Author: Michelle Ashton

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Design and Craft Garments, Textiles and Materials Development Media, Publishing and Digital

Graphic Design and Illustration

Careers in graphic design and illustration develop visual content for branding, marketing, and product design. These roles include creating everything from clothing prints and textile patterns to promotional materials like swing tags, catalogues, websites, and social media content. Designers and illustrators may work by hand or use digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite to bring concepts to life.

The two areas are closely connected but also have individual identities. Graphic design in fashion focuses on creating visual assets like branding, packaging, and textile prints, while illustration is more about visually interpreting and expressing fashion ideas through hand-drawn or digital artwork, often used to communicate design concepts. Fashion Illustrators often sketch designs that help communicate ideas to teams or clients, blending creative flair with industry knowledge.

Professionals in this field are expected to stay up to date with fashion trends, have strong creative and technical skills, and collaborate closely with design and marketing teams. An understanding of typography, layout, digital illustration, and trend analysis is key, as is the ability to visually communicate a brand’s identity through design. As you gain experience you could advance to roles like in-house illustrator for a fashion brand or publication or establish your own illustration studio or brand.

Examples of roles within Graphic Design and Illustration:
  • Fashion Illustrator
  • Illustrator
  • Web Designer
  • Print Designer
  • Concept Artist
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Junior/Midweight Graphic Designer
  • Artworker
  • Digital Designer
Ernestine Chua, 2021 BA (Hons) Illustration and Visual Media, London College of Communication, UAL
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Graphic Design and Illustration:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Edward Mendoza in the Studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
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Design and Craft

Footwear Design

Footwear design is a specialised area within the fashion and creative industries focused on creating stylish, functional shoes for a variety of markets, including gender, age, and lifestyle categories. Footwear designers combine artistic creativity with technical skills to sketch concepts, research trends and materials, and produce digital or handmade prototypes. They must also consider engineering elements like comfort, mobility, fit, and durability, as shoes require greater structural precision than most clothing items. This makes the field both highly creative and technically demanding.

Professionals in this area often collaborate with pattern makers, manufacturers, and branding teams to ensure their designs meet aesthetic goals and performance standards. Career progression may also include opportunities to manage teams or launch a personal brand. A strong foundation in design software, attention to detail, material knowledge, and an understanding of brand storytelling are essential for those interested in building a successful career in footwear design.

Examples of roles within Footwear Design:
  • Junior/Assistant/Senior Designer
  • Design Manager
  • Colour & Material Designer
Day 2, February 2016, LCF, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, UAL student recruitment, UAL. LCF
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Footwear Design:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Shoes on display in Lime Grove canteen | Ana Blumenkron
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Business and Management

Finance

The Finance Department manages money, working with budgeting, forecasting and investing. There are numerous roles within finance that support businesses on an operational level and help with day to day running. This team works across projects, completing quarterly budgeting reports and balance reconciliations. With many working areas, this department provides financial support to Head office staff.

Payroll:

Payroll processes employee payment for their service to a business. Payroll executives create and maintain records, entering information onto a central management system. They are the first contact for any staff payroll queries. Careers in Payroll are likely to start as a Payroll Assistant and work your way up to Senior Payroll Executive.

Accounts:

Accounts keep track of company’s finances from a holistic viewpoint. Their responsibilities including; tracking transitions and forecasting financial operations. Evaluating these elements and analysing data, they then make financial recommendations. Progression within the accounting sector may need further qualifications to become a Charted Accountant.

Credit Control:

Credit control teams manage existing business debts, deciding whether to loan money to a creditor. They check credit ratings and ensure payments are punctual. Credit controllers are also responsible for debt recovery. They manage legal issues which arise from unrecoverable debt and liaise with Sales. If you decide to pursue a career in credit control, you can become a Credit Control Manager or work as a Credit Control Agent freelancing.

Examples of roles within Finance:
  • Financial Controller
  • Credit Control Agent
  • Accounts Payable Adviser
  • Financial Accountant
  • Brand Accountant
  • Finance Administrator
  • Payroll Officer/Coordinator
  • Payroll Analysist
UAL Estate Buildings Central Saint Martins Kings Cross, UAL, estate buildings, ana blumenkron Central Saint Martins Kings Cross
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Finance:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Lime Grove Arts Shop, 2024, UAL | Photograph: Ana Blumenkron
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Communications and Marketing Culture, Community and Heritage Theatre, Performance and Screen

Events, Exhibitions and Installations

Working in events, exhibitions, and installations within the fashion and creative industries involves planning and delivering unique and engaging experiences, from fashion shows, product launches, and influencer events to exhibitions, performance art and brand installations. These roles require a mix of creativity, organisation, and problem-solving, as well as strong communication skills to coordinate with multiple teams and stakeholders. Tasks often include managing logistics, booking venues and suppliers, creating guest lists, promoting events, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.

