Industry Profile -- by Andrea Prunty

The fashion industry is no longer just about beautiful models parading down a catwalk to the applause of an admiring audience. Fashion is as much a business as making furniture or building houses. When we think of the fashion industry our minds quickly turn to the fashion designer struggling to make it in a highly competitive market. But let's not forget the tattoo artist around the corner, the seamstress above the post office, and the part-time retail clerk who works nights to fund her education. The industry is not just about the glamour we see in magazines and on billboards, rather a common industry a little closer to home than many think.

This industry requires specialized skills and talented people with a particular "attitude." One must be creative and able to express one's own ideas. An eye for color, shades, and tones is paramount. An ability to use textiles effectively, having visual imagination and be able to think in three dimension are common skills of the fashion guru. In addition, one must communicate effectively and be highly original, innovative, and able to overcome criticism. Educational requirements vary widely. While many education opportunities are available, almost all positions are available to those with inherent technical and/or creative skills.

While many of the jobs in this industry are "high profile," overall, most work opportunities are not expected to grow much in the next five years, according to an Alberta government study. That said, this industry also offers many opportunities for self-employment. Here's a look at some of the positions within the fashion industry:

Models display clothing and/or other products through fashion shows, advertising mediums and in person. Work hours and locations vary tremendously. There are no educational or training pre-requisites.

• Government survey shows pay rates range from $15 to $75 an hour
• Government study predicts average job growth to 2005 but notes work is part-time at best for the majority of models in Alberta

Fashion designers create new clothing and/or accessories such as gloves and hats. Some work on their own, while others work for clothing manufacturing companies, but all must meet strict deadlines and be able to work through the process of sketching a design, selecting complimentary fabrics and colors, making patterns, making alterations and fitting clothing. There are no standard educational requirements, although many courses that vary greatly in length are available.

• Government survey shows earnings from $15,000 a year to substantially more for "known" designers
• Government study predicts above average job growth to 2005 (although few people work in this field)

Fashion illustrators create sketches of models in various poses with current clothing, hair and makeup styles. Typically they'll work for, or with, fashion designers and/or art directors. Working conditions will vary, as will hours, but all must be able to meet deadlines and deal effectively with people. Training in fine arts or graphic design is recommended.

• Government survey shows earnings from $12,000 to $60,000 a year
• Government research predicts most jobs are available in Eastern Canada

Photographers (mostly commercial) use their technical and artistic skills to capture fashion models and products on film, or to help create an "image." Work settings will vary from an indoor studio to outdoors in the dead of winter. The hours may also be sporadic. Photography courses, apprenticeship and post-secondary programs are all routes to the profession.

• Government survey shows earnings from $19,000 to $43,000 a year
• Government research predicts above average job growth to 2005

Hairstylists clean, cut, style and color peoples' hair. For more on this career, check out this story in our archives of a working hairstylist.

• Government survey shows earnings from $11,000 to $45,000 a year
• Government research predicts average job growth to 2005

Make-up artists working in fashion prepare models for photo shoots or runway shows. (They also work in broadcasting and theatre.) Makeup artists require good color vision, and the abilities to work with people and work under pressure. They also have to provide their own makeup and equipment. There are no formal educational requirements.

• Government survey shows earnings from $17,000 to $21,000 a year
• Government research suggests low job growth

Tailors, seamstresses and dressmakers measure clients and then make, alter and repair items of clothing using their knowledge of fabrics, colors and sewing. They will work indoors in clothing manufacturing plants, or retail clothing outlets. There are no standard education requirements.

• Government survey shows earnings from $6 to $20 per hour
• Government research predicts average job growth

While retail clerks are there to help customers, they must also have an eye for fashion and an ability to establish rapport with clientele. Retail salespeople, as they are also called, arrange merchandise on shelves, put prices on the items, count inventory within the store, and help determine if more merchandise needs to be ordered. For more on careers in retail visit these stories in our archives.

• Government survey shows earnings from $11,000 to $36,000 a year
• Government research predicts average job growth