Summer schools, online courses or workshops are a great starting point. Look at NIFT’s short-term programs, the Pearl Academy summer workshops, or online courses on Skillshare (fashion illustration, pattern making). Start a physical or digital sketchbook and develop a small collection concept, even 5 illustrated looks with a theme counts as portfolio work. Study designers you admire and analyse their collections critically. For international schools like Parsons (New York), CSM (London), or FIDM, your portfolio at the time of application is the single most important element. Start building it now!
