The one software skill every fashion design career path demands

“With all the new design tools and AI options, is Illustrator still worth learning?”

Absolutely, Reader. Here’s why:

No matter which direction your fashion career takes, you’ll encounter Illustrator. It’s not just useful: it’s essential.

Heading into corporate? Illustrator is still THE standard for flat sketching in corporate environments. From fast fashion to luxury brands, design teams rely on Illustrator for consistent, professional flats. It’s often the first skill listed in fashion design job postings.

Working as an independent or freelance designer? Whether you’re creating tech packs for clients or eventually need to develop your own products, Illustrator gives you the professional edge. Many product developers prefer Illustrator files for their precision and editability. When working with design teams or fashion brands, you’ll often be asked to provide final files in Illustrator format.

Building your own fashion brand? You’ll need to clearly communicate with manufacturers and product developers, and one of the best ways to convey your design vision is with a flat sketch. Your tech packs, spec sheets, and technical sketches all need to be precise and professional.

Not to mention how versatile the program is to create other design items. You can use Illustrator to create:

✨ Graphics and prints: Design logos, labels, and graphic elements for your garments

✨ Print layouts: Create allover print artwork and repeating patterns

✨ Embroidery design: Layout embroidery placements and digitization prep

✨ Pattern work: Some designers even use it for basic pattern creation and grading

✨ Marketing materials: Line sheets, lookbooks, and promotional graphics

Plus, I love how practical Illustrator is. As much as I also love 3D, the one thing no one really talks about is the hardware upgrade you need to run those programs. And to run 3D efficiently, that can get VERY expensive. If you're not ready to do that, Illustrator can still provide a great option to bring your design vision to life.

Bottom line: While new tools come and go, Illustrator remains a trusted tool for fashion designers. Whether you end up in corporate, go independent, or start your own brand, you’ll encounter Illustrator. So, the sooner you master it, the more opportunities you’ll have.

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Speaking of mastering Illustrator: if you're in the NYC metro area, join me this Saturday, August 16th for our final summer, in-person Illustrator for Fashion Sketching class. It’s designed specifically for fashion professionals who want to build solid Illustrator skills without getting overwhelmed by features you’ll never use. We focus on what actually matters in fashion: professional flat sketching, efficient workflows, and building the foundation you’ll use throughout your career. Click here to sign up!

Not in the NYC area but still need to learn Illustrator? Check out my online course. Get the same great info delivered at your own pace. Plus, we just reduced the price of the course!