Fashion Design Schools in New Mexico

Fashion design is an exciting, diverse field with a range of specialties and career paths for dedicated professionals. Whether you want to create swimsuits that make people feel confident strutting on the beach or design formal wear for major events, it all begins with your education.

State License Requirements

The field of fashion design, though closely linked to beauty, has fewer restrictions than other beauty careers. In fact, you do not need any type of formal training or education to start working as a fashion designer in NM. While you don’t legally need any training to work in fashion design, a degree may help you qualify for fashion design jobs at local firms and design companies. Consider earning an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree.

Education Details

In a fashion design program, you may take dozens of courses that develop your knowledge of fashion theory and build up your practical skill base. Whether you attend an Associate’s degree program or a Bachelor's degree program, covered subjects are often very similar.

In your curriculum, you may find courses like

• Draping Fundamentals
• Sewing Techniques
• Fashion Art and Design
• Fashion Design Computer Techniques
• Flat Pattern Design
• Model Drawing

As a fashion student, you need to prove your growing skills at every turn. That's why many programs require you to create a portfolio that showcases your best work.

License Renewal

New Mexico Fashion Design Careers

The job outlook for fashion designers varies quite a bit from area to area. Although you may be able to find work in a rural or suburban area, it's important to remember that the fashion industry mainly thrives in urban areas. If you are willing to relocate to an urban part of New Mexico, you may find a greater variety of opportunities. This field is known for having a fairly diverse salary range. What you earn depends on how much experience you have and your educational background. Per O*Net, the average salary for a New Mexico fashion designer is $64,030 per year (O*Net, 2016)

As a new fashion designer, you may take on a number of job duties. Often, you must establish yourself by working on other designers’ creations, prepping designs for shows and pitches, and creating designs for smaller demographic groups. As you gain experience, you may be able to spend more time on your own work and start designing for more competitive target groups. Networking and getting your name out there is an important part of this industry. You may want to spend some time getting involved in events like New Mexico Fashion Week.

Contact the New Mexico State Board of Fashion Design