Career Girl Answers: How Do I Prepare Now for a Career in Fashion?

Dear Career Girl:

Hi! My name is Carly and I am planning on pursuing a career in fashion. I love styling and designing. I want to do something big and be known for my sense in fashion and design. My dad is in the fashion business and my cousin is Ret Turner, the famous fashion and costume designer. I have it in my blood to do it; I just don't know how to begin! Do you have any suggestions on how to get started in the fashion business before I go to college? (I'm a sophomore in high school.) Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!

—Carly

Dear Carly:

OK, first of all—how awesome that you're related to Ret Turner. He must have some amazing stories to tell! Second, do you belong to Fashion Club? If not, start or join an official FIDM Fashion Club at your high school in the fall. It's a must! As a Fashion Club President, you qualify to apply for exclusive scholarships, plus you'll get amazing leadership experience. You can organize fashion related events such as a school fashion show or field trip.

In the mean time, follow street style blogs to immerse yourself in fashion and styling. I recommend The Sartorialist, Garance Doré (Paris), Trashness, All The Pretty Birds (Milan), Streetstyle Aesthetic (London), Stockholm Streetstyle (Stockholm), StyleClicker (Munich), and TrendyCrew (Barcelona).

Get to know trends inside and out and how to spot them. Check out Trendland and Lookbook.nu. Also, keep up to date with what's happening in the fashion industry by reading WWD, Fashionista, and California Apparel News. And of course review all the top designer's collections each season on style.com.

It's never too early to get prepared, so start doing your homework! You're going to have a blast.

—Career Girl

Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!

Career Girl Answers: How Do I Become a Fashion Magazine Editor?

Dear Career Girl:

I’m really interested in becoming an editor for a magazine such as Seventeen or Teen Vogue. I don’t know where to start my career though. I’m in middle school and have been thinking about getting a summer job that is related to magazine editorial, but I don’t know what to do. Please help!

—Kaitlin

Dear Katilin:

That's fantastic! To be a fashion magazine editor, you must have a love for fashion, an eye for trends, and a flair for writing. It also helps to like socializing—it's not too early for you to start networking.

You could also brand yourself as a teen fashion trend expert; maybe you could be a fashion correspondent for a local boutique this summer. Perhaps you could get a job doing their social media—that would give you some great exposure with fashion writing.

When school begins in the fall, find out about writing for the school newspaper or website. Journalistic experience is super helpful. You could start a blog about fashion trends at your school if you're so inclined.

One thing is sure, it's important to study hard and do well in school. It's very competitive to get an editorial position at a big publishing company such as Hearst and Conde Nast, so anything you can do that will set you apart as a star candidate you should do.

Keep me posted!

—Career Girl

Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!

Career Girl: Does FIDM Accept International Students?

Dear Career Girl:

I am fifteen years old and I live in Denmark. So I would like to know if there is a chance for me to get into FIDM. I already know that I want to be in the fashion business, but not in Denmark. 

Thank you,
Johanne

Dear Johanne:

Yes, there are many international students who attend FIDM. In fact, there is a staff member on each campus (San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County) dedicated to assisting students with their visa needs. Plus there are numerous support services including orientation, student activity meetings, and cultural exchange events organized to make the transition to living in California as easy as possible.

As a student at FIDM, you could join the Cross Cultural Student Alliance, a club on campus where members can meet, network, and make new friends from around the world.

In the mean time, it's not too early for you to start getting experience in the fashion industry! Copenhagen Fashion Week is in August; maybe you could sign up to be a volunteer. Any exposure you have to the fashion world, the better for your career.

Oh, and guess what—if you do end up moving to Los Angeles, I want you to know that there is an amazing authentic Danish bakery just down the street from campus. It's called Hygge Bakery, and they offer a 20% discount to FIDM Students!

All the best to you,

Career Girl

Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!

Career Girl: How Can I Get Accepted to Attend FIDM?

Dear Career Girl:

I am thirteen years old and I have been designing clothes almost every day since I was seven. I was just wondering about how I can get accepted to FIDM and what's the tuition, because FIDM has been my dream school for the longest time—I mean I love planning my career early.

If I have to send any of my sketches in, I would be willing to. I would just like to know a little more about it.

