Jason’s Career Plan

Fashion Designer/Product Developer

Education: College degree required. A specific Fashion Design major is important.

Fashion DesignerProduct DeveloperEducation:.Experience: Internships in fashion design, technical design and product development.

Experience: Internships in merchandising, product development or buyingPersonality/Skills: Must love fashion and following trends; good analytical, negotiation, leadership and business skills; ability to work under pressure.

Personality/Skills: Team player, ability to forecast trends and understand customer, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, AutoCAD, sketching abilities. College degree required. Business or fashion merchandising coursework helpful.

Experience: Internships in fashion design, technical design and product development.

Personality/Skills: Team player, ability to forecast trends and understand customer, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, AutoCAD, sketching abilities.

General Career Path(fashioncampusnyc.com)

Product Developer Fashion Designer

Internships

Assistant Designer

Associate Designer

Designer

Senior Designer

Creative Director/VP of Design

Internships

Assistant Product

Developer

Associate Product

Developer

Product Developer

Product Development Director

VP Product Development

Career path for Product developer

Job No. 1

Production/Quality Control Internship 6 months-1 year

Salary: $0-$9Responsibilities:• Measure samples in development to ensure fit.• Assist in Quality Control inspections of production

goods.• Assign style numbers/ color codes for new designs.• Assist in spot checking measurements of sample and

bulk production.• Assist in approving production dye colors.• Work with design team to learn about craftsmanship and

construction techniques.• Coordinate with marketing for timing on launches of new

products.• Assist with inventory management.• Answering and replying to emails.• Assist with vendor/ factory relationships.• Assist shipping manager to ensure timely deliveries of

production goods.

Qualifications• BA/BFA degree or currently obtaining degree.• Incredibly organized/relishes in the fine details.• Experience measuring garments is preferred.• 1+ year relevant experience in a fast-paced, creative

environment.• Must have basic Microsoft office or Google sheets know

how.• You are positive and supportive, able to work under

pressure with a helpful attitude.• You are comfortable working independently on

organizational projects.

Job No. 2

Assistant Product Developer 5 years

Salary: $48,000Responsibilities:• Present development sheets to the supervisor for

approval and partner with vendors specifying what pieces are being required for product development

• Follow-up with vendors/factories on all styles and communicate any changes or additional details

• Partner with vendors to source trims and fabrics• Research multiple fashion sources to stay current on

emerging trends and identify the key trends to adapt them into wearable styles for assigned group

• Acquire knowledge of development sheets and the material, color, and construction of pieces

• Keep track of all development reporting requirements including line plan analysis, timing and action tracking, calendar actualization, and developed versus adopted reports in order to achieve target adoption rate and improve the development process for future seasons

• Provide guidance in fitting on style direction for new developments and make necessary changes in garment design and construction

• Research customer reviews for fit and design feedback to apply in current and future development

• Perform any other support duties to ensure that product development activities meet timeline and quality goals set by the supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising,

Marketing, Design or similar preferred• Must have 1-2 years of experience in Product

Development or Buying• Must have excellent written and verbal communications

skills• Must possess basic Microsoft and Excel skills• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

preferred• Ability to sketch design details and garment

construction preferred• Must have a basic understanding of the production

process and timing• Market awareness and understanding of fashion

designers, blogs, competitive retailers and trend required

• Knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, color/print usage, graphics, embellishment layouts, and trim required

• Must be flexible and adapt well to fast paced, rapidly changing work environment

Job No. 3

Product Developer3-5 yearsSalary: $65,000

Responsibilities:• Research fashion magazines,

competitor’s websites, street wear, and runway looks to stay current on emerging trends

• Visualize design ideas that meet Forever 21’s quality expectations

• Transfer design ideas onto development sheets, which specify the material, color, and construction of each piece

• Communicate with overseas vendors and buyers regarding all aspects of the development process

• Follow-up with vendors/factories on all styles and communicate any changes or additional details

• Partner with vendors to source trims and fabrics

• Develop an understanding of global Development Lead-Times; Use this knowledge to coordinate quicker turnaround times with vendors

• Keep track of all development reporting requirements, which include line plan analysis, calendar actualization, and developed vs. adopted reports in order to improve the development process for future seasons

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:• Must have an Associate or Bachelor’s

Degree in Merchandising, Design or similar

• Must have 5+ years of experience in product development with wovens

• Must have fitting experience, technical sketching skills and garment spec knowledge

• Must have a great eye for design and the ability to research and track the latest trends

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Must have strong problem-solving skills that allow for a proactive approach to the business and organizational skills necessary to complete multiple tasks within deadlines

