Is Pursuing a Career in Fashion Worth It? 

Pursuing my dream of being in the fashion industry was the best decision I've ever made! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 just got my BFA! 😊

Lol i cried in a dark room over my career/life choices.....to be a stay at home mom. Whatever you pick there will be those days that try you.

I'm going to fashion school rn and I'm on my second year and all I can say are yes, people are so damn competitive there, teachers are straight up mean and I've never cried and doubted abt myself this much until my last term. I was and in fact so depressed and exhausted 24/7 but idk what keeps me going and do all the damn things. I chose fashion design with a thought that I can do this but no, I keep getting bad scores and one time I think my teacher was so done at me she threw away my masterplan and at that particular moment I feel like I want to quit. I obtained a 3-4 hrs average of sleep every single day not to mention the college that I'm going takes a hell lot of time. so the point is yes, fashion school is really really tough but I do think if you have the desire and passion for creating then I must say that it's all worth the pain btw thank you so much for this video (and any other video), Ms Hong. Love your personality. Keep doing what u doing!

"Can I live without fashion being a big part of my everyday life"? -Zoe Hong Well said!

Every industry has its ups and downs. So we might as well go through it with the industry that your are passionate about. Because suffering for something you didn't want to do is even worse. I love that your are so up front and honest. You're the gem in the industry.😊

That last question "Can I live without fashion being part of my everyday life ?" is spot on. I finished fashion school four years ago and at the end I decided I didn't want to do it. I had my different reasons. Today, I find myself rebuilding my portfolio after I was called for an interview at a brand I really want to work for... and I realised that I have been needing this. I live fashion everyday, I look at fashion and dream about all the design I want to do everyday. I have been depressed and lost for the last few years, and today I feel the spark again. I was in denial of who I am and what I want all this time, and I have been suffering. No, I can't live without fashion, and I am happy I realised it now !

I've been a fashion student for 3 years now and more than once I've doubted whether or not I have what it takes to be a part of this industry and if any of this toiling is worth it. I've cried and screamed but somehow, always get through it all. Next time I doubt myself, I'm going to watch this video and remind myself that it is worth it. Thank you Professor Hong!

As John Galliano said: "The best advice I would give any aspiring fashion designer would be to be passionate, whatever you do, you need to have passion about it" I'm paraphrasing his words from an interview, but yeah, fashion is hard, we don't get answers for everything that we need most of the time, because if there were books or resources available for everyone telling us how to make that extravagant dress pattern or those unique haute couture sewing techniques, then everyone would try and copy the designers work and wouldn't buy those actually difficult to make designs. I study fashion design, and I don't think I'm the best or above anyone in my class, I see everyone in my class has talent and creativity; But, I think I have my unique type of creativity and I can bring something to this world with my designs, yes fashion design is frustrating, the amount of work in the short space of time we have to do is insane, and also the difficulty of the garments is also insane sometimes, it is stressful, and tiring and all that, but then when you see your final garment in real life and not just in a drawing, it's all so worth it, that feeling of pride and satisfaction, after all the effort it's so rewarding and it overcomes all the other negative things in the process.

This was really eye opening for me. I've thought about working in the fashion industry for a long time but have heard about how competitive it is. When she mentioned towards the end that there's no room for "kind of" wanting to do something I got my answer. While I love artistic expression of fashion I don't know if I could ever see myself becoming a designer.

Look, Zoe, I worked in fashion industry since 2001. You open my mind. Fashion people need to stop complaining, the whole world is not easy, not only fashion. thank you Zoe.

Currently binge watching and ily so much

I have studied at three different fashion shools around Europe. There was one which was a very technical school and was more into all getting flat drawings and sewing perfectly more than actually creating good designs. It was my first school and I found it easy because in sewing and patternmaking is almost (not exactly buuuut) as you said: from point a to point z. Ofc I learnt a lot there but I did not find it as exciting. the next two schools I enrolled at (and still am) were/are more about the creativity. After the sewing boot camp at least I found this part easy and I am happy about it because it does not take much of my time now. However, what I found out was that the actual creative process is hard as hell. I constantly feel exhausted and I find it true, o ne of my tutors words: fashion is the hardest profession because you must be an expert in everything: sewing, drawing, politics, technology, history, culture (food, music, art), patternmaking, marketing, CAD if you want to be a good fashion designer. Maybe it is a bit exagerated but I find it true because to truly create some new, desirable clothes is hard and one must take into account a lot of things. So, as I have been enrolling in those more creative schools I find it hard and often I find myself comparing to others (which I know is horrible to do as we are all different) and I do not think of myself as of professional and the come thoughts that oh maybe it's not for me. but the next morning I wake up and I go do shi* because I love it. Also, what really helps is that when you work hard, others notice it and compliment you for that (either those are tutors or people you make clothes for that say they love wearing what you made), then it all comes together. So just know that many people have such thoughts, you are not alone. but if you wake up and think of how much you love what you do, it is worth it no matter how difficult it is. because YOU LOVE IT.

