating sketches and designs as per the client’s brief using specialized CAD software
• Getting the samples made and having the same approved by the client.
• Supervising the production process.

Skills required:

• Understanding of fabric, patterns, colours, textures and materials
• Good communication skills not only to work in a team but also to handle clients
• Networking skills
• Creative bent of mind to analyze the requirements and basis the same make tangible designs.
• Ability to work under pressure adhering to deadlines.
• Attention to detail and an understanding of the trends
• Business skills

Career opportunities:

• The 6^th largest exporter of textiles and apparel in the world is India.
• India’s exports of textiles and apparel are growing at a CAGR of 11% and are expected to reach $65 bn by 2025-26
• In 2020-21, the Textiles and garments industry was at $103.4 bn and it is expected to reach $190 bn by 2025-26.

Textile Industry is a flourishing industry with significant exports. Hence it presents huge opportunities.Few job profiles can be:

• Fabric Analyzer/Fabric Resource Manager: Works with a variety of materials, including man-made, natural, leather, fur, metal etc. His job profile is to test, select and source the ideal material for the product. He ensures quality and production efficiency along with product development.
• Colour Technologist: Works with the science and technology of colour application on a range of products. He ensures not only quality and durability but also its reproduction accuracy.
• Textile Designer: Will make creative designs and patterns involving yarns, fabrics, prints, trims, etc.
• Interior Designer: Designing and renovating internal spaces. Will entail structural alterations, new lighting, furnishings, new colour schemes, fixtures & fittings, wallpapers etc.
• Fashion Designer: Work with fabrics, colours and patterns to design and style new clothing.

Where do I study Textile Design?

There are lots of colleges providing Textile Designing courses, however, while choosing the right course to study diploma in textile design, one needs to make the following deliberations:

• College must offer certification that is accredited at both national as well as international levels.
• The course should offer market-oriented understanding and updated technical knowledge about Textile Design.
• The course must offer master classes by Industry Experts, so that the students may get first-hand expertise.
• Industry experience through live projects and internships.
• Colleges must provide competencies in updated software like CAD etc.
• College must offer the holistic perspective of Textile Designing and Styling
• College must help students in developing a strong portfolio that can be showcased to prospective employers.
• Supplementary career support curriculum to enhance the student’s competencies like PhD or short duration courses in graphics or design etc.
• The college should enter students participation in International events and competitions
• College must ensurea comprehensive placement program

Thus, choosing to study diploma in textile design is a wise choice once you study from a reputable institute with industry standing.