Become Production Coordinator
A production coordinator insures that each step in the production of a product is completed in a timely and successful manner. Production coordinators oversee many employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a production coordinator may expedite the production of material by monitoring the progress of work. This is important position, as it enables companies to maintain a competitive edge.
For example, a Production Coordinator at AppleOne in Huntington Beach, California manages inventory, procurement and logistics for this swimsuit industry company. The production coordinator analyzes sales demand by booking orders and understanding the sales history of the company. The production coordinator also prepares vendor purchase orders to ensure the continual supply of accessories and apparel.
In order to prepare for a career like this one, a degree from a school of art and design is very useful. Entering the job market with a degree ensures that you have the knowledge and experience to manage the many aspects of an operation that a production designer does. Coursework at a school of art and design ensures that when you become a production coordinator, you will be prepared.
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Monster.com
Become Production Artist
Are you creative? Do you have an eye for detail? Becoming a production artist might be the job for you. Production artists specialize in one step of the many involved in finalizing an image. Production artists create original work, and also contribute to collaborative projects.
There are many aspects to the creation of an image used in marketing and other arenas. Today, much of this work occurs digitally, and to be competitive in this field, you need to have the right training. Courses from a school of art and design are tailored to today’s high tech market.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends post-secondary training for all artists, noting that schools of art and design focus intensively on the kind of art training that leads to full time employment as an artist.
In this market, production artists must be skilled in the use of the latest computer technology, especially key software programs. A production artist at Update Graphics in New York City, for example, creates illustrations using Quark, Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign programs. The production artist proofs, pre-flights, prepares and press checks files.
In order to begin the process of obtaining a degree in this field, consult a school of art and design.
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Monster.com
Become An Accessory Designer
Accessory Design Is The New Black
Is your closet packed full of scarves, belts and hat? Is your vanity table overflowing with jewelry, gloves, and clips for your hair? Parlay your passion for accessories into financial success by considering the up-and-coming occupation of accessory design. Accessory design is currently experiencing high growth due to popular movies like The Devil Wears Prada, and TV shows like Ugly Betty. But prepare yourself—accessory design is a highly competitive field. Since few retail companies employ accessory designers, most work independently. That means if you want to be successful, you’ll need training in fashion design and how to create your own buzz. A Bachelor’s degree in Art, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising or a related program will help you become more knowledgeable about both topics. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits approximately 250 postsecondary institutions with programs for art and design degrees, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right kind of training in an area near you.
Accessory Designers design jewelry, handbags, shoes, ties, belts, hats, and gloves to coordinate with clothing fashionably. This field is hot! hot! hot! and constantly changing with fashion trends. You’ll never be bored! Designers make $29,000 to $38,000 annually, but expect that number to rise as the increase in demand for accessory designers continues. Sound good? Then research which programs can offer you the right degrees and training because with so much attention on fashion these days, you won’t want to miss the opportunity for success.
Sources:
US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
bls.gov
fashion-schools.org
Become A Fashion Designer
Watch Out Versace—Here You Come!
Are Zac Posen, DKNY, and Marc Jacobs part of your everyday vocabulary? If so, then you should check out how fashion school can help you earn a fashion design degree today. For a fashion designer, a two or four-year college degree in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising or a related field is recommended, as well as several years of training under another noted fashion designer. Competition for fashion design is fierce because many are attracted to the glamour associated of the industry. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, “few job openings arise because of low job turnover and a small number of new openings created every year.” You’ll need the proper training and degree from an accredited school to position yourself for the greatest success in the field.
Fashion designers conceptualize and design new clothing, often working closely with production and sales and marketing departments to produce a successful product. It is important they keep themselves informed of all fashion trends, and decide which unique niche they want to design clothes for. BLS reports fashion designers made an annual average of $55,840 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $112,840. And don’t expect the field to slow down at all. The demand for fashion designers is always strong because fashion trends are constantly changing, and consumers like to stay current. So, don’t wait! See how fashion school can deliver the training need to transform your dreams into reality.
Sources:
US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
bls.gov
fashion-schools.org
Become A Retail Merchandiser
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a retail merchandiser with experience and a degree from a program at an accredited school can make a very healthy income. Average salaries range from $50,000 to $80,000, while the highest up the executive ladder can see more than $100,000. Retail merchandisers have large financial and management responsibilities and are among the most important and respected of company employees. They usually have bottom-line responsibilities at every stage of their careers. As a retail merchandiser, you will analyze market trends, costs, and past sales figures in order to help the manufacturer decide what path to follow in the coming seasons. You should have good math skills, in-depth knowledge of industry trends, decisiveness, and an ability to work well under pressure.
A Fitting Career
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of retail merchandisers is predicted to grow at a slower rate than for the average job. In 2004, retail merchandisers held approximately 75,000 positions in the U.S. job market. Improving software has drastically reduced paperwork, and a growing percentage of purchases are being made on the internet. However, despite the slow growth, retail merchandising will continue to be competitive as a career due to job openings resulting from workers changing to other occupations or retiring and from a general expansion of the services sector.
Possible jobs include merchandiser, merchandising assistant, and merchandising director. Employers generally require a bachelor’s degree from a program at an accredited school, as well as some experience in retail. If you have a head for bottom lines, as well as an eye for hem-lines, give retail merchandising a second look.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents”