• Must possess basic Microsoft and Excel skills

• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is required

Job. No 4

Sr. Product Development & Production Manager10 years

Salary: $115,000

DescriptionImplement the global sourcing strategy that meets or exceeds financial and business objectives while adhering to calendar deadlinesManage and develop vendor and factory base for capacity management and category planningAnalysis of time and action reports while monitoring handoffs of tech packs, raw materials, reference styles and artwork to vendorsCosting & Negotiation skills in both import and domestic manufacturingClear understanding of product life cycle from design to commercializationAdvanced knowledge of trade requirements for all product categories, specifically Women’s ApparelComplete knowledge of manufacturing process Maintaining calendar dates by working closely with vendors and merchandising to ensure time and action reports are updated throughout development and productionCommunicating daily with vendors to identify and resolve potential issues in a timely manner and in accordance with the T&A calendarCommunicate daily with internal and external business partners to ensure transparency and changes and/or updates to costs, deliveries and quality are updated in a timely mannerPartnering with cross-functional team to ensure all raw materials and trim approvals are within timing for scheduled delivery

Attending Design/Merchandising meetings for style changes that affect T&A and communicating with overseasEnsuring fit schedule dates are met, monitor and track all proto/photo shoot samplesWorking with tech design to ensure factories implement corrections based on call outs and changesEntering cost and style information accurately into Blue Cherry within the required deadlinesEnsuring production PO’s are received by vendors and monitor product shipping to the DC is as scheduledReviewing WIPS and TOP samples to elevate any potential quality issues or delays in shipmentTracking and shipping packagesQualifications:A Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Business, or Fashion is preferred5+ years experience in global sourcing and product developmentAn understanding of pattern, sewing and garment constructionStrong negotiation skillsThe ability to maintain a positive approach to problem solvingStrong written and verbal communication skillsThe ability to influence cross-functional team membersThe proven ability to maintain strong relationships with cross-functional business partnersThe ability to work independently with strong organizational skills, attention to detail while effectively prioritizing and executing tasks in a fast paced environmentProficiency in Excel, Word, and Power Point; Illustrator a plus 

Creative Director Career Path

Job No. 1

Fashion Design Intern 6 months

Salary: $0-$9 an hourResponsibilities:• Researching trends in fabric and color.• Sourcing new fabric mills and industry contacts.• Assist with cost sheets for new product developments.• Prepare lab dips and send comments.• Assist with preparing looks for seasonal photo shoots• Assist senior team with call sheets and production of

photo shoots.• Assist with preparation of samples for photo shoots,

including POs and tracking charts.• Taking notes and fitting with pattern maker, design team

and fit model.• Prepare fit notes for pattern corrections as needed.• Coordinate with marketing for timing on launches of new

products.• Preparing tracking charts for production and samples in

work.• Help communicate design calendar with Marketing to

ensure both teams schedules are met.• Answering and replying to emails.• Running production errands to assist design team.• Contribute to team effort by taking on additional

initiatives as needed.

Qualifications: BA/BFA degree or currently obtaining degree.Incredibly organized/relishes in the fine details.Experience measuring garments is preferred.1+ year relevant experience in a fast-paced, creative environment.Must have basic Microsoft office or Google sheets know how.You are positive and supportive, able to work under pressure with a helpful attitude.You are comfortable working independently on organizational projects.

Job no.’s 2, 3, and 4

Assistant Designer - Leather Accessories4 years

Qualifications:• 0-2 years experience in apparel or fashion-related

position/internship• Degree in Apparel or Fashion (2-4 year program),

Accessory experience preferred (Scarves/Hats/Belts)• Experience with CAD, Photoshop and Microsoft Office

Programs• Flat sketching skills a plus• Re-coloring and basic construction knowledge• Excellent verbal and written communication skills• Effective time management and ability to stay

organized• Able to adapt to a fast pace ever changing environment• Collaborative team player• Sense of urgency

Salary: $38,000Responsibilities:• Create, maintain and update all tech

packs• Build line sheets• Create and update CAD dolls• Clean rough sketches from Designers• Develop illustrations/sketches• Track and update SRS; communicate

with sample coordinator• Communicate status of samples to

merchandising• Communicate with domestic and

overseas offices regarding production issues (includes: tracking status, color comments, strike offs)

• Create and maintain thumbnails• File and maintain design library• Pack and Ship DHL for Accessory Team

Designer Women’s Knits3-4 years

Qualifications:• College degree in Fashion Design or related field.• Minimum of ten years design experience including 4

years of managerial experience• Experience with CAD, Photoshop and Microsoft Office

programs• Flat sketching skills• Re-coloring• Presentation skills• Pattern knowledge, layout and repeats• In-depth knowledge of garment construction• Working knowledge of costing• Knowledge of the wash/dye process, embellishments and

different fabrics• Able to adapt to a fast pace ever changing environment• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and

ability to clearly articulate a point of view

Salary: $62,860Responsibilities:• Manage associate and assistant designers – guide and

encourage growth, conduct performance reviews, mentor and coach

• Bring cohesive, seasonal, thoughtful, brand right, strategic ideas to concept         

• Interface/communicate with production and merchandising

• Research and develop to stay aware of evolution of trend, competition and our customer

• Design into specific price point based on business, costing and merchant direction

• Develop illustrations/sketches/washes• Make decisions related to your product category, such as

fit, wash, fabric, embellishments• Bring newness/innovation to product category• Oversee all tech packs• Attend fittings when needed• Create inspiration boards and concepts• Present line• Travel overseas as needed

Senior Designer-Denim10 years

Salary: $151,000Responsibilities:Provides key contributions in setting overall direction of conceptual development Extensive experience with denim design and the ability to forecast trends and fabrications Possess full working knowledge of raw materials inherent to Lucky Brand Jeans.

