Fibre medium and textiles are one of mankind's oldest and most diverse art form of expression. They are an indispensable part of our lives and in the modern art world.
This profession involves monitoring of pattern making during the production process. In other words, textile design is a process of transforming raw materials into finished products. Fibres, yarns, and finishing agents are key elements to be considered in the textile design process.
Introduction to the Canadian Textile Design major
In the textile design major, the focus is on developing skills and high levels of proficiency in various textile techniques. Students need to take courses such as: production and design, dye processes, textile structure and techniques, pattern design, and professional practices. The admission requirements for this major includes 11th or 12th grade art or a portfolio.
What knowledge and skills do students learn in Canadian textile design majors?
The textile major provides a range of traditional and contemporary techniques and methods. Learning from design professionals in our state-of-the-art facilities, you'll get hands-on experience in 2D and 3D fibre-specific approaches, including printing, weaving, dyeing, off-loom techniques, digital design and sewing. We foster and encourage experimentation and exploration of the fibre medium. As the awareness of sustainable industrial practices continues to grow, the Textiles Studio is committed to doing our part. We purchase our dyes from reputable suppliers and grow and harvest our own natural dyes in our Dye Garden, right here on campus. You'll also help to care for our Dye Garden, making a positive environmental impact and embracing greener textile practices.
Employment prospects for Canadian textile design graduates
Whether students decide to become independent textile artists or work in studios after graduation, the school aim to provide opportunities for internship work, industry exchanges, design competitions, design research, etc. to prepare students for their careers after graduation.
After graduation, possible jobs include: Textile Artist, Textile Designer for Fashion, Craftsperson, Textile Technologist, etc.
Textile design jobs in Canada
Textile Artist: Create unique fabric materials through a combination of traditional weaving techniques and different materials; large-scale installations made of fabrics, colour dyes, craftsmanship, and unique shapes.
Interior Textile Designer: There are many classifications of fabric products, which are distinguished according function. They categorized by: function, space, design features, processing technology classification, etc. No matter what material and processing technology are used, the most important thing to consider is where it will be used and for what purpose. Textile products are usually classified according to the function of the product and the space in which it will be used, such as restaurant, kitchen, decoration and furnishings, etc.
Fashion design: The significance of fashion design is that is should hold a strong aesthetic standard. Since the clothes designed are to be worn in real life, they must be beautiful and fashionable, but also modest and elegant, so that they will stand the test of time and not become outdated. Therefore, in the process of designing clothes, a focus on expressing his/her concepts and ideas.
Salaries for Canadian textile design graduates
What are the decisive factors and how much money do they earn each year?
Textile designers: The average salary of Canadian textile designers is $54,734 CAD per year or $22.09 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level positions is $39,000 per year, while the annual salary for experienced workers can reach up to $81,000.
Home Textile Designer: The average salary of a Canadian home textile designer is $48,000 CAD per year or $24.62 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level positions is $34,000 per year, while the maximum annual salary for experienced workers is $81,600.
Fashion designer: The average salary of a Canadian fashion designer is $52,743 CAD per year or $20.16 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level positions is $35,000 per year, while experienced workers earn up to $80,000 per year.
Majors related to textile design in Ontario, Canada (1-to-4-year programs)
| Name of Program | School | Type of Credential | Open to International Students | Start Date |
| Honours Bachelor of Craft and Design (Textiles) | Sheridan college | Bachelor Degree | Open | September |
Summary: UtoCanada's views on the textile design major
Textile design is a global industry, and students may find opportunities to cooperate with foreign or international companies. Many designers are freelancers, and some choose to establish their own businesses, designing and producing works for direct sale or retail of handicrafts.
Most textile designers are employed in the fashion industry, but they can also find jobs in interior design. The scope of work includes carpets, furniture, bed sheets, and towels, etc. Designers may specialize in printing, knitting, or woven fabrics.
Students enrolled in the textile major must have creativity and collaboration skills, be detail-oriented, can complete tasks on time, and perform well under pressure. As technological developments continue to expand, the industry is in a state of constant change, so textile designers must keep up with fabrics and fashion trends. Design concepts created and presented by the designer must show an understanding of colours, fabrics, and textures. Also, designers should have some understanding of related computer software and applications. Using networking skills to develop and maintain business contacts are also crucial in the future of one's career.
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