Footwear Designer

As a footwear designer you could work in one of three different areas: high fashion (known as ‘haute couture’), designer ready-to-wear and high-street fashion.

Within these areas there is often the opportunity to specialise further, for example into women’s, children’s or sportswear.

 

A footwear designer's work varies depending on their specialism. In high fashion they create 'one off' designs, whilst with a designer ready-to-wear label they often base their designs on a theme for the coming season. They either get inspiration and ideas by doing research or are given a brief by the head of the design department.

If the company is well known for a particular style of shoe, designers may be asked to 'tweak' existing designs. Work on a particular design may end when it has been approved by the head of design. However, designers may go on to make and cut patterns and liaise with manufacturers.

Starting salaries for footwear designers can be around £15,000 a year.

Experienced designers can earn from around £18,000 to around £50,000.

To become a footwear designer, you need to have a relevant degree.

A degree that teaches both design and technical skills will give you the practical knowledge needed to work in the industry.

Because the industry is very competitive (more than 3,000 fashion and textiles students qualify from higher education each year), any work experience you gain would put you at an advantage when it comes to getting a job.

Many graduates enter the industry as design assistants before progressing to become designers.

It is important to put together a portfolio of work that you can take along to interviews. This should include moodboards, designs and technical drawings.

For more information about this career, see the Can U Cut It? website.