Textile designer: Job description

Textile designers create two-dimensional designs that can be used, often as a repeat design, in the production of knit, weave and printed fabrics or textile products.

Working in both industrial and non-industrial locations, they often specialise, or work in a specialist context, within the textile industry. The two major fields are:

• interiors (upholstery, soft furnishings and carpets);
• fabrics for clothing (fashion or specialist, e.g. fire-proof).

Textile designers may also work in associated industry functions, for example, designing wrapping paper, packaging, greetings cards and ceramics.

Many textile designers are self-employed, while others work as part of a design team.

Typical work activities

These include:

• liaising with clients and technical, marketing and buying staff to plan and develop designs;
• accurately interpreting and representing clients' ideas;
• producing sketches, worked-up designs and samples for presentation to customers;
• making up sets of sample designs;
• working out design formulae for a group of samples;
• assessing and approving completed items and production standards;
• working independently, if self-employed, or liaising closely with colleagues as part of a small team;
• using specialist software and computer-aided design (CAD) programs to develop a range of designs;
• experimenting with colour, fabric and texture;
• maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new design and production techniques and textile technology;
• developing new design concepts;
• ensuring that projects are completed on time;
• visiting sites and other sources of ideas for designs;
• sourcing fabrics and other materials at trade fairs, markets and antique shops;
• attending trade shows, as a delegate or as an exhibitor - this may involve representing the company with a display or stand, or appraising the work of competitors;
• keeping up to date and spotting fashion trends in fabric design by reading forecasts in trade magazines and using internet resources;
• developing a network of business contacts;
• if self-employed, managing marketing and public relations, finances and day-to-day business activities and maintaining websites.