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A Fashion Designer creates clothing and accessories for sale to customers. You might work for yourself or be employed by a fashion label. You’ll work with clients and customers to design one-off pieces or you might put together a larger collection. Fashion Designers often specialise in a particular type of fashion such as swimwear or footwear. You’ll create sketches, patterns and samples and oversee the production process. When designing fashion pieces you’ll consider things such as colours, fabrics and styles.
A Fashion Designer needs to be creative and be aware of current and future trends in the fashion industry. You’ll need to be good at teamwork as you’ll have to collaborate with other designers, models, customers and workers involved in the production of your garments. A Fashion Designer should be able to communicate their design ideas and be flexible when meeting customer needs.
There are 5 courses available for people who want to become a Fashion Designer.
Possible job outcomes:
The Graduate Diploma in Design addresses the global demand for graduates skilled in social and service design, as well as design leadership. This course prepares students to create superior service experiences and lead social, community, and organisational change. It integrates research, industry collaboration, international perspectives, and a design culture across specialist and interdisciplinary subjects. The diploma offers a flexible postgraduate education, balancing practical orientation with research integration, ideal for those seeking to excel in design-driven roles and initiatives. .
Average duration: 12 months.
The Bachelor of Fashion Design is a cutting-edge course tailored for individuals aiming for a career in the dynamic fashion industry. The course prioritises innovative design, supported by a solid technical foundation in pattern engineering, garment construction, and the use of CAD design tools. This course equips students with the necessary skills to excel in fashion design, blending creative flair with technical expertise to prepare them for the fast-paced world of fashion. .
Average duration: 3 years.
The Bachelor of Design (Honours) is a one-year advanced undergraduate degree for high-achieving students who have completed an undergraduate Design degree and seek to enhance their critical and creative skills. This degree involves developing a significant practice-led research project, providing access to leading research labs and a selective professional placement program. Graduates gain a deeper understanding of design strategy, methods, and research, opening pathways to various careers in design and cultural sectors and further studies like a Master of Philosophy or PhD. .
The MST60119 Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising is for production and design specialists in the TCF (textile, clothing and footwear) industries. Over 12-18 months of study you will learn all aspects of TCF quality management as well as fashion industry trends and innovations, TCF fibre and fabric performance, presenting a design concept, estimating production costs, TCF computing technologies. Graduate with a range of fashion business and technical production skills. Enquire now for the full list of study units, specialisation electives, and upcoming enrolment dates..
The MST50122 Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles advances your creative expression and career in fashion. Gain essential skills in sewing, pattern cutting, screen printing, digital design, and fashion drawing. This qualification equips you with cognitive, technical, and communication skills for analysing, planning, and managing production and business in the fashion industry. Career opportunities include assistant designers, product developers, patternmakers, production supervisors, and roles in marketing, public relations, buying, and visual merchandising. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates..
Average duration: 18 months.
In Australia, a full time Fashion Designer generally earns $1150 week ($59,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The fashion industry has seen stable employment in Australia in recent years. There are currently 3500 people working as a Fashion Designer and the number has stayed about the same over the last five years. Fashion Designers will generally find work in larger towns and cities where fashion companies are located.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re planning a career as a Fashion Designer you could enrol in an Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising. This two year course will cover all aspects of the design process including fabric design, pattern making, sewing and garment construction. You’ll also explore topics such as the production process and selling and marketing.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within fashion. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Fashion
Design Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Fashion Design Assistant
Footwear Designer
$1,025 weekly pay
Milliner Assistant
Costume Designer
$1,250 weekly pay
Fashion Designer
$1,150 weekly pay
Fashion Consultant
$1,500 weekly pay
Learn more about Fashion Designer courses in your area.