Do you want to become a fashion designer? If so, Arkansas is a great place to start your education. The state has three schools that offer fashion design programs. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top five schools in Arkansas that offer fashion design programs. We will also provide you with information on tuition costs and program availability. So, if you are interested in pursuing a career in fashion design, read on!
Your Best Options for Fashion Design in Arkansas
- Jamileh Kamran Arkansas Fashion School, Little Rock, AR
- Harding University, Searcy, AR
- Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, AR
Jamileh Kamran Arkansas Fashion School
The Jamileh Kamran Arkansas Fashion School offers an intensive full-time program in fashion design that takes approximately 15 months. Students will learn a variety of skills, such as sketching and drawing, patternmaking, draping and fitting techniques, construction techniques, fabric science and dye chemistry, computer-aided design (CAD) software applications, clothing styling and design principles. Tuition for the program is $10,575 per year. Students need to complete an 8-week Basic Tailoring program as a prerequisite.
Harding University
Harding University offers an online Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Merchandising through its Department of Family & Consumer Sciences. This program focuses on the business side of fashion: pricing and purchasing merchandise; managing inventory; display design; promotion communication; textiles sourcing; product development and merchandising. Tuition for the program is $17,190 per year.
Henderson State University
At Henderson State University, students can study Fashion Merchandising. Coursework includes topics such as fabrics and textiles; fashion history; apparel construction; visual merchandising; product development and promotion; store operations and management. Tuition for the program is $7,360 per year. On completing the program, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Fashion Merchandising.
What Qualifications do I need to Work in Fashion?
To work in the fashion industry, you need to have a combination of creative and technical skills. A degree or diploma in fashion design or fashion merchandising is essential. You should also have knowledge of textiles, patternmaking, design principles and computer-aided design (CAD) software applications. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important when working with clients or buyers. Finally, staying up-to-date with current trends is key to success as a fashion designer or merchandiser.
Where Can I Work in Fashion in Arkansas?
Fashion Designers in Arkansas are employed by apparel manufacturers, department stores, boutiques, theaters, costume companies and design studios. Many of these employers also offer internships and volunteer opportunities to aspiring designers which is a great way to gain experience.
Arkansas also has annual fashion events such as The Little Rock Fashion Week, an annual event which features emerging designers, models, and makeup artists. Such events can be a great platform for new designs to be showcased.
How Much do Fashion Designers make in Arkansas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fashion designers in Arkansas have an average annual salary of $49,290. This is slightly higher than the national average for fashion design salaries which is $48,400 per year.
Fashion designers can increase their earnings by taking on additional responsibilities such as styling, marketing and sales. They can also create their own clothing line or accessories which give them the potential to earn much more.
Those that work in fashion merchandising can earn even more, with average salaries ranging from $44,000 to $100,000 per year.
The Bottom Line
If you want to pursue a career in fashion design or merchandising, Arkansas offers several excellent schools with comprehensive programs. From Jamileh Kamran’s intensive full-time program in fashion design to Henderson State University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Fashion Merchandising, you have plenty of options available. So, take a look at the schools listed above and find the perfect fit for your career aspirations!