WHAT IS IT TO BE A PROFESSIONAL IN FASHION PROMOTION?

Fashion Promotion is a path of the fashion industry that is fast paced and constantly evolving. The fashion industry itself, is diverse and unique – appealing to a wide range of individuals as they use clothing as a method of expression, therefore those who work in the realm of promotion need to sell to consumers the possibilities of fashion and why that product is meant for you. As the fashion industry is evolving, the promotional methods adapt also demanding those in the industry to follow suit – remaining professional and up to date is required, but how do you be a professional in fashion promotion?

Looking at a professional in fashion promotion, the qualities required can be separated in 4 groups, this enables a detailed picture of what a professional requires to be established.

Skills:

-       -Skills can be divided into two separate sections of Hard skills and Soft skills – Hrads skills being the technical skills and abilities a professional has and soft skills being those realited to an individuals personality.

-       -The Hard skills required are skills such as proficient capabilities on software including Photoshop and In design. Having a knowledge on the use of this software would be beneficial as they are industry recognized packages, and would allow the creation of promotional materials. An individual would have to be comfortable with digital photography and have a grasp on social media platforms.

-      - The Soft skills would be communication skills such as networking to develop a base of contacts, presentation skills and the skill of team work. You would have to have good leadership skills also to manage projects, an ability to successfully decision make and work well under pressure. An individual would have to have the skill of commitment to project and to be able to manage time well to meet deadlines. Soft skills are skills that are transferable across any industry, however , the skill off flexibility would be of an advantage in fashion promotion as the industry constantly evolves and an individual would have to mold and adapt to these changes.

Attributes:

-Beneficial attributes for a professional in fashion promotion would be having a detailed knowledge in the field of fashion and information of his its history and the potential direction of it’s future progression.

-A professional would be reliable and punctual, this would show that they have passion for their work and concerned about their performance on the job.

-Creativity would be essential to successfully be able to produce products and promote itmes.

- A professional would need to be ambitious and determined to succeed and work to the best of their ability.

-A good employee who would be considered a professional would be eager and positive.

- A successful professional is articulate and able to communicate their ideas proficiently and communicate with other well by create a sense of rapport between other individuals, adjusting their tone to the situation.

Attitudes:

-A professional in fashion promotion would be open minded, this would allow more opportunities as fashion is diverse and the market is ever changing so an individuals would have to be open to changes.

-An attitude of willing and determination to succeed as this will create the best quality work.

-A motivated attitude would be needed to convey desire for the job and to succeed.

-A respectful attitude –whether towards other of new concepts and ideas and an attitude of acceptance.

-An attitude of honesty is professional as it is admirable towards others and being honest about work can improve projects.

Qualifications:

-  -  To be a professional in fashion promotion, a basic literary skills are needed to be able to communicate efficiently however, although it would be desirable, GCSE qualification would be needed to show basic understanding.

-   -   A professional in fashion promotion may be benefitted by having a degree in the filed as they would be equipped with the knowledge and practices of the industry and the degree would have trained them to accumulate the necessary hard and soft skills however, an individual could become a professional in fashion promotion through building their skill base through practical experience working in the field so in those instances a degree wouldn’t be as necessary.