Expressing YouFashion Design: the artist’s

dream

The DreamMany people of the artistic nature come to accept that their passion cannot be their career.However, there are opportunities out there – and fashion design is and excellent choice to pursue.

The Road

It doesn’t take much to take on this career – just a passion, an idea, and a general knowledge of basic design principles.

Step One

There are six basic principles of design that you will need to familiarize yourself with.

Scale Proportion Rhythm Balance Emphasis Harmony

6 Principles of Design

BALANCE – the concept of visual equilibrium.

There are two kinds: symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical means both sides are equal and the same.

Asymmetrical indicates that one side offsets the other, adding a point of interest.

6 Principles of Design

PROPORTION – the dimensional elements of each piece of a garment in relation to the others.

For example, the size of this coat in relation to the other part of the outfit.

The larger size offsets and adds a point of interest to the outfit.

6 Principles of Design RHYTHM – the flow of an outfit that

draws your eyes down it. It can be a repetition

of texture, shape, or pattern on a fabric.

For example, the geometric pattern of this dress draws your eye down the outfit.

6 Principles of Design

EMPHASIS – the focal point of an outfit, where your eye

is first drawn. It is specifically designed to be the place you look at first.

An example is the large ruffle at the top of this dress!

6 Principles of Design SCALE – the size in general of aspects of a

garment. It relates the size

to objects and space around the garment itself.

The example herewould be the large poofy skirt or the very obvious sleeves.

6 Principles of Design HARMONY –

basically, the idea that all parts of an outfit match or belong.

It allows the just the right amount of pieces in an outfit.

If you examine the professionally designed outfit here, you will see that all part of the outfit fit together to make it pleasing to the eye.

The Journey

After mastering these 6 important elements, the next step is improving upon and developing your talents.

Get drawing! Visit an art critic and have your

work reviewed. Start looking at colleges that offer

the degree you want.

Where to Start? Art Critics – a popular day to visit a

review is National Portfolio Day. You can get information on it at:http://portfolioday.net/

You can also find local art critics to help you with your work.

Even just finding an art teacher to look at it can help!

Where to Go?There are many colleges out there that can

provide you with the knowledge you need to pursue this career, and here are some to choose from:

The International Academy of Design & Technology

Brooks College in CA Collins College in AZ Columbus College of Art & Design Academy of Art University Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

The Key!The thing to keep in

mind when considering a career in the arts is that you must keep an open mind. Invite constructive criticism and allow yourself to be molded into the creator you always dreamed yourself to be.

Cited Sources:

http://www.findyourartschool.com/ep/fashion-design-college.php

http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/principl/principl.htm

www.google.com/images