Event roles can vary depending on the setting, from working for a single brand, an agency handling multiple clients, to freelancing. You may start helping with planning and execution, and progress to producing major shows or managing exhibitions. The role offers opportunities to combine creative vision with practical planning, and can lead to careers in production, PR, set design, or creative direction, depending on your strengths and interests.

Examples of roles in Events, Exhibitions and Installations:
  • Event Producer
  • Event Planner
  • Set Runner/Designer
  • Event Coordinator
  • Experiential Designer
  • Marketing/Event Operations or Technologist
  • Guest Experience Coordinator
  • Exhibitions Assistant/Officer
  • Audience Engagement Strategist
Exhibition at Victoria House London
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Events, Exhibitions and Installations:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

TRANSCESTRY 2025 | Photograph: Henri T
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Design and Craft Media, Publishing and Digital

Digital Design

Digital design involves using computer software and 3D modelling to create visual content and experiences across web, social media, and e-commerce platforms. Digital designers are responsible for developing everything from marketing graphics and animations to virtual garments and 3D product simulations. They work with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, CLO 3D, and Blender to bring fashion concepts to life digitally, often supporting brand storytelling, online shopping, and product development.

This field includes roles such as graphic designers, 3D garments designers, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designers, and Virtual Fashion Creators. Professionals may work on everything from designing virtual fitting rooms and avatars to improving app usability and online store layouts. With the growth of virtual fashion, augmented reality, and e-commerce, digital design offers a dynamic and rapidly evolving career path for creative individuals with strong technical and visual communication skills.

A career in digital design can be explored in-house through a company or through freelancing or starting your own business. Typically, you would begin in ‘Junior Designer’ or ‘Design Support’ work and can progress into a variety of roles depending on your area of digital design. For example, Head of Digital Development, Innovation Manager, Digital Experience Manager or Creative Director.

examples of roles within Digital Design:
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Junior Fashion Designer
  • Web Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Content Strategist
  • UX Researcher
  • UX Architect
  • Sustainability Lead
  • CAD Designer
  • E-commerce Designer
  • VR Developer
  • Junior/Midweight Digital/3D Designer
  • Character Modeller
  • Visualiser
Alexis Obue working on her tablet, 2024 BSc Creative Computing, UAL Creative Computing Institute | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Digital Design:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Keziah Aguillo, 2023 BA Games Art, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
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Business and Management Communications and Marketing Science and Cosmetics

Data and Analytics

Data and analytics roles in the fashion and creative industries focus on collecting and interpreting information to help brands make smarter decisions. Data analysts examine everything from customer feedback and sales to social media trends and website traffic, using this insight to spot patterns, forecast demand, and support areas like marketing, design, and operations. Their work helps businesses better understand their audiences and stay ahead of changing trends.

To succeed in this field, analysts need strong skills in data handling, statistical analysis, and communication. They turn raw data into clear reports and visualizations that guide product development, improve customer experience, and enhance efficiency. As brands increasingly rely on data-driven strategies, careers in data and analytics offer exciting opportunities for those interested in technology, business, and creativity.

Examples of roles within Data and Analytics:
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Retail Analyst
  • Sales and Insights Manager
  • Web/Digital Analyst
  • Junior/Senior Pricing Analyst
  • E-Commerce Strategy Analyst
Giampaolo Zirone, 2022 MA Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Data and Analytics:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Clarice (Tze Ching) Lam, 2022 MA Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL
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Culture, Community and Heritage

Curation

The curation field, especially within fashion and the creative industries, involves selecting, researching, and presenting collections or exhibitions in a way that tells a meaningful story. Curatorial roles require strong research, writing, and organizational skills, as well as a passion for fashion, culture, or art history. Curation today also includes community collaboration and cultural programming, encouraging students to think beyond traditional galleries and see themselves as storytellers or even activists, using exhibitions to share diverse voices and ideas.

Curators play a vital role in shaping how audiences understand and experience creative work, both in galleries and public spaces. Entry-level positions may include assistant curator or collections assistant, with opportunities to progress to roles in major institutions or brand archives, like Creative Director, Chief Creative Officer, Collections Manager or Art Director.

Fashion Curation:

Fashion Curators work closely with designers, academics, historians, museums, and brands to assemble displays that reflect cultural trends, preserve history, and engage the public. They are responsible for “curating” live fashion exhibitions. They play a key role in shaping how fashion brands and stores present themselves and their products to the world.

