Job Responsibilities
I am responsible for developing, merchandising and marketing a
home furnishings product line. I create the line, direct the
showroom operations and set up, oversee the placement and
production of the products. Currently , we manufacture a line of
mid-tier and better sheeting, comforters, decorative pillows,
drapery, and related products. We supply the major retailers and
specialty stores throughout the country. I work with freelance
designers in making the initial samples, present the products to
our customers with our sales force, and interface with our mills
in producing the final product.
I oversee the entire process working hand in hand with the owner
of the company and the VP of Sales.
Each week is different as each customer presents us with new
challenges. It is both exciting, creative and , of course,
frustrating as the retail environment and the textile industry is
in a state of constant change. I have developed extensive CAD
skills as proficiency on the computer (proprietory and off the
shelf software programs) is key to creating a more expediate work
flow. I travel overseas on a regular basis visiting our mills and
new mills, and travel throughout the US presenting products to key
accounts.
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Job Requirements
Although I have an AAS in design and a BFA in art, it is the hands
on experience in my field that has been the best education.
Wonderful mentors, exciting challenges, travel throughout the
world have been key in developing my skills in the workplace in
the management area and in the technical area.
There is no substitute for spending a week at a mill and working
with the people who operate the machines and mix the colors. It is
the technicians who really know the work and it is only by getting
dirty and working long hours that a design professional can really
understand the complete process involved in bringing and idea to
realilty.
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Uppers
I enjoy the creative aspect of product development and can design anything for
the home. The challenges of new trends, new materials, new yarns, and new
products are very exciting. Meeting new people (buyers and designers) is
stimulating and refreshing. Everyone has something interesting to impart and
each
day is a bit different.
It is very rewarding to go shopping in a store and see something you creating on
the shelf.
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Downers
The down side is that business is not good right now, and the
textile industry is in a particularly bad spot. The quota for
China is being eliminated and the retailers and bypassing the
manufacturers and bringing in product directly from offshore
suppliers. It is a tough time for our industry.
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Lifestyle
I would not suggest this as a good choice at this time. It is not
a growing industry; it is currently in decline. Although very
rewarding at times, with so many talented and experienced
individuals looking for work, this is a difficult industry to
break into without experience. Many, many companies are closing
their doors and without the outsourcing being addressed on a
government level , the outlook for the home textiles industry is
not looking good at this time.
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Compensation
Compensation varies greatly. It can be as low as $50,ooo or go up
to $200,000 with bonus agreements based on the percentage of
product placed with retailers. Much depends on experience , track
record, and the size of the company one works for. A large company
with large retail customers will pay more, with greater bonuses
and contracts as the work is more intense and there is greater
reward for a job well done. An experienced design director can be
well compensated . A design director can also work as a consultant
or with a smaller firm and have flexibility, but that comes with a
reduced salary and bonus agreement.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I would not suggest this as a good choice at this time. It is not
a growing industry; it is currently in decline. Although very
rewarding at times, with so many talented and experienced
individuals looking for work, this is a difficult industry to
break into without experience. Many, many companies are closing
their doors and without the outsourcing being addressed on a
government level , the outlook for the home textiles industry is
not looking good at this time.
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