How do designers create work that stimulates consumer desire, advances design, and leaves a thumbprint on our culture?

 Stay focused  Be well rounded-you need to be able to create something that is relevant to today and is in demand, as well as understand the lifestyle of your consumers.  Straddle two worlds-You need to balance the market’s needs with your identity as an artist to maintain customer loyalty.  Build your skills-Design knowledge & vocabulary will allow you to solve problems & choose the best techniques for that particular problem. Design is problem solving.  Keep up with new technologies-New materials & processes used for other things are often utilized by the fashion world=innovation.  Understand relevancy-Observe the world around you (culture,politics,economics,etc.) to maintain context in your work.  Exercise your creative muscles-Explore different methods for creating, inspirations, materials used & customer parameters.  Have a pure vision-Your designs should not mimic another designers work. Saying something new to the world must be a constant goal.

Perform Research-Accumulate visual references for collections Follow Trends-Keep up to date on market trends Create Mood/Concept Boards- Shows a direction. Present it to retailors for feedback Find Sources for Fabrics-Establish relationships with fabric suppliers Gain Knowledge of Fabrics-Understand factors like drape, usability, aesthetics & cost Coordinate Design-Work with print studios to develop textile print designs& graphics Monitor Quality- Establish color standards & check for print quality Develop the Collection-Sketch designs, silhouettes & “looks” & ensure they can be easily interpreted by pattern makers, drapers, etc. Develop prototype-Create samples with your in house sample room staff (pattern cutting/draping) Design/Select Trims Create Merchandise Plans Communicate Detailed Information-Clarify all aspects of construction, give detailed measurements Conduct & Participate in Fittings Communicate with Production Staff-Visit factories to direct the production of the collection Understand Cost-Know the market price for materials & components, and have knowledge of markup & profitability Present the Collection-Show sales teams, executives, retailors & media