Thank you,
Raina

Dear Raina:

I'm so impressed that you've been designing clothing since the age of seven. You definitely have a passion for fashion, and that's the first huge step toward pursuing a career in the fashion industry.

If you want to attend FIDM, you'll need to apply during your junior or senior year of high school. (Visit the FIDM Blog to read about students who just got accepted!) To give you an idea of what’s involved, you will need to fill out an application form, submit your official transcripts and three letters of recommendation, write and submit an admissions essay, and submit a portfolio and entrance project. This is all explained on fidm.edu. Admissions Advisors are available to help you every step of the way.

As far as tuition is concerned, all of the information is available on fidm.edu. Tuition schedules are broken down by major.

In the mean time, plan to start or join an official FIDM Fashion Club when you begin high school. You will be eligible to enter a competition to win a scholarship to attend FIDM. Plus, it's really fun! Also, you can enter Fashion Club's Sketch Contest when you turn fourteen!

—Career Girl

Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!

Career Girl: What Does It Take To Become a Fashion Stylist?

Dear Career Girl,

I think I finally know what I want to do with my life. I want to be a fashion stylist. Well, really I want to be some kind of fashion stylist/fashion mogul, so basically the Ryan Seacrest of the fashion world. I honestly just don't know what I'm getting myself into! I decided that in the case I do go to FIDM I would major in Visual Communications, then get my Bachelor of Science in Business Management. While that all sounds wonderful in theory, I don't know how it would work in practice.

My questions to you are:
1. Is it difficult to get into the Bachelors program at FIDM?
2. What exactly do fashion stylists do?
3. Is my goal completely unrealistic?

Thanks,
Melia

Dear Melia,

First off, I'd like to address question #3. Umm, heck no! Your goal is absolutely realistic. Not only that, you're on the right track with your educational goals. With talent and drive, there is no reason why you can't do whatever you want.

As far as the job of a fashion stylist, there are quite a number of different careers you can pursue:  celebrity fashion stylist, film and television wardrobe stylist, magazine editorial stylist, a stylist for a fashion brand or website where you style the looks for the shoot, and many other types of styling careers.

Fashion Club interviewed FIDM Grad Cassey Sawhill on what it's like being a stylist. She works on magazine shoots, advertising campaigns, and she's even styled celebs. Read it! It's fascinating! We also talked to Assistant Stylist Tammie Jeon, who styles 130 looks a day for her job at the trendy online retailer Love Culture. Don't miss her story and her amazing advice.

And finally, about your first question on the Bachelors in Business program. It depends on what you mean by difficult. The most important thing is to keep your grades up in high school and commit yourself to what you want to pursue. Nothing will stand in your way. My best advice is to contact an Admissions Advisor at FIDM. Just call 213.624-1201. They are an invaluable resource when it comes to admissions requirements for FIDM. They will mentor you through the process.

All the best to you, Melia!

—Career Girl

Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!

Career Girl Answers: What Types of Places Hire For the Summer?

Dear Career Girl:

I would like to get a summer job this year. What types of places hire for the summer?

-Blake

Dear Blake:

That's great that you're thinking about this now. If you're interesting in pursuing a career in fashion, it would be great to get retail experience. Fill out applications for work at the major fashion retail stores at your local mall. H&M, Forever 21, Tilly's, PacSun, Hot Topic, and Urban Outfitters are good places to start.

Places that hire seasonal help also include amusement parks, state parks, resorts, camps, and anywhere that thrives on tourism. Babysitting is also a great way to pick up some extra cash.

-Career Girl

Career Girl Answers: What's It Like To Be a Fashion Designer?

Hey Career Girl,

I need to ask you something. You see, I've wanted to be a fashion designer my whole life. I have a lot of ideas—I love mixing colors and using new patterns. I have ALL these amazing ideas, but my mom doesn't quite believe in me. I'm very clever when it comes to new ideas so I'm POSITIVE this job could be easy for me.

My questions are:
A) How can I get accepted to FIDM?
B) What's a typical fashion designer's life like?
C) I want my parents to let me explore the shopping mall so I can get a taste of fashion and style. They believe fashion is what only mean girls do! How do I tell them fashion is a creative art and it's for everyone?
D) How do I get them to take me shopping for what I want?

xoxo Cristina

Dear Cristina:

You are amazing! You definitely have the spirit and passion for this industry. That will take you far, my fashionable friend! Have you ever tried sketching out your fashion design ideas? Take our free sketch tutorial on FashionClub.com and learn how to draw the 9-head fashion figure. This skill will be an asset for you if you plan on a future in fashion design!

