The Best Fashion Career For You

Question:  “I know I want to do SOMETHING in fashion, but aren't sure where to start.  Any suggestions?” – Pat

Answer:  Start with what you're good at and enjoy.

Now I know this seems like a pat answer, but it really boils down to the basics.

If you're forever sketching outfits, look to fashion or costume design.  Have a passion for shoes or handbags?  Design, report, or review them for fashion magazines.  Love to sew?  Then take in sewing.  Could you sell ice to Eskimos?  Then try your hand at fashion merchandising.

Yes, it is a simple as that.  Don't go against the grain.  The fastest, easiest way to get started is to find something you're good at, and figure out a way to combine it with your “fashion for passion.”

Now I'll say right up front that most people don't do this.

When they find they're drawn to the art of fashion, they immediately think in terms of designing, modeling, or fashion merchandising.  So these fields become over-crowded with “wanna bes” of average talent who are sure their destiny lies in one of these areas.

Oftentimes, it doesn't.  So when they encounter criticism, rejection, or dismissal, they become discouraged and throw in the towel.  Many a promising fashion career has been derailed because the talent insisted on boarding the wrong train.

Don't let this happen to you.

Instead, give the matter some serious consideration. Here are some tips to get you pointed in the right direction:

1.  Take Stock of Your Talents and Abilities

If you love to sew but hate to sell, own up to it.  If you prefer to be behind the camera instead of in front of it, make note.  Love makeup, perfume, and lotion?  Perhaps your destiny is to design faces — or makeup.

Don't assume “the grass is always greener” in another fashion career, just because it gets more press. Carve a niche for yourself with what you know and love, and you'll be on the fast track to success in record time.

2. Start Locally

Fashion doesn't just happen in New York, Paris, Milan, or London.  It's created all over the place.  So, hone your skills at the local level BEFORE you set your sights on one of the big fashion cities.  Not only will you gain the necessary experience to compete in “the big leagues,” you'll be a lot less likely to quit once you have some successes to your credit. 

Remember:  Master the little hurdles first.  Once you gain confidence and experience in your chosen field, you can start setting the bar higher and higher. 

3. Grow Wisely

Whether you want to stay in your local market or have your name spoken in reverent tones the world over, plan your path wisely.  Watch your money, surround yourself with honest people, and keep a good head on your shoulders.

Sometimes, that's really hard to do.  Once you start tasting success, all sorts of characters will appear out of the woodwork.  Some will be of great assistance to you; others will only appear that way on the surface.

Enjoy the praise for your talents, yes, but don't let it go to your head.  Learn how to handle money, even if it seems complicated.  Do background checks on anyone who will be handling your pertinent affairs.  Protect yourself from piracy by covering all of your

legal bases.

In short, stay in control of your name, your talents, and your legacy.  Don't put a wolf in charge of your hen house because you can't be bothered with the details.  If you do, all of your hard work may be for

naught.

So –

1. Find something you like and are good at.
2. Start locally.
3. Grow wisely.

It's a sure-fire recipe for success that most people never follow.  If you plan your victory from the start instead of following what everyone else is doing, you're much more likely to find success.

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Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a fashion writer and image consultant and a contributing author to FabJob’s Guide to “Become A Fashion Designer.”  You can visit her online at FashionJobReview.com .