How Do I Become a Successful 3D Fashion Designer?

No, the next big thing in Fashion is not AR/VR dressing rooms or fabric cutting robots. (They are top contenders for sure, but not IT). If we’re talking major disruptions, the-industry-will-never-be-the-same disruptions — it’s 3D fashion design. No questions asked.

Virtual experiences are taking center stage in the fashion community, and 3D fashion design now is a full-fledged career. Brands like Balmain, Prada and Louis Vuitton are even testing the waters of the virtual fashion world through virtual showrooms, garments, campaigns, and experiences is only proof of it. This only means one thing: there is tremendous opportunity in the 3D fashion space right now.

Want to make it big in the 3D fashion design world? Here’s how you get started.

Develop Your Creative Design Skills

We are taking it back to the basics with this one, and 3D fashion veterans will agree – if you’re looking to start in 3D design, you need to have good design skills first. This includes the ability to draw patterns, silhouettes and models; an understanding of composition and forms; and an excellent colour sense. Although not mandatory, a distinctive design style is a bonus that sets you apart. 

And here’s the thing. Developing these skills takes time, patience and a tonne of practice. So before looking up anything else, master these skills if you want to master 3D fashion design.

Master the Software

Fashion designing in the real world requires a steady pair of hands and excellent cloth and scissor work, but these skills just don’t make the cut in a virtual fashion design world. After all, succeeding here requires a thorough grasp of design software as well. So start by mastering basic pattern-making software like Adobe Illustrator, Lectra, Gerber, etc., and once that’s done, move on to advanced 3D creation software like CLO3D, Optitex, and more.

Remember, 3D design software will allow you to play with models, textures, movements, angles, and scenes, and mastering each of these takes some time. Besides, some 3D modeling software have steeper learning curves too.

Get a Degree

Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for accessible digital education. But a structured 3D fashion design certificate course does get a few things right. A curriculum that covers all the basics and acquaints you with design terminology, guided assignments and project assistance, a peer network, and regular graded assignments, to name a few.

Create a Portfolio

Sure, having the design skills and knowing the software help, but what the fashion houses really want to see is your 3D fashion design portfolio. So curate a portfolio that showcases your unique design style while still being aligned to the aesthetics of the fashion house of your choice. Don’t want to niche down on a particular style? Try making a collection around a central idea. Even better if you can connect individual pieces with a story.

Do Design Internships

A stint at a reputed fashion house can do wonders for your resume (and your future design career!). So consider a short internship before going into a fashion designer role straight out of college. This will equip you with the skills to survive in the competitive fashion industry while helping you hone your creativity.

Over to You

3D fashion design is a relatively new career choice in the fashion world. Naturally, there is no fixed career path, and there are no set rules. Anyone with the right skill set and a passion can become a 3D fashion designer. Sure, the above tips can set you on the right track. But like every other creative field, a successful 3D fashion design career needs more than the right skills. It needs a unique perspective, something that one can arrive at only after years of practice and patience.