A curator may be working in house for a designer brand, or freelance. They may be responsible for collecting and managing a brands collection of previous collections or reference garments, sourcing garments, organizing exhibitions, and interpreting fashion through written content, educational events, and public talks. Two notable luxury brands who have curated large exhibitions are Jean Paul Gaultier and Dior – the coordination of these exhibitions may have been the work of one or more curators working on the entire show. These exhibitions make a large impact on public perception of a brand.

Examples of roles within Curation:
  • Fashion Curator
  • Trend Forecaster
  • Creative Curator
  • Digital Archives Assistant
  • Education/Outreach Assistant
  • Registration Assistant
  • Stylist
  • Archivist
  • Gallery Assistant
  • Programmes Assistant
  • Curatorial Assistant
  • Exhibition Assistant
  • Collection Assistant
Chelsea, February 2017, UAL
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in business development:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Postgraduate Curating and Collections Show, 2023, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Kristy Noble
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Design and Craft Theatre, Performance and Screen

Costume Design

Costume design is a creative and collaborative field that focuses on bringing characters to life through clothing. Costume designers work closely with directors, writers, and production teams to research, sketch, and create garments that reflect each character’s personality, time period, and storyline. Their work supports the overall visual style of a production and helps actors embody their roles more fully. Costume designers are responsible for sourcing or making costumes, managing fittings, and ensuring continuity throughout filming or live performance.

This field requires strong skills in garment construction, historical and contemporary fashion knowledge, organisation, and communication. It is a hands-on, detail-focused pathway that blends storytelling, fashion, and technical expertise. From a career in costume design, you can expect to progress through in house and freelance roles, going from Costume Runner, to eventually becoming a Head of Costume or Lead Designer.

Examples of Roles within Costume Design:
  • Junior/Assistant Designer
  • Costume Trainee
  • Costume Design Assistant
  • Wardrobe Assistant
  • Costume Maker
  • Hand Finisher/Seamstress
  • Costume Runner
  • Breakdown Artist
  • Dresser
  • Costume Standby
Undergraduate Showcase, 2022 BA Costume for Theatre and Screen, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Levitt Bernstein
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Costume Design:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

LCF Class of 2022 | Photograph: Suzannah Gabriel
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Communications and Marketing Media, Publishing and Digital Styling, Make-up and Production

Content Creation

Content creation in the fashion and creative industries is all about producing engaging materials, like social media posts, videos, photos, articles, or newsletters, to promote brands, tell stories, and connect with audiences. Content creators work across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, websites, and email, using tools like content management systems and analytics to track audience engagement.

They collaborate with design, marketing, and editorial teams to make sure content aligns with the brand’s voice, style, and goals. Starting in this sector, you could work with text, image, audio and video assets to create visuals and copy, schedule posts, and respond to audience interactions. This career path can lead to Editorial Lead, Head of Marketing, Digital Content Manager or Creative Director.

Examples of roles within Content Creation:
  • Content Strategist
  • Copy Writer
  • Digital Marketing Executive
  • Web Developer
  • Social Media Assistant
  • Ecommerce Marketing Assistant
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Fashion Influencer
  • Digital Asset Coordinator
Zahraa Karim working in the studio, 2020 BA Photography, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Content Creation:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

School of Media and Communication BA19 Exhibition, 2019, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Arianna Poverini
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Culture, Community and Heritage Education and Research

Community Engagement

The community field of work focuses on creating inclusive, engaging, and accessible educational, cultural, and creative opportunities that meet the needs of local people. These roles exist in settings like councils, galleries, museums, and arts organisations, and often involve planning public events, developing educational resources, managing community projects or funding bids, and working directly with individuals, especially young people, to help them grow and succeed. This work plays a key role in ensuring that creative and educational offerings are relevant, equitable, and impactful.

Careers in this area can start in roles such as Community Arts Worker, Community Engagement Officer or Public Engagement Practitioner. These positions typically involve organising and delivering community-led programmes, building relationships with diverse audiences, and creating inclusive spaces for learning and expression. As experience grows, these roles can lead to more senior positions like Creative Projects Manager or Head of Community Engagement or Organisation Leader.

Examples of roles within Community engagement:
  • Community Education Coordinator
  • Community Engagement Officer
  • Curator
  • Creative Programmer/Producer
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Community Heritage Coordinator
  • Programming and Operations Consultant
  • Community Arts Assistant
  • Community Projects Assistant
  • Youth Engagement Officer
  • Arts Development Officer
  • Community Development Worker
  • Public Engagement Practitioner
Student photo shooting in Brick Lane Streets | photography: Chiara Bellamoli
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in community engagement:
  • • All LCF Courses could lead to a career in community engagement.

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

February 2017, LCC, UAL
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