Omg it’s so refreshing to hear someone say how hard design school was. Literally nothing in my life was ever harder than that. Everything is up for interpretation AND ITS HELL

This was so great. I love how blunt you are. I’m in law school and everything you said was so true about pursing a competitive job .... and I always complain about how hard I have it but you’re so right, any competitive field is hard and will kick your ass and make you cry. You just have to want it! Needed this!

That is one of the reasons I switched from studying theatre (wanted to be a costumer) to biology. These kind of career fields require talent, persistence, a ton of passion. So yes, you can't kinda want to seriously pursue an unusual career. And I am very happy designing and sewing up looks for myself in the comfort of my home. At my own pace and with no one telling me what to do.

love this video, at the age of 38 with baby son, I went to fashion school because I knew if I didn't try, I can't even die, I graduated last year, had a hard time to figure it out what to do but I know I have to do fashion design work, even I am scared because I love fashion so much, your video is awesome, so encouraging fashion people

I have found you at the perfect time of my life and I am soooo grateful for that. Thank you, thats all I can say.

I'm so glad that I clicked in this video!

I’m at 0:01, I’m a 14 year old girl from a small town with big dreams and before you start, I say yes.😊❤️ Also, I totally love your channel thanks so much for giving me all this priceless info.

Thank you so much for this video!!! When people ask me what majors i'm interested in, they look at me funny when I say fashion design. They'll say things like "but your so smart!" "That's more of a hobby, what about doing blah blah" "how are you going to make real money?" It makes me question if I'm making the right choice. Your advice made feel much better. :) Thanks.

I remember that my mom once bought me some new sewing stuff as a surprise for me. I started crying right at the spot. Not because I was thankful, but because I had a hard week in my training as a garment technologies and I thought about quitting. Now I am at my last year, finals in few months and after that I hope to study fashion design. Did I cried a lot? Yes. Did I started to lose weight because of stress? Yes. Do I hate sewing? Yes. But do I love my current job and do I think that that is what I want to do for the rest for my life? Definitely. If I, the air-head, can do it, you can do it too.

Thank you for your honestly, and willingness to share your experiences!

Nobody does a movie on "The Devil wears a postal supervisor's uniform" because like you said, fashion is glamorous. But you're right, it's rough everywhere and every job has it's own difficulties. But fashion is like having children...everybody knows it's hard but it's about a passion...you do it anyway.

ZOE A BIG THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN. I AM LEARNING SO MUCH FROM YOU AND SPREADING IT TO MY CLASSMATES. STAY BLESSED.

i just love your videos because you have so much to teach and tell from your life experience as a person and as a professional, you're so catching

OMG!, I just thinking about this question all day!!!!! wowwww,goose bump.

You are literally a guardian! Thank you, this will help so many people including me❤

So true that no matter what career you choose you'll be in the dark corner crying about your career decisions at some point. Female pilot-yes. Clinical Social worker- yes. Personal Trainer- yes. There are only two things that I know without a doubt will make me happy in the future: 1. Having a loving family and 1. Having loving friends. Any career goal I have is centered around those two things, not the career itself. A job is a job and people get disappointed when they put too much faith in their career providing happiness. The best-case scenario is you have a job with people you like, even if it's flipping burgers or tossing trash bags.

I love how you are blunt with the truth and don’t sugar coat anything. Thanks!

your so real and i appreciate that to the max

Holy crap! This video was so helpful no matter the industry. Thank you!

You speaking all facts Zoe, preach!🙌🏾

Thank you, Zoe, for sharing info regarding a career in fashion. I respect your honesty, and absolutely 💕💕💕 you!! 👗👖🎽👌

The best teacher/adult coach I've ever found. There's so many things as an artist you help with. Thank you for sharing your perspective and expertise.

