Career Advice on How to Become A Fashion Accessories Designer Those working in the fashion industry do not necessary have to be trained to do so.  Many designers have started their own companies, by either having rich parents or by learning to design on their own.  The fashion industry is a cutthroat business, after all the industry is often cited for its use of near slave labor and child labor. But oh do they look good doing it!”

Career Facts:

A fashion accessories designer creates all the wondrous and beautiful accessories that can just make any outfit simply pop.  As a fashion accessories designer, you may find yourself designing shoes, purses, necklaces, earrings or any other of a long list of useless items that those in the fashion world believe is the de facto glue that holds reality and civilization together.  Yes, it is that silly.  That is what you are in store for if you travel down the fashion industry “road.

For those looking to break into the fashion industry, there are several paths you can take before attempting the job search.  Attending a well-known school, such as the Parsons School of Design, is an option.  Another option is to create an impressive body of work that is so amazing that you can convince a large designer to hire you.  However, be forewarned. Your work has to be so amazing that it very briefly breaks through the narcissistic fog that all who work in the fashion industry inhabit.  Another option is to create your own accessories, have those accessories purchased by smaller stores and work your way up.  You can also own your own signature boutique and wait for customers to stumble in and shop.

Career Opportunities and Job Outlook-Poor:

There are only 20,000 fashion designers employed in the United States and the job growth is only expected to be a mere five percent by 2016.

A Day in The Life:

The accessories fashion designer wakes up urgently and proceeds to work on such “life saving” items as earrings, shoes, purses and the occasional tie.  

Many fashion accessories designers actually own a small boutique. If that is the case, you can sit around all day and talk to people about how great your accessories are.  Your day also may consist of monitoring your web sales and shipping to online customers.  Unfortunately, going to the post office is decidedly unglamorous.

Average Salary:

The average salaried fashion designer can expect to make about $62,000.

$62k

Career Training and Qualifications:

There are no specific training requirements so don’t worry too much about career planning.  If you can design and create a fantastic purse, the item then exists and is factual evidence that you can do it.  However, a degree in design is of enormous value.