Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton

Like a chameleon changing colors leaping from the jungle floor to a tree, fashion constantly takes on new looks. At one time bell bottoms brought nothing but laughs, now they're common. Not haute couture by any means, but fashionable nonetheless. Regardless of how or why styles change, one constant remains; people with solid skills sets are always needed, be it designing new clothes, creating new hairstyles or managing a retail outlet. Here's a look at some potential learning and training opportunities, and tips from people already working in the industry:

• Those looking to work as a photographer's apprentice should be prepared to spend a lot of time on the phone. Local photographer Chad Johnston, once a photo apprentice, said the work opportunities can be few and far between, but those who are persistent and competent will find work more regularly. He said the pay is low, around the range of $100 per day. Photo apprentices may do everything from making coffee to setting up lights in a studio.


• Tammy, the boss at Details Model & Talent Management, has this advice for anyone considering getting into modelling: "No one works full-time as a model in Calgary. They may make $10,000 a year." She also said prospective models don't need to take courses or spend thousands of dollars on a portfolio. And agents should only make money from their models when models make money working in that capacity, she added. "I don't want to inflate peoples' hopes."


• Local designer Gail Bitternose recommends those looking to pursue fashion design make sure they're well-schooled in drawing, pattern drafting, sewing and textiles. As the industry is highly competitive, she also advises on maintaining realistic expectations. "To really make it like the big designers, you probably need several million dollars and a warehouse full of seamstresses," she said.

Working as a designer also requires much attention to the business side of the industry, added Bitternose, who has been designing contemporary clothing by blending aboriginal and non-aboriginal traditions for 10 years. In addition to creating the clothing, you have to market yourself through fashion shows, which means staying in constant touch with dozens of other people.

"It's a lot of work and your clothes take a beating unless you're selling a lot and then sewing your fingers off." Although not in Alberta, the bachelor of applied arts program offered at Ryerson Polytechnic University should be considered because of potential marketing opportunities through the school, she said.

• Fashion design programs closer to home covering topics such as sewing, merchandising and textiles are available at Lethbridge Community College and Olds College. Lethbridge offers a one-year certificate and a two-year diploma. Olds offers a 10-month retail certificate and a two-year fashion production diploma.

The Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) offers degree programs for several areas of fashion. Fine arts graduates specializing in textiles may move into designing clothes, while those taking the photography stream may move into the commercial photography world.

Continuing education courses are also available at ACAD and may include classes such as: basic drawing, fashion drawing, illustration and pattern drafting, working with cloth, and photography.

The University of Calgary offers a bachelor degree in fine arts as well as a number of masters degree options, including photography.

• Calgary's Chinook College offers several courses related to fashion, including makeup application, hair styling and sewing.

Calgary Parks and Recreation often offers classes in drawing and photography. Check out what's available in the program guides available free at magazine stands throughout the city.

• In Alberta, hair styling is a two-year apprenticeship program. For more information on apprenticing in Alberta visit the Alberta Industry and Training website.

The Calgary location of Marvel College offers a hair styling program, while the Edmonton location offers additional courses, including fashion design and apparel production.

• The Apparel Human Resources Council site contains a search engine for fashion-related educational programs across Canada.
• The retail side of the industry is huge. Many opportunities to work in, with and around fashion exist in retail. Check out our May 1999 issue for opportunities in the retail industry.