Thank you Zoe. The things that you have to say are so relevant and honest. Im currently dealing with leaving the nursing industry at the age of 27 and contemplating my love of fashion design that still hasnt left me since i was 14. I feel empowered to pursue it. Maybe i wont be commercually successful or the next Alexander McQueen, but that doesnt matter. I just want to be a part of this industry and after watching this and doing some soul searching I know now that I have the drive and determination to chase this dream with everything I have. Thank you.

This is your best video I've seen so far ~ I've questioned myself this very same way

Omg 1000% true about there not being clear cut answers. Design does follow guidelines, but its extremely subjective.

love... how being honest you are. this is what i really want to hear. Xoxo

This was a fantastic video. You have made so many points that I discovered over time. When I was younger about 18 or so, many people would bring up these very same concerns, that were established early on this video. At the time, I listened to people to much and doubted myself because of it. However, now as an older adult, who had to start her fashion journey slightly later, I am way more stronger in knowing how committed I am to this industry. Even after stressful class days, I still think manage to feel that I am lucky to finally be pursuing what I love. The challenges become more worth it, if the passion for it is there, in my experience. Even if I feel like I don't know everything about the field, it doesn't discourage me, it just motivates me to read more and practice my skills more. Thanks for posting such an inspiring and realistic video. I find that when some give advice they forget to mention the good points that counteract the challenges, but you gave both sides of the coin, so to speak. I also agree that many don't realize how hard artistic and design related fields are. I don't study fashion design, I am a fashion journalism major, but many of those points you noted have applied to my experience. Writing requires a constant process of generating new ideas, and also in order to write about fashion you have to follow the other fields within it. It is a lot of research, work, and idea generation, but in the end for me it is worth it.

I love how real you keep it in all of your videos!!! Thank you for your honesty!!!

this is my first video I've watched from you and im in the middle of figuring out my career and this cleared some things up.

EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO ASK...thank you so much

Love her honesty and Straightforwardness

This is fantastic...I've been a fashion designer for over 30 years and despite it's challenges at time, I wouldn't trade this journey for the WORLD. Now like you I'm sharing my knowledge and tips with others and hoping to inspire more people into Fashion! Whether it's fashion design, or simply learning to express themselves more...it's such an important part of our expression

Great video comparing the fashion industry with other industries. That anywhere you work, you'll have ups and downs. I've had so many people tell me I should audition for Project Runway. I always think, "No Way." I don't even have the patience to watch that show. I also have an admiration for math, because there are finite answers. One things that's always bothered me about design, is there are no absolute solutions. It makes it hard to know when to stop working on something and move on.

Thank you for opening up about your life. I wish you all the best

Thank you very much for this video, I am a costume designer from latinoamerica. I have been working in the entretainment and fashion industry for 10 years . Now I am working in a very demanding place, and even so, with all the experience that I have sometimes i forget that It is ok to cry for work, and it is good to remember that happens to all of us. I agree with you. Always be nice.

gotta luv a queen that's raw and to the point, thank you!

This video tells me ... you are an amaaaaaazing teacher Zoe 😊👍🙌🙌🙌 !!

Fantastic video! To anyone thinking on getting in any creative career I highly recomend especially if you know that you want to do XZY by your sophomore year in high school, is working assisting anyone in whatever field you are interested in even if its for free in the summers. Two things can happen, one you realize that its not what you want to do or two your love and passion for it all will strengthen and grow. Thank you Ms. Zoe Hong for all the fantastic advice you provide through your wonderful channel!

your videos got my through my fashion illistration class. i love your honesty and straight forward personality!!!

I was on project runway I can say that it is edited just like all tv shows but it is not scripted. We were never given any scripts.. Love this video

Thank you so much for this video! You really said it like it should be and it opened my eyes. I've been in a weird "what the hell do I really wanna do" loop for the past two years but I've finally realized that even though I'm not going to fashion school (due to financial problems and also I really dislike the school in my country) it won't stop me from doing something that I really wanna do. Because in the end, doing fashion is a job that teaches you more about yourself than anything else.

This entire video is truth 🙌. I worked in healthcare for many years so I know the crap that exists. Zoe is right, what it comes down to is what you cannot live without.

Great advices Zoe! I have already cried at school, ahahaha! and Fashion is still amazing! See you soon

Zoe!!!! You are the ultimate teacher. You are the complete package, amazing. Thanks for sharing ur knowledge and also for doing it so awesomely. I love youuuuuuu

Zoe. Thank you for making this video. You got all the point. The truth is, even thought we work in different industry. We might have very hard time or cry over it. This is life.