Once you create a sketch or two of your original fashion designs, consider submitting them to our Fashion Sketch Contest. You could win a fashion sketchpad—and who doesn't love fun, free stuff?!

I'm glad you asked what it's like to be a fashion designer because it's good to know what you're striving for. Designers are responsible for concepts, sketches, fabrics, and trends. They oversee all aspects of the design room. They provide direction to design assistants, patternmakers, and artists. They should have strong illustration, flat, and detailed sketching abilities. They usually handle preliminary fittings. They must be able to effectively communicate their ideas and vision to the staff. And, maybe most important of all, they have to be on top of the market—and know exactly what sells and who their competition is. No rest for the weary, that's for sure!

If you want to get accepted into FIDM, the first step is to contact an Admissions Advisor at 800.624.1200. He or she will discuss with you what it's like to be a student of fashion design, and what you'll need to do to apply to the college.

As far as your question about how to get your parents to take them shopping for what you want, why don't you just design your clothes and make them yourself. The FIDM Scholarship Store on the Los Angeles campus sells fabric for as low as $1/yard. It's a great way to express your creativity. Why not share with your parents FIDM Alumni interviews—it will give them an inside perspective on the industry.

Good luck, Cristina!

-Career Girl

Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!

Career Girl Answers: What Do Jewelry Designers Do?

Dear Career Girl:

Hi, :) my name is Aysia. I just want to know exactly what it is that jewelry designers do?

-Aysia

Dear Aysia:

Simply put, jewelry designers are artists who turn their inspiration into wearable, marketable designs. Depending on their interests, they work in everything from fashion accessories to fine gems, for jewelry firms or their own brand. They are passionate, self-motivated leaders.

They research and analyze current and past design trends, research and develop jewelry designs, understand the jewelry manufacturing process, and utilize their extensive knowledge of materials including metals and gems.

Jewelry Design is one of the creative majors offered at FIDM. Consulting jewelry design instructor Kim Hurlbert helped launch the program and is an expert in gems, having graduated from the Gemological Institute of America and Gemological Association of Great Britain.

I hope this was helpful, Aysia. If you have any more questions about the jewelry business, send 'em my way!

-Career Girl

Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!

Career Girl Answers: Does FIDM Teach Fashion Styling?

Dear Career Girl:

Hi! I'm a high school student in 12th grade and I was interested in going to FIDM. I just wanted to know if it's a good school to become a fashion stylist. I noticed there's a lot of opportunity for fashion design, but I'm more of a stylist than a designer. Are there classes for styling?

Thanks! (:

-Kassandra

Dear Kassandra:

Good question! Yes, FIDM offers 20 creative majors, including Visual Communications, which has a focus in fashion styling. Check out the VCOMM curriculum—you'll love the course on Fashion Styling & Coordination, which culminates in a themed fashion shoot.

Read about FIDM Visual Communicaitons Grad Daniel Musto, who is now a celebrity stylist.

Good luck to you, Kassandra. Exciting stuff is in store for you!

-Career Girl

Career Girl Answers: How Do I Become a Fashion Stylist?

Dear Career Girl:

I want to become a fashion stylist. Is it possible to major in Merchandise Marketing and minor in Visual Communications? Or can I only pick one? 

-Dena N.

Dear Dena:

It's awesome that you are interested in becoming a fashion stylist. Los Angeles is one of the best places in the nation for this career. Because of the entertainment industry and the fact that so many celebs make LA their home, there is a lot of opportunity in fashion styling just outside FIDM's door.

Students can layer degrees at FIDM by completing one degree at a time. This allows for cross marketable skills to be developed and a broader understanding of the fashion industry at large.

You will get definitely get styling experience in the Visual Communcations program at FIDM. Check out this interview with a recently accepted student whose goal is also to become a stylist.

I also recommend calling our Admissions office and speaking with an Advisor 1-800-624-1200. They could discuss all of your options, and help you with your decision as to what you want to major in and in what order. 

Best of everything to you, Dena!

-Career Girl

Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career-related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!