The personal qualities needed for all of the following jobs in the design room are similar. Applicants must be well organized, flexible, fast workers, and have the ability to work under pressure in often cramped working conditions. Fashionable grooming and neat appearances are essential. Most jobs require creativity and a good eye for trends in silhouette, color, and fabric.

Assistant Designer

Responsibilities. Responsible for executing designers' ideas by creating a first pattern from slopers or draping. Instructs and supervises the work of samplehands. Often is required to keep records, order fabrics and trim, do follow-up and clerical work. Although job is primarily technical in nature, one may be asked to shop stores for trends, sketch, possibly consult with designer about fabric choices and designs. Skills/Preparation Required. Fashion design degree, good knowledge of gar­ment construction (sewing), strong technical skills (making first patterns, draping, and sketching). Beginners must have a portfolio.

Cutting Assistant

Responsibilities. Beginning assistant position in companies where there are several assistant designers. Cuts samples, alters patterns, generally assists in design room. Once ability is proven, may have opportunity to assist pattern maker or do draping. Skills/Preparation Required. Fashion Design degree preferred, good pattern-making skills, draping skills helpful, knowledge of garment construction.

Sketching Assistant

Responsibilities. Sketches principally for designers' record - precise technical sketches of constructed garment swatches with fabric and trim. May sketch free hand or with croquis. May sketch and prepare artwork for presentations. Write specification sheets on how garments are con­structed. Usually orders fabric handles a variety of clerical and follow-up duties. May do market research. Skills/Preparation Required. Fashion design degree necessary. Ability to do precise technical sketches rapidly. Portfolio required.

Sketcher (Assistant to Designer)

Responsibilities. Sketches free-hand illustration-quality sketches of designers' ideas may be asked to contribute own design ideas, may deal with buyers, and do promotional work. Hours are often long and irregular. Must be available to run errands, and generally assist the designer. Skills/Preparation Required. Fashions design degree a must. Ability to do free­hand illustration-quality sketches at a fast pace. Outstanding portfolio required. Personal Qualities Required. Extremely high taste level as evidenced by personal appearance and portfolio. Awareness of new fashion trends both in the United States and in Europe. Must be articulate, poised, and able to deal with high-level executives.

Sketcher/Stylist

Responsibilities. Works directly with principals of firm. Shops stores for current trends, sketches ideas, works with pattern maker in developing these ideas, may or may not do technical work of draping and pattern making. Participates in fabric selection, coordination of the line, and may be involved in working with buyers in merchandising the line. Skills/Preparation Required. Fashion design degree, excellent portfolio, good eye for trends in silhouettes, color, and fabric. Personal Qualities Required. See Sketcher/Assistant above.

Junior Designer

Responsibilities. Sketches original designs, executes own first pattern, and fre­quently sews sample. Does market research in fabrics and trends. Must be able to provide company with new design ideas and make accurate predictions on what will be salable in coming season. Must be able to design garments within company's price range. Job is fast paced and a high-risk position since continuation of employment may be based on success of line.

Skills/Preparation Required. Fashion design degree required. Strong creative ability as well as excellent technical skills (draping, pattern making, sewing). Good eye for trends (silhouette, color, and fabric). Portfolio must show evidence of strong creative ability in designing coordinated line of apparel. Personal Qualities Required. See Sketcher/Assistant above.