Textile Design

We don't always think about it, but there is art all around us. Look around your home. Do you have towels? How'd they get there? Somebody had to design that towel select those colors, create the patterns, choose the materials, etc. The same can be said of your carpets, the fabrics on your furniture, even your curtains. These different styles were all designed by somebody. That somebody is a textile designer, a person responsible for the aesthetic characteristics of fabrics or cloths.



 

Textile Design at a Glance


Textile Designers perform a mix of the following tasks on a regular basis :

  • Experimenting with color, fabric and texture
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new design and Production techniques and technology
  • Sourcing fabrics and other materials at trade fairs, markets, and antique shops
  • Attending trade shows, as a delegate or as an exhibitor, which may involve representing the company with a display or stand, or appraising the work of competitors

A textile designer works closely with clients and design teams to create unique fabrics using a variety of design concepts and media including textile CAD software programs, such as :

  • Pro-Weave
  • 3D Mapping
  • Photoshop

The following skills are required to be successful as a Textile Designer :

  • Excellent communication skills to discuss, understand, and interpret the requirements and needs of clients
  • Understanding of the basic principles of design research to assess the distinction of a specific design
  • Strong organizational and computer skills
  • Ability to analyze and interpret test data
  • Strong Communication skills
  • Interpersonal Skills to work in creative teams


About Textile Design Schools


Sr No. College/Institute Location Courses
1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai B.Des/M.Des/Ph.D in Textile Design
2. Indian Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) Chandigarh MBA in Textile Design
3. Pearl Academy Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Noida PG in Fashion Design (Textile Design)
4. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Ahmeadabad, Kannur,
Bhubaneshwar, Bangalore
B.Des in Textile Design

The programme focuses on the integration of design with textile technology, keeping in mind the social and economic contexts in which the designers work today :

  • There is emphasis on learning specialized software in order to explore digital approach to design, fabric structures and surfaces.
  • The students get exposure to a craft environment by way of craft cluster initiative, which sensitizes them to traditional practices.
  • The students may have to undertake Graduation Project in their final year which is sponsored by textile mills, export houses, home and apparel retail brands, designers, NGOs or is self sponsored


About the Work Industry/Job Market


Textile Design Graduates have opportunities to work in Industries like :

  • Manufacturing and processing companies that produce clothing, soft furnishings and other textile-based products
  • Large fashion and clothing retailers
  • Design studios and consultancies
  • Small specialist design companies
  • Interior Design and Decoration services

They can be appointed in the Roles of :

  • Analytical Textile Technologist
  • Beamers
  • Blender
  • Buyer
  • Carder
  • Carpet Designers
  • Chief Innovation Officers
  • Clothing Alteration Hands
  • Clothing Manufacturing Engineers
  • Clothing Pressers
  • Collar linker

The Global Textile industry is changing to meet the needs of the new market trends in :

  • Technology
  • Non-woven materials
  • Domestic Sales
  • Green Textiles and
  • Environmental Sustainability

An average pay of Rs. 3,50,000 p.a. can be expected for Freshers
The same for Experienced Professionals is Rs. 6,00,000 p.a.


Following are the best companies/studios for leather designing in India :

  • Arvind Mills
  • Indian Terrain
  • Grasim Industries
  • Madura Brands
  • Mafatlal Industries Ltd
  • Nahar Industries
  • Shingora International
  • Ambadi Enterprises
  • Crew BOS
  • Abhishek Industries
  • Welspun India
  • Shades of India
  • Creative Mobus Fabrics
  • Rateria Exports
  • Mahajan Overseas
  • Triburg
  • Bharat Silks
  • Third World Exports