Fashion Design 101 – Self Paced Class

Bring your fashion ideas to life in this comprehensive self-paced course taught by a Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) alum. Designed for aspiring fashion designers, homeschool learners, and creative students, Fashion Design 101 introduces the essential skills used by professional designers to transform inspiration into original clothing concepts and fashion illustrations.

Through step-by-step instruction, students learn the foundations of fashion sketching, garment design, concept development, and visual storytelling while building a portfolio of original work. Lessons combine artistic techniques, creative problem-solving, and industry-inspired practices in a structured format aligned with National Core Arts Standards (NCAS).

Learners will develop confidence in both the creative and technical aspects of fashion design as they explore fashion illustration, mood boards, fabric rendering, and design presentation. Whether using traditional art supplies or digital tools, students can complete projects at their own pace and according to their individual learning style.

Perfect for homeschool portfolios, independent study, or creative enrichment, this course provides a strong foundation for future fashion studies and portfolio development.

Why Choose This Course?

* Taught by a Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) alum
* Aligned with National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)
* Flexible self-paced format for independent learning
* Encourages creativity, critical thinking, and design thinking
* Builds foundational portfolio pieces for aspiring designers
* Pairs perfectly with our Fashion Accessories course for a complete fashion design pathway

Course Format

* Self-paced video lessons
* Guided, project-based activities
* Flexible schedule with lifetime access to course materials
* Suitable for traditional or digital art tools

What Students Will Learn?

Fashion Design Foundations

* Introduction to the fashion design process
* Understanding how professional designers develop concepts
* Building creative confidence and design skills

Fashion Illustration & Sketching

* The industry-standard 9-head fashion croquis
* Dynamic runway and catwalk poses
* Fashion sketches, technical flats, and illustrations
* Drawing the female face with accurate proportions

Garment Design & Rendering

* Designing original clothing and accessories
* Creating detailed fashion flats
* Applying color, shading, and fabric textures
* Understanding fabric behavior, folds, drape, and movement

Concept Development

* Creating mood boards and inspiration boards
* Developing cohesive fashion collections
* Using industry terminology and design language

Student Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have created a portfolio of original fashion sketches, technical flats, mood boards, and design concepts that showcase their creativity, personal style, and growing understanding of professional fashion design practices.

Start your fashion design journey today and learn how to turn creative ideas into stylish, professional-quality designs.

Aligns with NCAS visual arts standards

(NCAS: Create) Plan and develop original fashion designs including garments and accessories
(NCAS: Create) Apply elements and principles of visual art such as line, shape, proportion, color, and composition

(NCAS: Create) Create a cohesive mini fashion collection that demonstrates intentional design decisions

(NCAS: Create / Respond) Refine and present design work through sketches, labeling, and portfolio organization

(NCAS: Respond) Reflect on artistic choices using appropriate fashion and visual arts vocabulary

(NCAS: Connect) Connect fashion design to culture, personal style, and creative expression

Syllabus
Lesson 1:
Creating Your Fashion Croquis
Hello Designers, WELCOME to Lesson 1!
Lesson 2:
Drapes and Folds
Lesson 3:
Sketching Outfits
Lesson 4:
Colorizing
Lesson 5:
Fashion Flats (specs)

Pathway Note
Students can combine this course with the Fashion Accessories course to create a full fashion design pathway, developing skills from sketching garments to designing coordinated accessories.

Supply List
Recommended Supplies: (Students may use digital art if they prefer)
*Pencil Eraser/Kneaded Eraser, Ruler, Paper of choice *Translucent/Marker paper
*Markers (wide nib or brush markers) in a variety of colors from lights to darks, plus a grey and skin tone
*Colored pencils
*Fine tip felt pen/marker Graph paper for technical flats (optional)
I attached a list of supplies that I personally can recommend. I will try to keep the links updated with availability.
*Micron sketch pens (05) Black https://amzn.to/3OJWDM3
*Micron sketch pens (multi) Black https://amzn.to/3KVvswD
*Uniball Signo White Gel pens https://amzn.to/3OJXdJJ
*Uniball Signo White+Metallics Gel pens https://amzn.to/3YIzEWn *Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Portrait Set (skin tones) https://amzn.to/45D3a1R
*Prismacolor premier soft core colored pencils (a set of 24 is good to start) https://amzn.to/3qFKM9M
*Bienfang Graphics 360 Marker Paper Pad https://amzn.to/44k8FBp
*Alcohol markers https://amzn.to/3QK9KiY
Good starter set (Ohuhu) -cheaper https://amzn.to/3YJkGiE
Good starter set (Prismacolor Premier) -My choice https://amzn.to/3QRrbyg
My Favorite Ruler https://amzn.to/3KS0a9M

External Resources
Students will need to use Nearpod (it’s a free online learning platform), a safe, secure space for only one learner accessing the lessons.

Go at your own pace
Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.
Start when you want.
Learn at your own pace.
6 Months of access to Lessons.

Teacher
Lori King (she/her)
B.F.A in Fashion Design
A.A.S in Illustration/Art History
A.A.S in Graphic Design
Special Effects Artist certified with CSEP
Polymer Clay Artist

Ready to explore the world of fashion design and illustration? Let’s create something amazing together!