Textile design is a design specialisation that involves creating designs for printed, woven, knitted or surface ornamented fabrics. Textile design as a field encompasses the entire process in which raw material is used to make finished products. In order to make a future in the field of textile design, aspirants can pursue degree, diploma and certificate programmes. Popular courses offered in the field of textile design at the undergraduate (UG) level are BDes, BSc, BA, BE/ BTech, BFA and BVA whereas at the PG level candidates can pursue courses such as MDes, MSc, MBA/ PGDM, MA and MFA.
UG courses offered in the field of Textile design are usually 3 to 4 years in duration whereas PG level degree programmes are of 2 years duration.
Candidates who want to pursue a UG degree course in Textile Design need to have completed their Class 12/ HSC/ 10+2 (or equivalent exam) from a recognised board with passing marks. Most colleges specify that candidates need to have secured at least 50% marks in their 10+2 exams if they belong to general category and 45% if they are from SC/ ST/ OBC category. Aspirants from any stream, Humanities/ Commerce/ Science are eligible to pursue a course in Textile Design.
To secure admission in PG level Textile Design course, candidates should have completed their graduation from a recognised college/ institute. Most colleges prefer design graduates to apply for courses offered at the PG level, however, aspirants from other streams can also apply for admission if they possess the required skill-set and aptitude.
To join the Textile Design industry candidates need to have a creative personality and they should possess adequate knowledge of different fabrics and weaves. Candidates who aspire to pursue a Textile Design programme need to possess the below mentioned skill-set:
Have Creative and artistic taste |
Knowledge of colours, shades and tones |
Good communication skills |
Have Originality and innovativeness |
Interest and skill in drawing and illustration |
Should be goal oriented |
Be Fashion conscious |
Have an eye for detail |
Have visual imagination |
Good observation skills |
Have Persuasiveness |
Understand the market and customer lifestyle |
Most popular design colleges/ institutes require aspirants to clear a two or three tiered admission process in order to secure admission in a textile design course. As part of this admission process, candidates need to first of all clear a design aptitude test which is a written entrance exam. Next, candidates need to appear for a material handling test or a group discussion round. Finally, candidates need to appear for a personal interview round in which they usually need to carry a design portfolio containing their work. Some popular textile design entrance examinations aspirants should consider giving are:
NIFT Entrance Exam |
NID Entrance Exam |
AIEED |
Pearl Academy Entrance Exam |
After pursuing a course in textile design, candidates are usually involved in the process of creating designs for knitted, woven or printed fabrics. Some popular job profiles that candidates can pursue on completing a textile design course are as mentioned below:
Textile Designer: In such a job profile, individuals are involved in the process of designing sarees, bed linings, towels etc. Textiles Designers are involved with the task of weaving or knitting fabrics. Textile designers also produce printed fabrics. Textile Designers usually develop fabrics, yarns, trims as well as prints. They often manage production timelines. They are responsible for testing the finished materials.
Design Consultant: In such a job profile one offers advice about fabrics, weaves, prints and artworks to other designers.
Fabric Resource Manager: In such a job profile aspirants require adequate artistic skills as well as knowledge of marketing. In such a job profile aspirants are usually hired by Fashion Designers, Bedding and Bath Suppliers, Rug Makers and Furniture Manufacturers.
Fabric Analyser: In such a job profile, aspirants usually choose fabrics and thereafter create a prototype to show clients. Fabric Analysers need to review and provide information on whether a particular fabric is apt to use for a specific weave or pattern. He/ she is responsible to ensure that the end product is apt for use or not.
NIFT Delhi, New Delhi. New Delhi.
NIFT Mumbai, Navi Mumbai.
NIFT Bangalore, Bangalore.
NIFT Chennai, Chennai.
NIFT Hyderabad, Hyderabad.
NIFT Kolkata, Kolkata.
Pearl Academy West Campus, New Delhi.
Pearl Academy, Jaipur.