Textile designer : Employers and vacancy sources

Typical employers include:

• manufacturing and processing companies that produce clothing, soft furnishings and other textiles-based products;
• large fashion and clothing retailers;
• design studios and consultancies;
• small specialist design companies;
• interior design and decoration services.

Textile designers may also work for some of the above employers on a freelance basis, often through an agent. Working freelance may provide a route into working full time for a design studio or fashion/clothing retailer. With experience and good contacts, textile designers may go on to run their own business. For examples of how some individual designers work, see Design Nation .

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Chartered Society of Designers (CSD)  
• Denza International  
• Drapers Jobs  
• Textile Institute  - you can become a student member for £10 and benefit from invitations to exhibitions and other events useful for networking, as well as receiving the Institute's magazine free of charge.
• Fashion and Retail Personnel  

Job vacancies can be difficult to find and many employers recruit from speculative applications. They also visit graduation shows in search of potential employees. Contact major exhibition centres and check trade publications for information on trade fair events, which are an excellent opportunity to network. Entering competitions is another good way to get noticed by employers.

Directories listing relevant companies can be found on the websites of professional and trade associations such as:

• British Interior Textiles Association   
• Directory of Textile Design Consultants   
• East Midlands Textiles Association (EMTEX) Ltd  
• European Textile Network   
• Fabric Director-e  
• Scottish Enterprise: Textiles  
• World Design Directory  - searchable by country.

Your university careers service may also hold information. Having a clear idea of the fields of design that interest you will clarify which companies you need to contact.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.