STARTING A SUCCESSFUL FASHION CAREER IN NIGERIA
- Damie Adems
- Oct 11, 2018
- 3 min read
There are so many unexplored career options in the Nigerian fashion industry. To begin a career in fashion will require knowing the career opportunities available and how you should harness them.
Its not just about loving fabrics and designs. Its about making a career out of what you love. It's about garnering as much experience and exposure in the fashion industry such that you can intelligently find the right fashion career that fits your personal idiosyncrasy. So like Oprah Winfrey rightly quoted "do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do".
so :
1. Know the industry: You will have to begin with a basic knowledge of the fashion industry history. Who were fashion designers? How did the industry begin? What is the future of fashion?
2. Know the Fashion Industry players- both on the international and local scenes. Know the fashion week seasons and their importance.
3.Know the various fields in the industry- haute couture, ready to wear, fashion styling,fashion blogging, fashion photography, retail buyer, merchandiser, garment technologist, fashion illustrator, fashion public relations, fashion journalism and a few more. This should help you identify what field you'd prefer to pursue.
4. Acquire the professional skills required ; get the education if you are aspiring to become a fashion design, learn the techniques if you are pursuing a fashion photography career path, if you desire to become a fashion illustrator, learn the skill or improve on your abilities, get the professional tools, meet up and socialize with persons in the same field on social media platforms as this will keep you abreast of new developments and opportunities in the field you have chosen.
5. Intern: I cannot over emphasize this . Find internship placements and opportunities in the field you prefer. Intern at the Lagos Fashion Week, understudy at a fashion public relations agency, intern with a fashion brand, fashion photographer, textile designer. You choose based on you preference. Do not rush out of an internship program, if its time bound seek to intern in other companies or with other persons as this will give you the exposure and experience you need. Note that not all fashion internship jobs come with a substantial envelope at the end of the month so be prepared.
6. Build a career portfolio; This is a documented summary of everything that concerns your career; personal data, education, skills, CV, internships, collections, projects, awards and recognition.
7. Know the industry requirements for your field; what do employees want from a textile designer? what do employees want from a fashion public relations personnel? what are the general deliverable for your specific field? These should help you acquire more skills if necessary, attend events if necessary and become more social or knowledgeable if necessary.
8. Get a job in the desired field; There is so much competition out there, so you'll have to be fierce and competitive. As much as there is so much lime light and glamour associated with the fashion industry, there is also a lot of hardworking industry experts behind the scene which is usually where a career in fashion begins.
Don't be in a hurry to start your own fashion empire. This is one of the major mistakes many young fashion enthusiasts have made. While you take your time, stay alert, explore all the opportunities you can lay your hands on in the industry. Some times you might discover you are a fashion intrapreneur and not an entrepreneur.
9. If you decide to become a start up, then you begin a whole new journey of creating a brand with a niche that meets the needs of your targeted audience.
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