The art of textile design - What future it holds

Textile Designing is one of the most integral part of the fashion industry. It is one of the most promising career options that any aspiring designer can look into. This is one of the most inventive career options in this field. Textile design offers money, glamour and popularity.
The demand of textile designers growing in this ever blooming fashion industry.
The growing need for textile designers are seen in both national and international markets. This branch of design covers areas like printed, knitted and woven fabrics. Designers who specialize in this field are involved in production of these designs that are used in clothing and interior décor items.

The transformation of raw material into a finished product is done by textile designers. Creation of various handloom items, woven cloth and material which are used to create various items like cloth pieces, towels, drapes, carpets, rugs and many more.  Those aspirants who are good with both creative and technical skills are well suited for this profession.

The creative process of textile designing includes the understanding of production and various properties of yarn, fibers and dyes. These designers are trendsetters, they can already assume what the finished product would look like. At first, most of the designing were done on graph papers called point paper, which is used by weavers to set up their looms. Now with all the digital process, the evolution of technology has also transformed the art of textile design. Now it is now more about point papers; professional designers take the help of various computer design software which are created specifically for this purpose.

Course Duration

Textile designing is offered as a certificate, degree or diploma at both undergraduate levels. You could opt for this course right after your high school graduation or an equivalent course. The course duration is between 2-4 years depending on the course structure of the institute.

Career

The growing market potential for textile products has also been directly proportional with the job prospects. There are freelance, part time and full time job opportunities in this field. From fashion designing agencies, textile manufactures, garment manufacturing companies, export houses and many more. If you have experience and have already created a name – as a textile designer you can offer your services as a freelancer and create your own brand name and go on to set up your own shop.

Top Textile universities in the world

• 1. North Carolina State University (USA)
• 2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (USA)
• 3. Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
• 4. The University of Bolton (UK)
• 5. University of Manchester (UK)
• 6. University of Leeds (UK)
• 7. Dresden University of Technology (Germany)
• 8. De Montfort University (UK)
• 9. Loughborough University (UK)
• 10. Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh (UK)

A textile designer uses various dye and printing methods for their designs like direct or blotch printing, overprinting, discharge printing, resist printing, block printing, roller printing and screen printing etc. Embroidery designs, print, weave and texture for both retailing and wholesaling of products are what textile designers do.

As a textile graduate your future is not only bright but also extremely glamorous and exciting. The most famous textile designers – Zika Ascher, who introduced mohair cult and flowered prints launched by Christian Dior. Terence Conran, who established two manufacturing companies in 1950s– Conran Furniture and Conran Fabrics. Then you have Eddie Squires who was the chief designer for Warner Fabrics.

There are many such success stories spread throughout the world. If you have a love for design and are creative as well as technologically sound – this profession is perfect for you. The starting salary could start at $31,552 and goes upto $79,765 depending on the qualifications. The median pay is about $51K per year. This profession is all about the creativity. If you have it, then nothing can stop you reaching the top.