| THE WORK:
Footwear designers create designs for many different types of footwear. These could be for high-end designers (known as ‘haute couture’), designer labels, high street brands and sportswear or specialist footwear companies. What does a footwear designer do?
Footwear designers create designs for many different types of footwear. These could be for high-end designers (known as ‘haute couture’), designer labels, high street brands and sportswear or specialist footwear companies.
The work of a footwear designer depends on the nature of the company, or if freelance, the market level. When designing for couture markets, a designer will spend much of their time working on the production of one-off shoes. When working for a high street retailer the designs will be based on the trends for the coming season.
A designer will be involved in producing mood-boards and design sketches to develop ideas. These are then turned into pattern pieces which are made into a shoe. A footwear designer would also spend time researching and sourcing new materials and negotiating with customers and suppliers.
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| HOURS AND ENVIRONMENT:
Footwear designers usually work around 39 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. Working hours for self-employed designers may be irregular, depending on the project they are working on. A footwear designer would normally be based in a studio environment, which would be warm and well-lit. They may spend long amounts of time working at a computer screen when using computerised design programmes. They may also spend time in a factory when making up their designs.
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| SKILLS AND INTERESTS:
It would be useful for someone considering a career in footwear design to have some of the following skills and interests: · an interest in fashion and trends
· a creative eye and attention to detail
· an appreciation of shape, proportion and human anatomy
· drawing and making skills (can be obtained through relevant training)
· an understanding of different materials and how they can be used
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| ENTRY :
To become a footwear designer it is normally necessary to have a relevant degree. A degree qualification needs to provide the relevant design and technical skills needed to work in the industry. The following universities offer courses specifically in footwear design: · De Montfort University
· London College of Fashion
For more information about university courses, visit the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Work experience is also a valuable way of gaining experience and establishing contacts within the industry. A good portfolio of work is also an essential requirement to take to job interviews.
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| TRAINING :
On-the-job training and experience is very important to develop skills in this area. Short courses are also available with a number of institutions; these will also help develop skills and may lead to promotion opportunities. The following courses are available: · SATRA research centre offers a wide range of training including the Accredited Footwear Technologist Award
· BLC leather technology centre offers training in leather, including footwear
For more information about SATRA, visit: www.satra.co.uk. For more information about the BLC, visit: www.blcleathertech.com.
Postgraduate qualifications are also available from De Montfort University and the London College of Fashion in footwear design.
It is also possible to gain a professional qualification in footwear from the Textile Institute, for more information visit: www.texi.org.
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| OPPORTUNITIES:
Job opportunities are available in this area in footwear manufactures, brands and retailers. The job market for designers is increasingly an international one with opportunities overseas. A footwear designer may gain promotion to senior designer, design director or head of department, with the relevant skills and experience.
Some footwear designers become freelance, working for companies on specific projects. It is also possible for an experienced footwear designer to launch their own collection, but the market is very competitive and only a few new brands will be successful.
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| ANNUAL INCOME :
A footwear designer could expect a starting salary of around £15,000 a year. This would increase to between £18,000 and £22,000 a year with experience. High earners in this field could earn between £50,000 and £60,000 a year. Qualification information (external sources)
Other
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| CASE STUDY | |
Sarah Ibrahim, Footwear designer for Gina.
If you are considering a career in fash...
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