Posted under
Designers by Joyce on October 11th, 2007 8:59 am
By Saar Machtinger
Computer Aided Design is used at various stages in the apparel
and textile industry. The fashion design CAD/CAM software can be
broadly classified into following categories, each relating to a
different design and manufacturing stage.
Categories and manufacturing stages are:
Designing/ Range Planning – before the start of any fashion
season, all apparel manufacturers plan the range of garments
which they are setting up to manufacture. Most of the designing
and range planning is still done by the buyer or the owners of
the brand because they are closest to their actual clients; it
is easier for them to understand the specific needs of their
target market. To some extent, this has now changed with more
and more manufacturers allowing vendors to dabble a bit in
designing, based on their specific inputs in terms of colors,
yarns, fabrics, prints, silhouettes etc.
Prototyping/ Sampling – once the designs have been finalized, a
prototype or sample has to be made, because the scalability of
the end product (garment) very much depends on the fit of the
garment.
In a study conducted by an independent research agency, which
monitored and observed the reasons of dissatisfaction or returns
of garments sold - fitting problems topped the dissatisfaction
list.
Considering the importance of a good fit, it becomes imperative
for a manufacturer or retailer to achieve the best fits
possible. Considering the complexity involved with different
fabrics and silhouettes, a CAD system takes away much of the
pain from prototyping thus decreasing the time to market.
Mass Production – comes with its own challenges. Unlike most
other products, apparel manufacturing, even today very much
depends on people – especially when it comes to tailoring or
assembling. A mistake anywhere down the line in the prototyping
or cutting process becomes very difficult and often impossible
to rectify. This is where a CAD system comes in, to deskill some
of the processes involved in mass manufacturing, namely the
pre–production processes so that perfectly cut parts are fed to
the operators. Additionally, the fabric saved in bulk cutting
while using a CAD system is enormous.
Retailing – A 3D solution allows 3D files to be uploaded on to
website for clients to choose from. 3D files can be opened and
viewed in any MS office application or Internet explorer.
About the Author: Mr. Saar Machtinger, Director Business
Development, OptiTex™ Fashion design software, which specializes
in the development of innovative, easy-to-operate, 2-Dimensional
and 3-Dimensional CAD/CAM Fashion Design software.
www.optitex.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Posted under
Designers by Joyce on June 20th, 2007 11:28 am
Workers in other art and design occupations include artists and related workers, commercial and industrial designers, floral designers, graphic designers, and interior designers. jewelers and precious stone and metal workers also design wearable accessories. Other common occupations in the fashion industry include demonstrators, product promoters, and models; photographers; purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents; retail salespersons; and textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations.
Posted under
Designers by Joyce on June 18th, 2007 11:27 am
Median annual earnings for fashion designers were $55,840 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $38,800 and $77,580. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,840.
Earnings in fashion design can vary widely based on the employer and years of experience. Starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low until designers are established in the industry. Salaried fashion designers usually earn higher and more stable incomes than self-employed or freelance designers. However, a few of the most successful self-employed fashion designers may earn many times the salary of the highest paid salaried designers. Self-employed fashion designers must provide their own benefits and retirement.
Posted under
Designers by Joyce on June 16th, 2007 11:27 am
Job competition is expected be keen as many designers are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation, while relatively few job openings arise because of low job turnover and a small number of new openings created every year. Employment of fashion designers is projected to grow more slowly than average for all occupations through 2014. Employment declines in cut and sew apparel manufacturing are projected to offset increases in apparel wholesalers.
Employment growth for fashion designers will stem from a growing population demanding more clothing, footwear, and accessories. Demand is increasing for stylish clothing that is affordable, especially among middle income consumers. The best job opportunities will be in design firms that design mass market clothing sold in department stores and retail chain stores, such as apparel wholesale firms. Few employment opportunities are expected in design firms that cater to high-end department stores and specialty boutiques as demand for expensive, high-fashion design declines relative to other luxury goods and services.
Job opportunities in cut and sew manufacturing will continue to decline as apparel is increasingly manufactured overseas. However, employment of fashion designers in this industry will not decline as fast as other occupations because firms are more likely to keep design work in-house.
