The unsung heroes of the fashion industry, textile designers are the starting point for any new collection. As such they need to immerse themselves in fashion and keep a constant eye on the catwalk and emerging trends at fabric shows. “A good textile designer is able to translate trends,” says Dunia Goymer, a print designer at Principles. “If acid-yellow prints are in fashion [on the catwalk], you might use that only as a key highlight in a print but you’ve still got the essence of a trend for your customer.”

Goymer, who creates all her prints by hand, says that having an art background and drawing skills is important. “A foundation course is a must [if you are to] experience all aspects of art and design and find your forte,” she says.

Anna Grabowska, brand director at Planet, agrees. “For something technical like this, qualifications are important. To be on the ladder in retail you have to be confident and you gain that with education.” A foundation course followed by a degree in fashion and textiles is the most common route into the industry, after which designers often work in-house for labels from the high street to high fashion, find freelance work through a design studio or agency or pursue solo labels.

Seeing what your designs become is one of the highlights of the job. Passion and an eye for colour and texture are what Kait Bolongaro, director of Bolongaro Trevor, a fashion label, looks for – as well as the ability to experiment. “Be open to what can happen in the process. Sometimes we request one thing and get quite another back, which is often more exciting.”

“Be obsessive about textiles and always on the lookout for ideas” says Rob Phillips, a senior lecturer at the London College of Fashion. “Remember that fashion is only one area of many that use textile designers, so be prepared to [try] other creative arenas. Collaborate and cross-cultivate, broaden your mind and open up to new creative channels.” A textiles graduate can expect to start on about £19,000 a year. Selling designs to other companies can earn from £50 per sample.

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