Career Definition for a Handbag Designer
Accessories design is a thriving sub-field of fashion design, and a career in handbag design combines design skill, creativity and fashion industry knowledge in a diverse market. Handbag designer responsibilities range from sketching designs to manufacturing products. He or she may also be called on to select and test materials or merchandising designs for retail. The diversity of handbag design specialties is another plus; designers can focus on high-fashion handbags, travel bags or camping backpacks, for example.
| Education | Associate's or bachelor's degree |
| Job Skills | Business expertise, communication skill, creative, detail oriented |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $77,450 (all fashion designers) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 3% (all fashion designers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
A two-year associate's or four-year bachelor's degree is useful, though not required; fashion design curricula will train aspiring handbag designers to forecast trends, work with different textiles and oversee manufacturing processes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports in 2017 that there are about 350 educational institutions that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design to offer fashion design programs at a post-secondary level. Because a large percentage of handbag designer jobs are freelance or one-time contracts, business skills are also crucial, especially for those looking to start their own design firms.
Skills Required
Creativity and artistic skills are obligatory, as are business and marketing acumen. Most designers now work with computer-aided design (CAD) programs in illustrating their designs, making proficiency in these programs a prerequisite to success. In addition, general manufacturing knowledge and basic sewing skills are helpful to a career in handbag design. The most important element in applying for new handbag designer jobs is a solid portfolio, so those new to the field should focus on building a collection of work to showcase their skills.
Career Outlook
The BLS estimates there will be 3% growth in all fashion design fields from 2021 through 2031, which is slower than average. The BLS reported in May 2021 that the median salary earned by all fashion designers was $77,450, although designers new to an industry will likely not make as much until they are able to build a clientele. Opportunities are most numerous in fashion industry centers like New York and California, and many handbag designers work independently, securing contract assignments from corporate and boutique fashion retailers or starting their own design firms. In fact, the BLS reports that approximately 35% of the fashion design industry was self-employed in 2021.
Alternate Career Options
Those seeking careers in fashion design may be interested in similar occupations, including tailor and jeweler.
Tailor
Tailors alter garments for a custom fit by marking changes directly onto garments, cutting fabric, and sewing new seams, hems or making related changes; they may also sew new custom garments based on a designer's patterns or customer's requests. This career does not require a formal education. While it is possible to enroll in an apprenticeship program, most aspiring tailors complete on-the-job-training. Employment for tailors is expected to decline by 1% from 2021-2031, according to the BLS. The median salary for all tailors, custom sewers and dressmakers is $31,420 in 2021, per the BLS.
Jeweler
A jeweler repairs and makes original jewelry pieces. They also examine and evaluate gems. Jewelers may be self-employed or work for other jewelers, manufacturers or jewelry repair businesses. Entry into this occupation is possible through on-the-job training or through completion of a post-secondary program, up to and including a master's degree in fine arts or jewelry design. Jobs for jewelers are expected to decline 1% from 2021-2031, per the BLS, and jewelers earned median pay of $46,640 in 2021.
