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"Do you love watching Project Runway and reading stacks of fashion magazines? Here is some advice I wish someone had given me before I went to college for fashion design. 1. Keep a design journal A design journal is a place where you can sketch out ideas and write down your thoughts. You want to include anything that inspires you whether it&amp;#039;s a magazine picture or a random flyer with a fun graphic. Admissions counselors and future employers love seeing your thought process. Plus, it&amp;#039;s a great reference for when you need an idea for a design project! 2. Take as many sewing or art classes available Knowing how to sew isn&amp;#039;t a requirement for most fashion design programs. However, even having a slight familiarity with how a sewing machine operates helps! Sign up to take art classes in high school or at your local community center. Having an eye for light, color, and form will prepare you for the many fashion-sketching classes you&amp;#039;ll have to take in college. Also, talk to your art teachers they&amp;#039;d most likely love to help you in your school search and portfolio preparation. 3.  Work in retail If you need a summer job and are even slightly interested in fashion design try applying to a local boutique or department store. Working in retail is a great way to learn about customers and what they are buying or not even coming close to touching. Many of my fashion professors encourage working in retail. 4.  Finally, know that being a fashion design major isn&amp;#039;t glamorous all the time! Sure, you will occasionally get the opportunity to help backstage at a fashion show, but realize fashion design is also a LOT of hard work. Many times homework can be unbelievably time consuming and the fashion industry is very competitive. That said, I think you can definitely handle it as long as you&amp;#039;re dedicated! I hope my advice was helpful. Are any of you interested in fashion design? Tell me your favorite designers! XOXO Kaila Waybright CG! Beauty Intern "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/a8448/aspiring-designer-advice/>