A degree in Fabric Design prepares one for several career possibilities. Designing fabric for industry could involve designing woven, printed, and knitted fabrics, as well as carpet and rug design. Many graduates from the School of Art hold responsible positions with a variety of textile firms. With an additional degree in Art Education or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, there are possibilities for teaching fabric design. Outstanding craftsmen might establish their own studios, receive commissions from interior designers, or sell work through galleries and craft shops. Whether the student is training to design for industry or to create fine artwork, the Fabric Design program expects students to research new ideas, materials, methods and design, and application.
Undergraduate Fabric Design
The ability to draw is essential in order to bring ideas to reality in most of the work in fabric design, especially for designing flat pattern in fabric surface design. Students are required to visualize objects in two-and three-dimensional form and "construct" these ideas. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in the area of Fabric Design must first submit work through the portfolio review process. Learn more about the portfolio review process by which undergraduate students apply to their area of emphasis here. A successful student in the program enjoys working with a variety of materials and must be able to master hand-manipulated techniques as well as the tools that are essential in the various fabric processes. In addition to a sensitivity and appreciation for color, pattern, and texture, he or she must be willing to spend long hours working in the studio in order to meet deadlines. Learn more about BFA degree requirements at the Lamar Dodd School of Art here.
Graduate Fabric Design
The Master of Fine Art (MFA) program at the University of Georgia welcomes students whose creative practice is engaged with textiles. For more information about the MFA Program at the Lamar Dodd School of Art, please contact our Graduate Office.
To see a list of recently completed MFA theses, click here.