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Textile Designer

Do you want to become a Textile Designer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

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Textile designers produce creative designs for products such as:

• knitted and woven textiles, used to make clothes and soft furnishings
• rugs and carpets
• prints for wallpapers, greetings cards or tiles.

They need to consider factors like:

• how the design will be produced
• how the finished article will be used
• the quality of materials
• the budget.

Designers work standard hours but need to be flexible, to meet deadlines. They are based in studios or offices.

Earnings range from £10,000 when newly qualified, to £25,000 or more.

It may be difficult for freelancers, particularly those just starting out, to earn these sorts of salaries each year.

Textile designers need:

• to be artistic and creative
• an eye for colour, texture and pattern
• good drawing and sketching skills
• a knowledge of how textiles are produced
• practical skills such as sewing or weaving.

Employers include large manufacturing companies and small, exclusive design houses. Many textile designers are self-employed. Competition for work is strong.

Textile designers usually have degrees or HNCs/HNDs. Employers also require a portfolio of work.

Mature students are usually very welcome on art and design courses and qualification requirements may be waived or lowered. However, employers are unlikely to take newly-trained entrants in their 40s and 50s unless they can show a flexible approach and a strong and relevant portfolio.

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