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textile designer
Textile designers create two dimensional (2D) designs for woven, knitted or printed fabrics and textile products for use in furnishings or clothing.
Their work involves:
- liaising with clients, technical staff, marketing and buying staff
- producing initial sketches by hand or on computer, using specialist computer aided design (CAD) software
- making up samples or having them constructed by technicians
- researching design trends and forecasts to decide what is likely to sell
- finding out about developments in manufacturing technology.
Many textile designers work with their colleagues on the design team at each stage of the design process.
Freelance designers often have relevant craft skills and may complete all parts of the process, for example:
- hand-printing small batches of fabric
- tufting rugs
- producing decorative woven or embroidered textiles for wall-hangings
- marketing their work either directly from their own studio, through craft fairs and similar outlets, or indirectly through galleries or shops.
Hours and Environment
Textile designers working for companies usually work basic hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but might work extra hours when there are deadlines to meet. Part-time work is sometimes possible.
Freelance designers do not have set hours, and will have to divide their time between designing (and possibly making up designs) and marketing their work. They may also need to supplement their income with other types of work, such as teaching.
Travel, in this country or abroad, may be necessary, for example to visit/exhibit at trade fairs, or to visit clients and manufacturers. A driving licence may be useful.
Skills and Interests
To be a textile designer you need:
- to be artistic and creative with an understanding of colour, texture and pattern
- a good understanding of different techniques and the properties of different materials
- IT skills, including the use of specialist CAD software
- good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team
- to be able to budget and cost out work
- to have the marketing, financial and administrative skills needed for running a business (to be a freelance designer).
Entry
Most employed designers have a degree in a textile-related subject.
England and Wales
In England and Wales you will often need to do a recognised art and design foundation course for entry to degree courses, but you might also be accepted with one of the following:
- two subjects at A level/three H grades
- another level 3 qualification, such as an AVCE in Art and Design or a BTEC/SQA National Diploma in a relevant subject area.
For entry to foundation courses you will usually need:
- five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3); and
- one A level/two H grades.
To search for colleges and universities offering art and design foundation courses, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Scotland
degree courses last for four years, with a first year which is similar to the foundation courses in England and Wales.
For all courses you will need to present a portfolio of your work. If you are a mature entrant you may be accepted without the usual academic entry requirements if you can show you have exceptional talent. for those who If you need help in assembling your work you may be able to attend a portfolio-building course at a local college.
For all courses you should check with colleges and universities for their specific requirements.
Developing a portfolio
You will need a portfolio when you are looking for work after qualifying. It can be worthwhile researching companies whose products match your style, and making speculative approaches. Entering competitions, exhibitions and shows may also be a good way of being noticed by employers.
If you do not have a degree but have relevant craft skills
You may be able to move into designing/making on a self-employed basis. You will need to bear in mind that the design field is very competitive, and success involves high levels of talent, determination and persistence.
If you want to take a more practical route you could develop your skills by doing courses such as:
- City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Design and Craft (7722). This provides an introduction to a range of options including textiles
- City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Design & Craft (7822) which builds on the skills developed on the Level 1 course
- City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate (7922) which develops skills to the level of professional craftsperson and requires completion of a design unit and a craft unit.
If you are self employed you will need to find premises. The Crafts Council or crafts officer of your local regional arts boards may be able to advise on studio availability and possible sources of funding. Please see the Further Information section.
You can download a business start-up guide from the Design Trust website . See the Further Information section.
Training
If you have a relevant degree you could do postgraduate courses to develop your knowledge, or to give you additional skills, which can be used to supplement income. An example of this is the Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) which will give you a teaching qualification.
If you are already involved in a creative business you could do one of the following qualifications:
- City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma (7923) in Design & Craft
- City & Guilds Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Creative Crafts, which includes an option in stitched textiles.
Membership of professional bodies such as those listed in Further Information is useful for gaining recognition of your skills, access to advice and opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) and industry contacts.
Opportunities
Employers include large manufacturing companies or small, exclusive design houses. Some designers also work for design practices, or for architects or interior designers. Others work for manufacturers or retailers.
As well as designing, freelance designers may supplement their design work by producing textiles to sell at craft fairs. They may also work part-time in teaching or other related areas.
As most design studios and manufacturers’ design departments are quite small, so opportunities for promotion may be limited to senior design positions.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Income for textile designers varies depending on ability, reputation and the type of employer.
Newly-qualified designers earn around £12,000.
Experienced textile designers can earn £25,000 upwards.
Freelance designers may charge per design or per collection and rates vary widely. Agents may take up to 30 per cent as commission.
Further information
St James's Buildings
Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6FQ
Tel: 0161 237 1188
Apex House
99 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5DH
Tel: 0131 313 6243
London
W1B 1PW
Tel: 020 7636 5577
Hampton Court Palace
Surrey
KT8 9AU
Tel: 020 8943 1229
London
WC2E 7DL
Tel: 020 7420 5200
London
N1 9BY
Tel: 020 7278 7700
London
SW1P 3NQ
Tel: 0845 300 6200
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice