Importance of CPD courses for fashion designers

Fashion is now a global industry and fashion designers play a pivotal role in its success. Fashion Designers generate ideas, design products and create trends that attract customers to clothing. In this article, we will explain how Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can help fashion designers progress in their career - and identify the benefits from engaging with CPD courses regularly.

What is a fashion designer?

In short, fashion is the industry of producing and selling clothes. Fashion designers are tasked with the creation of garment and accessory products that will resonate with consumers. There are various aspects to successful fashion design - including ideation, design, production, marketing, retail and customer retention.

To develop the most creative and resonant ideas, fashion designers need both a strong sense of current aesthetic trends as well as a deep knowledge of art and cultural history. Many designers participate in regular training to develop their skills and broaden their understanding of the industry.

How can Fashion Design CPD courses help my career?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development and is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities throughout their career. At its core, CPD is about the individual and their commitment to lifelong learning.

Fashion design CPD courses can help designers enhance their core skills and improve their overall knowledge of the fashion industry. Active CPD participation can be attractive to potential employers as it shows a willingness to learn and a commitment to improvement. CPD also offers opportunities to develop important transferable skills which increase overall value and effectiveness as a fashion designer.

What are important CPD skills for fashion designers?

As well as participating in specific fashion design CPD courses, it can also be beneficial to focus on other areas that contribute to the success of a fashion designer. Below are five key skills that can inform a fashion designer and help them develop within the fashion industry:

1. Creative problem solving

Fashion design is an inherently creative process. Designers need to be able to find solutions to various problems they may encounter in the design, construction and dissemination processes. CPD courses on creative problem solving can help fashion designers develop the necessary tools to overcome potential obstacles throughout their careers.

2. Marketing

An essential aspect of fashion design is marketing. Accessing the correct demographics and designing for the right profile are crucial in order for designers to generate a product and market match. CPD learning in the field of marketing can help fashion designers develop an understanding of relevant topics such as marketing theory, social media and advertising.

3. Business and entrepreneurship

Business and entrepreneurship are also important aspects of fashion design. Participating in relevant CPD to develop business and entrepreneurship skills, can help fashion designers better understand the business of the fashion industry and how to design and market their products to the required audience. Business and entrepreneurship skills can also help designers interested in starting their own company.

4. History and trend analysis

Understanding how to identify and analyse trends can be a vital skill for fashion designers. Whether a designer is interested in taking advantage of a trend or going against a trend to create something new, understanding the broad interests and trends within the market can help fashion designers keep their work informed and relevant. Participating in CPD events can be an effective way of sharing ideas and learning the latest market trends.

Developing knowledge of art and social history can also inform fashion designers. This develops aesthetic understanding and the ability to revive and incorporate historical design ideas into new products.

5. Finances

As a global commercial industry, an understanding of finance and profit - and the capacity to effectively interpret financial documents - can greatly improve the effectiveness and value of a fashion designer. CPD courses in finance can also help fashion business owners learn about tax and how to best operate their business within compliance laws.

The advantages of CPD courses for fashion designers

CPD courses can provide a multitude of benefits for fashion designers throughout their careers. Below are some examples of the advantages CPD participation offers fashion designers:

Be exposed to new ideas

Many creatives find it essential to discover new ideas as part of their creative process. Fashion designers often build upon the ideas of other designers, or even take ideas from different industries and apply them to fashion. CPD courses can help fashion designers expand their knowledge and engage with fresh ideas that may inform their work and accelerate their development.

Receive professional guidance

Mentorship and guidance can be fundamental to development within the fashion industry. For many designers, receiving professional guidance through participating in CPD can help them hone their skills and encourage them to find their unique style that will set them apart from other fashion designers.

Develop a broad skillset

CPD courses can help fashion designers expand their core base of knowledge. Fashion design is a broad industry with rich histories, techniques and practices. Participating in CPD with the intention of broadening a designer’s skillset can inspire designers to further develop their creative process.

Specialise in an area of expertise

As well as broadening a designer’s general skillset, CPD learning can help fashion designers become specialists in a specific area of interest. CPD participation within a specialised topic can help fashion designers stand out and offer unique services - and produce clothing ranges that are less common amongst competitors.

Improve competence with technology

Utilising technology can help fashion designers create designs more efficiently – reducing waste and with fewer expenses. Improving digital literacy and technological competence can also help designers in key areas such as marketing and online retail. Developing digital skills by participating in relevant CPD helps designers harness technology to improve both their overall creativity and the selling process.

Stay up to date with standards

Understanding general standards within the fashion industry can be fundamental for fashion designers. Standards can change over time and staying informed can help designers ensure their work is relevant and compliant. For example, there are labelling requirements within the UK for fashion products. Therefore, staying up to date with labelling standards is vital for UK-based designers. Active CPD can be an effective way for designers to maintain their knowledge of current standards and requirements.

Learn about sustainability

Sustainability is now a key consideration within the fashion industry. Fashion designers that focus on CPD in sustainability will develop a valuable knowledge base that can help improve their career prospects. Designers with an understanding of sustainability are increasingly valued in the fashion industry, as many global brands are placing greater emphasis on sustainable practices. Additionally, a focus on sustainability may offer independent designers an opportunity to differentiate themselves from others in the market.

Participate in cost-effective and flexible training

CPD can be a cost-effective method of learning. CPD courses are often affordable, or even free, offering learners a chance to develop their skills and knowledge without overextending their budget. CPD learning can also offer flexibility. This could be engaging with learning methods such as online courses, but CPD also emphasises the importance of reflective learning, such as reading relevant books, or watching educational videos.

Where can I find CPD courses for fashion design?

Within the CPD Courses Catalogue, there are a range of specific CPD courses for fashion designers, as well as other beneficial learning including educational events, eLearning programs, conferences, workshops and seminars – all of which have been formally CPD certified. To find out more about a particular CPD course listed on our website, complete an enquiry form and the details will be sent directly to the relevant CPD provider.

How to become an accredited CPD Provider

We hope this article was helpful. Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service has over 27 years’ experience providing CPD accreditation. With members in over 100 countries, our CPD providers benefit from the ability to promote themselves as part of an international community where quality is both recognised and assured.

If you are interested in offering training courses, seminars, workshops, eLearning, or educational events suitable for Continuing Professional Development, please visit the Become a CPD Provider page or contact our team to discuss in more detail. Alternatively, if you are looking for a free online CPD record tool to help manage, track and log your ongoing learning, as well as store your professional training records and attendance certificates in one simple place, go to the myCPD Portal page.