Moxie, I can't wait to see your stuff!

Ditto Miss Martini.

I currently work as a freelance CAD artist and have launched my own line of green designs, custom created to suit a woman's body. I sew them to spec and paint them by hand. I also do print work [original art for placed prints and repeating patterns].

So yes. I am very interested to see how we can develop this group. You may also be interested in my group: The Visual Arts Forge and Foundry. Kumbaya: http://teamsugar.com/group/1585733

oh thank u everyone...........i am fathima i am the one who created this group.........i am fathima and i am 14...... i wanna grow up to be a fshion designer[duh!!!!!!!!!!]

What is a freelance designer?

If anyone is part of thefashionspot.com, can you send me an invitation? Its so hard to get in! Thanks!

Kalamari: A freelance designer is someone who works for themselves and can garner work from a variety of sources. Those sources can vary greatly depending on the type of design that you do. You can work via a contracted arrangement or on a "per project basis". It's not a 9-5 gig and you do not punch a clock. You can work on site or off, with your own equipment or not. For instance:
- I get work from a couple of agents. Agents actively look for work for me and we have a contracted arrangements.
- I also get work from an agency. The agency listings are not as focused on me, personally but it's an okay source.
- I get work from a number of other designers who, for one reason or another, need help with certain aspects of their projects.

I am not a member of the fashion spot but TiaElle made a very nice list from some of my resources http://teamsugar.com/group/1585733/lists/1807504

I obviously want to become a fashion designer and im gonna go to college in two years. Would it be recommended to purchase a book on how to create your own patterns and draping and stuff so i will be ahead?

You need a portfolio to even be considered for a fashion design school. So yes. Start now. Start sketching and sewing. You also want to start finding your style so you can make a good presentation. You will also want to take good photos of your finished pieces.

On the books: You will probably end up purchasing a slew of resource but I recommend that you start with "Portfolio Presentation" by Linda Tain. It's a bit pricey but it is a wealth of information in one, very handy reference. It also covers most of the aspects of design and jobs that you can get [or may find yourself gravitating towards] in the field. This is also one of the textbooks that they use at F.I.T. Search it out on Amazon or google it. You'll see.

When I get a couple minutes I'll make a list of references that you may may also want to consider.

Haze-have you heard about any really great fashion design colleges? How about University of Cincinnati-School of Design or School of Art Institute of Chicago? Thanks for all your help by the way!

I would dissuade you from the Art Institute but, if you're considering a school in Ohio, why not consider Kent State University. There is also Parsons [OMG-Expensive but it IS All That] or FIT. These are my preferences [of course] and there are a lot of good schools out there. You need to do the research to find out which one is right for you. After all, being at Parsons is all good but not if you don't like the environment. You need to go where you will flourish. Start interviewing schools now. Look at their websites and schedule campus visits. Ask about placement percentages. if they have any stars as alumni you'll hear about it - you need to know where the average student ends up. Not that you are average - you just need to have a reference point. You know what I am saying - I'm sure.