Moral, ethical and not a push over. I love it ❤️

Hi Zoe, thank you so much for your insight. You are right. Every industry has its ups and downs. That is why it is so important that we ask ourselves these questions and think about what we are passionate about. At the end, we need to be willing to work hard for what we want.

Best and most informative video I have watched. I especially liked you real life references to create perspective.

Thank you for this. Thank you for being straightforward my family has been stopping from what I love. It’s always been my dreaming since a little girl. And now starting my first year of college I know I shouldn’t be majoring in nursing to make my family happy. I want to pursue fashion.. something that’s runs through my head day and night.

oh gosh. You're amazing. I never get tired of hearing you talk. Possibly because you vocalize so much of what's in my head. But also because you remind me I need to draw more consistently. Thanks Zoe! You're a force. :)

You know Zoe, right now, right this second, I was about to give up fashion, I was about to give up my passion just because it's kinda scary and I feel like I'm worthless and I'm not able to achieve anything in fashion but this video inspired me made me realise how much I love fashion and it'll always be worth it even if I'm not successful. Thank you. You're a true inspiration

Hi :) I discovered your channel yesterday and fell in love with your personnality. Thank you for your lessons, for your sincerity and for your humble words ! La bise from France :)

I just think you are so amazing with what you do. I feel I am learning more from you than Uni... I can feel your experience in every video... Thank you

Hi Zoe, first of all i would like to say thank you for being so informative and for sharing your huge knowledge about this industry, i’m a fan of your channel!!! 🌸 Talking about whether fashion worth it or not, i think we have to reflect back to ourselves, whether this is our passion or not. Cause when you choose to dive in any particular field, you will ‘play’ in it for the rest of your life (or at least until you retire). So i think, fashion is worth it when it’s your passion. I’m a 32 y/o male, i studied textile design and now work as a fashion designer. I loved to draw since i was a baby, but my father wanted me to be a doctor or an accountant, and of course i rebelled and went into a design school instead. Lol. Cause i can’t even picture myself being something other than a designer, i can’t imagine living without sketching and creating something with ruffles and laces 😁 (for the rest of my life). As in my experience working in this industry for more than 10 years now, I guarantee you there will be juice, tea, drama, you name it. I mean, it doesn’t happen only in fashion industry, other fields also have their roller coaster. And when it comes to your passion, you would want to give it your sweat, tears and blood. I’m sorry for my long comment, Zoe. But i felt like i needed to share my thought on this for the younger people. Hope it helps. Thanks! 😊

watched your video about fabrics which led me to this video and was immediately attracted to your personality and teaching style. I'm subscribed. Thank you Zoe, I'm learning a lot..😘

You're so great! I love your caracter, you inspire me so much

Loved this video. I'm using this as my pep talk because my biggest issue isn't think that I kinda want to do it. It's fear of failure and I working hard to get over that because I realized that if I don't pursue this career I'll be unhappy and regret it forever

This was the realest advice I have ever heard about the industry. So glad I found your channel. This is my last semester studying Fashion Design & Product Development and I am so excited and ready to leap, but advice like this helps me stay humble and remind myself that it will be hard at times and it will test me. I do agree with you that the rumors about the fashion industry are mostly false, the only people I have met through fashion were kind, creative, intellectual & innovative people, all from different backgrounds and ethnicities that I learned so much from.

I'm not even a fashion student 😁 but I loooove watching your videos 😍

I have no interest in a job in fashion, but this a great video for any competitive career you are interested in. You have to want it.

I am so glad I found your videos. Watched this one and laughed so many times! I love your real and genuine opinions. New subbie here! 💖

I just showed this to my classmates and you're so inspirational!

I think I just fell in love with you! thank you so much for putting out your wisdom. I got goosebumps in the end

Fantastic video, I think the students at the Caribbean Academy of Fashion needs too see this so i'll share. Thank you Zoe.

Wow this was super helpful!!! I am actually going to pursue engineering next year but was second guessing so haaarddd cause I watched a couple of super cool fashion shows and am good at sketching and the artsy stuff. But watching this made me realise that I just love the idea of fashion and am in no way ready to immerse myself in this industry.

I love the honesty!!

