Leather Designing - Eligibility, institutes and prospects

Leather Designing - Eligibility, institutes and prospects

What is leather designing and why should I opt for it?

Due to an enormous increase in demand of Indian leather in and outside India, more and more qualified designers in this particular field are required. Leather designing caters to the various needs of the leather industry, be it goods or apparel. Variety of leather products ranging from footwear to belts, upholstery to bags etc are available. Leather industry now requires trained designers, merchandisers etc. to meet international standards. Accessories enhance an individual’s fashion sense! If you intend to be a major force in the fashion industry, then you must put your passion and skills together in order to escalate your career progress.

Which are the top leather design colleges/institutes in India and what degree/diploma do they offer?

The popularity of this field among skilled professionals has led to an increase in formal training mainly for the implementation of latest technology. This has given rise to a number of institutes offering degree/diploma/certificate courses. Leather designing is attractive however, a degree/diploma in leather production can help you get a job in the leather maufacturing companies and tanneries. Some of the courses are listed below.

• B.Des (Leather Design)- National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata
• Diploma in Leather Goods and Footwear Technology- Govt. Polytechnic, Mumbai
• B.Des (Leather Design)- National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi
• B.Des (Fashion Leather Accessory Design)- FDDI School of Fashion, Noida
• MSc. (Leather Goods and Accessory Design)
• Diploma in Leather Goods and Accessories Design

Who is eligible to get admission into a Leather Design course?

In order to get admission in undergraduate programs you must pass 10+2. Most graduate and advanced programs prefer a prior on-hand experience in designing and it will be expected of you to produce a portfolio of creative work together with college transcripts during admission. A background of Chemistry will be an advantage since you will be dealing with chemical processing of leather and leather products.

Is there any entrance exam required to take admission in any of the colleges?

Entrance exams in designing comprises of a written test to examine the candidates knowledge and skill for the programme chosen.
Once you have cleared the exam you will have to go through a situation test, group discussion and a personall interview. However, this may vary from institute to institute.

Here are some popular exams for admissions into Leather Designing

CEED: Common Entrance Examination for Design
SOFT: School of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination
PAF: Pearl Academy of Fashion
AIEED: All India Entrance Examination for Design

Is it a right career choice for me?

Leather has become a part of most of our modern accessories and a career in leather designing has become not just a glamorous one but also a lucrative one. However, prior to making it a career, you must consider the various conditions that you will be working under, like smelly tanneries or leather processing which may be difficult for some. Job in a leather industry is quite challenging and you must give a good thought before choosing to enter this field.

How much can I expect to earn as a leather designer?

Remuneration is higly dependent on how skillful you are. Multinational companies will pay attractive salaries whereas smaller companies are frugal. Most of the companies in private sector pay as per their standards based on availability of human resource and the supply and demand ratio. With exceptional designing skills you may also opt for international companies. Salaries abroad are handsome accompanied by a high standard of living.

What are the job opportunities?

You can find a job as designers, product and brand managers, visual merchandisers and entrepreneurs. You can also work as technical and style designers. After a sufficient experience you can also consider putting up your own unit. As far as career growth and progression is concerned, it is completely performance based and the sky is your limit.