Hot Fashion Jobs for 2014
Opportunities abound in the fashion industry for creative types. The scope of fashion-related careers is not limited to fashion design, merchandising, marketing and special event promotions. Today’s celebrity-driven lifestyle has given rise to new careers including fashion stylists, makeup artists and personal shoppers.
Fashion Industry Statistics
Reports aggregated by Statistics Brain from industry data indicate that about 4.2 million people are employed in various capacities in the fashion industry. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that the apparel category alone makes about $250 billion in annual gross revenues. Worldwide, the fashion industry generates about $1 trillion annually.
While the industry may experience ups and downs in tandem with economic cycles, it will continue to be a stable career for those with the training and the tenacity to thrive in this challenging field.
Most Popular Fashion Industry Careers
The industry provides many ways for fashion-focused individuals to find their career path.
Fashion Designer
By far, the most popular fashion job continues to be that of fashion designer. To succeed in this career, one must be capable of predicting industry trends, designing clothes consistent with a certain brand or image and possessing technical skills and fabric expertise. Fashion designers may follow different career paths, but a two or four-year degree in design or fashion merchandising is a good start. Apprenticeship with an atelier will help budding designers gain the skills needed to grow their careers. Median earnings for fashion designers is about $62,000 per year, with the figure rising substantially as designers gain a name in the industry.
Fashion Merchandising
Jobs related to fashion merchandising are plentiful because they include involvement in product development, retailing and promotions. Fashion merchandisers need to anticipate consumer trends for their particular market and be capable of forming merchandising decisions based on perceived trends and prevailing demographics. All-around knowledge of the industry is helpful, and so is a business or communications degree.
Many fashion merchandisers start out on the sales floor, sometimes as a summer job, and make their way up to management or merchandising. Since the fashion merchandising jobs are so diverse, expected salaries may range from $25,000 to $53,000, which may rise to six-figure incomes for those with extensive experience and an executive position.
Makeup Artist
Makeup artists have the ability to use skincare products, cosmetics and cosmetic tools to achieve a certain look for a client. To do this, they need to understand the principles of color, light and texture as well as possess an intimate knowledge of the human form especially the skin. Typically, makeup artists are asked to enhance clients’ features, but some artists specialize in theatrical and special effects makeup where prosthetic devices may be used to mimic deformities or fantastical creations.
There are different pathways for those interested to learn how to become a makeup artist. Certificate programs are available in schools offering cosmetology courses. Since this job requires some technical skills, undergraduate degrees in theater, film and art provide a valuable background. To get a start in the business, an internship with a theater group will help. The median income for makeup artists is about $26,000, but the number is much higher for experienced and well-known makeup artists such as those working on large film or stage projects.
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