Truly.. THANK YOU for making these videos.. I've watched a few and subscribed.. You are sharing a wealth of knowledge and insight with us.. Whether aspiring into fashion or just loving it as a consumer, your honesty and genuine approach is refreshing and thought provoking.. The fashion industry can come off as an enigma with a rep for not wanting to share industry info, or its secret.. You could be doing a thousand other things, but I have yet to come across any fashion channel that is open, honest, and willing to drop incredible insight and knowledge that people pay thousands of dollars to hear and acquire.. Thank you so much for sharing it with us and being so inspiring.

such a helpful video! currently a fashion student myself, finding it hard but this gave me a good kick!

Comparing my experiences as a pre-med biology student turned fashion student (now a graduate), I can say there's no comparison to the drive I found in myself amd my fellow fashion peers compared to the drive of the average student going for pre-med. Maybe it was because many people feel pressured to become a doctor for the money or prestige at the pre-med level as opposed to actual med students (I never actually went to med school); but I just felt like people were driven more from within at design school. Truly, people tend to have more personal stakes when pursuing design than other things. That's because design takes personal involvement and that always takes more energy. Like you were saying in the x=3 scenario. That's not a personal response to a question it's simply a fact. But in general, with fashion school, you're constantly being asked to give your opinion or your take on something which is much more involved than a cookie cutter answer. And yet there is lots of x=3 scenarios within technical fashion design so you end doing the work of a scientist amd an artist which is twice the work amd twice the stress. But hey its also twice the reward if you follow through and get to your goals.

I love, love, love you for doing this video. Thank you so so so much, Zoe! hugs and kisses! Feel better soon cuz I just saw your video that your eyes aren't well.

Hello, Zoey. I've been watching your videos and I must tell you: you are incredibly inspiring. I'm not a designer and I'm not in the industry of fashion (I studied literature), and yet your videos encourage me to write and write and keep practicing. #practicenotmagic

I totally agree,thanks for keep it so real.

I love how real this woman is! Lol

And here after watching and reading those comments, am no more in doubt. All I know is that Fashion Designing is a dream I've had since middle school, I gave up on it again and again, at times lacked understanding and support, at times being doubtful of my skills, but it was there being that silent first choice of mine, if I ever get to choose. And guess what, now at life-changing crossroads, I find that's probably the only thing I am truly confident about, I won't leave it halfway like some of my 3 minute passions. Although I'm still evasive of the questions about my future, when I ask myself if I want to do this, unhesitatingly that inner voice answers YES! I do love it, I'm not so skilled or knowledgeable, far from a "fashionista" but I am willing to learn and improve. Thanks Zoey, that reality check helped me, now I know I am not scared of being in that position, if I'm going close to my dream, my passion and that first choice I have always held on to.

This video was a huge affirmation for me, thank you

thankyou so much for this, I thank myself to watch this specific video cause I was having second thoughts about pursuing masters in fashion.... so thanks so much

Thank you, Zoe, for these helpful videos! I've been listening to your advices for a long time, still didn't choose between "kinda want" and "definitely in"... There was one idea I didn't quite understand in this video-being ethical is too general as an expression to me... I think it's important to do your best for that purpose but there will allways be someone to challenge you too hard staying at least polite. I'll try though since that's a good recommendation for anyone, at any situation.

it's the first time I see your videos but I adore your honest personality and your accent! Was very helpful Thank you so much.

Such a brilliant, thoughtful meditation on passion in a competitive field. I am a graphic designer/motion graphics artist with aspirations of being a "real animator" and I found this video thought provoking and helpful.

Omg yas!!! Everyone cries over their work! Well said!

I’ve been following you for years now, am currently at Pratt for fashion design, and still refer to this video. Had a terrible crit, had my cry sesh, considered if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, and came here. Thank you so much for the perspective ❤

OMG you are amazing! thanks a lot for do this video

This was helpful and motivational to take on the challenge.

I’ve been rejected for hundreds of jobs and even unpaid internships after graduating with my AAS in Fashion Design. I’ve tried making my own brand and Etsy and website and I paid for advertising and made my own stuff. I had a fashion show. And I’ve sold nothing. I’m not sure what to do. The only sewing job I had I got fired from for being too slow, and the only other sewing job I could find was a factory job sewing mattress covers. What can I do? I’m just not sure how I can even break into the industry at all. I feel like going to school for fashion was a waste of time. I’ve made all the social media and LinkedIn, tried talking to people for opportunities… and nothing. I don’t know what to do.

You are such an inspiration. Thank you!

Love your videos 💕 I’m learning a lot Keep it up 👍🏽

I am extremely happy I pursued a career in fashion! That is my dream!

The Fashion Industry is amazing - especially if you are talented