Anne Pickard, a fashion designer and NSCAD University instructor and technician, holds an untitled figure Friday that she had created for display at last year's wearable art show at the university. The figure, which took more than 1,000 hours to produce, was created by needle felting. (TIM KROCHAK / Staff)

By BILL POWER
Staff Reporter

IF YOU GET frustrated searching for clothing at the local department store and believe you could do better, talk to fashion designer Anne Pickard at NSCAD University in Halifax.

"If you enjoy making things for others, a career in fashion design might work for you," the instructor and fashion technician said in an interview at the Granville Street cam­pus of the school.

This designer disdains contemporary fads and fashion cycles. Her forte is stylishly rebuilding what already exists.

"Sustainability is one of the biggest things happening in fashion as people realize there is already more than enough clothing on the planet... We can cut up all this stuff and sew it back together quickly in new and exciting ways," Pickard said.

To illustrate this approach, the textile and costume artist skipped across her studio-classroom and started pulling, twisting and clipping at an oversized black T-shirt that adorned a nearby mannequin. A stylish - and slightly provocative - small black dress appeared in seconds.

For about six years Pickard has shown roomfuls of students at the college there is more to the world of clothing design than the haute couture extravagance of fashion runways in Paris, Milan and New York.

"Fashion design has a broad definition and can go into many different areas of the marketplace, from costuming for film, television and theatre, to having your own company, or working for large corporations. It's everywhere."

Fans of the fantasy film The 13th Warrior have witnessed Pickard's wildly imaginative approach to costume design in the memorable outfits she prepared for star Antonio Banderas and others in the cast. She's worked on lots of big-budget films.

Many other Canadians have taken advantage of some of the more practical advice on clothing recycling she has dispensed regularly in the threeminute HandyGirl television segments that are produced locally and will soon emerge as a series of halfhour programs.

Working in fashion is not necessarily a matter of graduating and nailing down a job as chief designer for a major fashion label, said Pickard.

"People have always covered their bodies in some way. Fashion exists on every continent and in every time frame. Even nudists are making a fashion statement."

If you are interested in the real world of fashion design, read on.

WHAT THEY DO
This group includes a wide range of design occupations. Theatre designers produce designs for sets, costumes and scenery for film, television and theatre. Fashion designers create clothing and textiles, jewelry and other accessories. Exhibit designers design displays and exhibits for museums, stores and trade shows.

Designers in this group conceptualize and produce designs for film, television, theatre and video productions, garments and textiles, displays and exhibits, and other creative items such as jewelry. Theatre designers are employed by performing arts, broadcasting companies and festivals.

WHAT THE WORKERS ARE LIKE
To work in this field, a natural ability to draw, along with a good sense of creativity and imagination are beneficial. You should have an understanding of artistic principles and be able to visualize a finished piece of work from a sketch or brief description. Computer design and production skills are essential for the commercial occupations in this field. Self-discipline in meeting deadlines and a good business sense are also very important.

Many senior practitioners choose self-employment, and manage their own businesses or freelance. The majority, 73 per cent, are female and the average age is 41. Twenty two per cent have a university bachelor's degree, 12 per cent have a university certificate or diploma below bachelor and 12 per cent have a non-university certificate or diploma.

WHERE THEY WORK
Halifax: 67 per cent North Shore 26 per cent South Shore seven per cent

REQUIRED TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE
A bachelor's degree in fine arts or visual arts, or a college arts program with specialization in theatre design or clothing design, is usually necessary to become a theatre or fashion creative designer.

WORK PROSPECTS
Employment growth is linked to government spending on the arts and culture sector and can be cyclical, corresponding to tourism.

Fashion designers are employed by clothing and textile companies or may be self-employed. Exhibit designers are employed by museums and retail establishments. Other creative designers in this group are employed by manufacturing establishments or may be self-employed. Entrepreneurialism and creative ability as demonstrated in portfolio work will aid employment prospects for these occupations.

Outlook: fair
Employment in 2005: 160
Estimated average annual number of job openings for new fashion designers: 7
Earnings: In 2005 averaged $12.50 hourly with a maximum of $21
TYPICAL JOBS: Costume designer, jewelry designer, fabric designer, museum exhibit designer

For information, or to explore over 300 other careers in Nova Scotia, visit the Education Department's Career Options website: novascotiacareeroptions.ca

On the Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia. Past columns are archived at www.jobspress.com