Tennessee Career Guide | 2024-2025 67 Career Pathways and Educational Requirements Pursuing a degree or certification in fashion and design provides aspiring professionals with essential skills and knowledge. Many colleges offer programs in fashion design, fashion merchandising, textile design, inte- rior design and related fields. These pro- grams often cover topics such as design prin- ciples, garment construction, textile science, trend forecasting and marketing strategies. “It is important for those wanting to enter this field to identify and develop a design aesthetic while having a strong business acu- men,” said Poling. “Students should look for a program that emphasizes construction techniques, textiles and product develop- ment as well as introduces the fundamentals of building a business plan that covers sourc- ing and production, marketing, distribution and sales.” Poling emphasized that internships and hands-on experience are also crucial for as- piring fashion and design professionals. “Many industry professionals recommend gaining practical experience through intern- ships or apprenticeships with established de- signers, fashion houses, retailers or design studios,” she said. “These opportunities not only provide valuable insights into the in- dustry but also allow individuals to build a network of contacts and showcase their tal- ents.” In Tennessee, students often have opportu- nities for internships in places such as Nashville, named the No. 1 fashion-forward city outside of New York or Los Angeles, by Livibility.com. “Nashville is home to a fashion scene that is true to its roots: full of soul, generosity, hospitality and just the right amount of sweet southern flare,” writes au- thor Emma Smith. With a robust Nashville Fashion Week, an annual celebration of Nashville’s thriving fashion and retail com- munity and its vast array of creative talent, a thriving music industry and more there are numerous opportunities for budding pro- fessionals to gain experience and network in this growing industry in Nashville and throughout Tennessee. Salaries and Compensation Salaries in the fashion and design industry vary widely depending on experience, loca- tion and specific role. The median annual wage for fashion designers (May 2022) was $76,7001, with entry-level positions starting around $34,600 with salaries over $139,920 for top-tier professionals. The average median salary for textile designers, was $61,0442 while merchandisers and stylists typically earn salaries in the range of $30,000 to $70,000, depending on experience. Individuals working in the fashion and design industry may also have the opportunity to earn additional in- come through freelance work, collaborations or launching their own fashion lines or design studios. Navigating the Path to Success For individuals considering a career in the fashion and design industry, it's essential to stay informed about current trends, develop a strong portfolio showcasing their skills and creativity, and cultivate a network of con- tacts within the industry. Perseverance and a willingness to embrace change are key in- gredients for success in this dynamic and competitive field. The fashion and design industry offers a myriad of exciting career opportunities for individuals with a flair for creativity and a passion for style. From designing couture gowns to curating fashion-forward retail dis- plays, professionals in this field have the chance to leave their mark on the world while expressing their unique vision and artistic talents. Tennessee's fashion and de- sign industry beckons with opportunities waiting to be seized. College Fashion and Design Programs Tennessee colleges offering two and four- year programs in Fashion and Design in- clude Belmont, Carson-Newman, ETSU, Lipscomb, Pellissippi State, MTSU, Memphis, UT-Chattanooga and UT-Knoxville. 1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2 Salary.com Learn more about this career: Lipscomb University Dept. of Fashion & Design Lipscomb.edu/fashiondesign Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. CFDA.com Tennessee’s Top Careers Lipscomb University’s Department of Fashion and Design offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs in fashion design and in fash- ion and interior design. At Lipscomb, stu- dents experience a holistic approach to the design process and an interdiscipli- nary approach to the study of the busi- ness of fashion. Students have the op- portunity to study fashion in the heart of Nashville, the country’s fastest-growing community of independent designers. Through class field trips, on-ground in- ternships, travel study courses in Italy and New York, and outside industry ex- perience, students are exposed to the many facets of the fashion industry from entrepreneurial venture studies to mass market industry studies and graduate with both a robust academic foundation and real-world experience. Learn more at www.lipscomb.edu/fashiondesign. The Information on this career is submitted and sponsored by
