Fashion Designers  are the artists of the apparel industry.  Most fashion designers, however, work for apparel manufacturers, creating designs of men's, women's, and children's fashions for the mass market.  Fashion designers begin the process by making rough sketches of garments or accessories, often using computer-assisted design (CAD) software.
Some designers choose to move into positions in business or merchandising.  Designers employed by manufacturing establishments, large corporations, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Designers in smaller design consulting firms, or those who freelance, generally work on a contract, or job, basis. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients schedules and deadlines, meeting with the clients during evening or weekend hours when necessary  Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments.

Designers may transact business in their own offices or studios or in clients homes or offices. They also may travel to other locations, such as showrooms, design centers, clients exhibit sites, and manufacturing facilities. Designers who are paid by the assignment are under pressure to please clients and to find new ones in order to maintain a steady income.

Fashion designers generally work in apparel manufacturing or wholesale distribution of apparel, piece goods, and notions.  A large proportion of designers are self-employed and do freelance work full time or part time in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in another occupation.  In fashion design, employers generally seek individuals with a 2- or 4-year degree who are knowledgeable in the areas of textiles, fabrics, and ornamentation, and about trends in the fashion world.

Employers increasingly expect new designers to be familiar with computer-aided design software as a design tool.  Individuals in the design field must be creative, imaginative, and persistent and must be able to communicate their ideas in writing, visually, and verbally.