How do you choose the best online course for fashion sketching?

Learning to sketch isn't an important thing and isn't quite as valued as it was in the "fashion" design world. By this I mean learning how to draw croquis, rendering fabrics, understanding basic body proportion/movement, ect. This is a great skill to have but what most companies are looking for is if you have the ability to do technical flats and preferably in Adobe Illustrator. If you are a fashion designer or studying to become one, understand that you will not be doing much (if at all) illustrating. Companies aren't interested in the artistry anymore. They are interested in the product.

In my experience it was helpful to both be able to “sketch” an idea but then also be able to make a flat sketch and communicate effectively with a factory to have a design made using complete and accurate tech packs. I also found the best resource for me was using the basic proportions I learned in a fashion illustration class to then practice on my own after being inspired by artists I found and watched on social media as well as YouTube.

When I was younger, figuring out my skill level was key to finding the perfect online course for fashion sketching. A lot of people will have some sort of art experience, which will help them gauge where they stand. As a beginner, I sought a course that laid a solid foundation and covered the basics. Slowly diving into more advanced skills allowed me to grasp figure proportions, garment rendering, and different fashion illustration styles. Having a clear idea of where I wanted to take my career helped me find a course that matched my skills. It's not just about proficiency! Enjoying the learning process and having fun along the way is equally important. So, finding an engaging and effective course has always been a priority for me.

One thing I have found helpful is you need to know your current level of fashion sketching, then make sure to take courses that aligns with what a lot of companies require. For instance, digital illustrations are becoming widely acceptable, with 3D renderings of sketches. My best advice can be to learn how CLO (for instance) works, to be give virtual 3-dimensional renderings of designs.

For young aspiring designers, sketching is the first measurable skill they can develop. it costs little more than time to practice, and it is a constant reassurance of your own skill to see your talent and perspective come to life on the page. Fashion Design is about 100 different skills. Most working in the industry have maybe 2 or 3 of them. Illustration is one that has become less profitable to pursue, but many do. This skill is one you can teach yourself with the right books, and a lot of enthusiastic practice. You should check your local libraries and see what they have.

As a student, I knew that I wanted a career focused on technical and functional aspects, so I directed my illustration work accordingly. I prioritized learning skills such as drawing flats, understanding proportions, and creating tech packs. Recognizing the high demand for fashion designers with a technical background and proficiency in tools like Adobe Illustrator, I aligned my learning objectives accordingly. This ensured that I wasn't aimlessly illustrating but rather pursuing a fruitful direction aligned with industry needs.