Fully responsible for ensuring that product is consistent with market trends as well as business strategy Interprets global and domestic concepts and fashion trends as it relates to market demands

Manage direct reports in all aspects of direction and developmentEstablish full working knowledge of lab dip procedure, washes and finishes; Partner with Sourcing and Product Development in achieving desired outcomePossess knowledge of garment construction; Partner with Technical team in achieving desired outcome. Maintain frequent interaction with Technical Design Department and outside vendors; Act as a technical resource for the pattern room in troubleshooting specification and/or fit problems

Qualifications: 4+ years Denim Women's experience. Must have a strong ability to fit jeans and create new fits. Must have strong understanding of denim washes and treatments. Good understanding of merchandising as it relates to sales and store environment. Computer skills: Microsoft, excel, photo-shop and illustrator.

Collaborates with Merchandising and Product Development, to visualize and determine strategic direction of business

Job no. 5

GAP Design Director, Men's 10 years

Qualifications:• College degree in Fashion Design or related field.• Minimum of ten years design experience including 4

years of managerial experience•  In-depth knowledge of design techniques and processes.• Excellent leadership/management skills.• Ability to set overall creative tone and lead creative design

process.• Excellent sense of style and color.• Proven excellent presentation and negotiation skills.• Ability to deal with managerial issues (ie career

development, performance management).• Ability to use personal computer.• Frequent travel is required.

Salary: $178,000Description:• Sets overall global direction in the conceptual development of

product line(s).• Consistently seeks out Global Innovation.• Fully responsible for managing staff in all aspects of entire

product design process to include market research, mood board creation, design, sketching, spacing and fit.

• Selects, trains, motivates and evaluates staff.• Responsible for managing and providing creative direction to

design staff.• In conjunction with Product Development management,

responsible for visualizing and determining strategic direction of the global business; accountable for process improvement, growing business and seeking opportunities to positively affect division/company.

• Fully responsible for ensuring that product is consistent with market trends as well as business strategy; interprets global concepts and fashion trends as it relates to market demands, company image and business strategy.

• Oversees selection of fabric and trim.• Fully responsible for identifying and executing opportunities

for process improvement through immediate staff members.• Provides overall recommendations and sets tone regarding

style and fit of product(s) during presentation.• Ensures consistency of look between differing businesses

(e.g., adult/kid, accessory/apparel).•  

Potential side job

Cut and sew line20 years

Salary: $0-infinityJob description: Create a line with a partner by putting our ideas into product. We would get our own samples through a sample sewer, find a producer to make the product, market and package the product and ship it to our customer. Skills: Creative problem solving, persistence, team management, organization skills, money management, prior fashion company experienceEstimated time: 10-20 yearsPersonalities: people with similar goals, lifelong commitment to work, and share similar values with me for my co-workers and managed team.

How to excel in this industry

1. Work hard, don’t complain2. Consistency is key3. Offer up ideas at the right moment4. Never lose your excitement5. Work hard like a farm boy6. Have a neurotic personality(nothing ever

feels completed)7. Observe the rest of the world (music,

sports, art, literature)

Source

1. Come in early, leave late

2. Learn your strengths and weaknesses

3. Know your priorities

4. Rise above drama

5. Position yourself (location wise)

6. Stand out in an interview by preparing

Source

“You have to believe in the beauty of fashion, whether it's the power of colour, structure or line. With fashion, you have to be enamoured by it, never fully understanding it and always wanting to know more.” - Kelly Cutrone

Kelly Cutrone, People’s Revolution, Fashion PR Rachel Zoe, The Zoe Report creator

How to move on to the next level in this industry

Develop connections within the industry

Continue to develop skills on computer

Develop communication skills

Manage time more efficiently

Communicate with superiors and co-workers effectively

Further educate myself through books and or schooling

Learn Chinese /Spanish

Learn French/ Italian

Make something everyday

Sketch everyday

Write down ideas

Develop ideas

Execute on those ideas

Fail fast

How to reach top of organization

1. Seek line jobs- salespeople, sales managers, product managers,

foremen, supervisors, and general managers.

2. Do something difficult and solitary(raises toughness)-jogging in

the morning alone, studying for midterms, etc.

3. Do one hour of thinking a day- planning next season, planning

next year, budgeting, practicing pitches

4. Send hand written notes- these are more memorable than

emails/texts/phone calls. Thank you notes, Holiday Cards

5. Look sharp- clothes should fit company culture, professional

appearance, brush teeth, keep hair/fingernails clean. Polish shoes

regularly.

6. Be a part of the shouldn’t have club- take risks instead of being

part of the I should’ve club.

7. http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-to-become-the-ceo-20

15-3

What friends will think

Some may be upset because of time spent away. Some will be proud of me.

How I will react

Surround myself with people that share the same goal

Set short term and long term goals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=735uH-zCgyw