Why is it that even though I am very satisfied with the clothes I designed myself, I can never find a true appreciator? I always feel that I am not appreciated by others, and sometimes I even wonder if there is a problem with my professional skills. Or I always feel that there is something missing in the styles or series I designed, leading to repeated attempts in design. Finally, when submitting the design for review, it is still rejected.
Many designers encounter a sense of discomfort when they first enter the industry, which can lead to a slump in their careers. So, what are the common misconceptions of novice fashion designers? Firstly, they tend to focus too much on their own subjective emotions, thinking that design is art. This is also a common misconception held by many people, who believe that design is a noble art form that should liberate their nature and pursue the artistic quality of their works. This is also a major reason why many designers feel out of place in the industry.

From a disciplinary perspective, fine arts and art studies are two completely different disciplines. Fine arts places more emphasis on the artistic quality of works, while design studies focus more on the commercial aspect of works. Designers, whether they work in fashion design or product design, tend to design products or merchandise rather than artworks. Designed works are meant to enter the market, so they must align more closely with customer preferences. Many designers prefer to choose art schools over business schools when selecting universities, which is also due to some outdated views in the past. Of course, I am not saying that design should run counter to art. It is wrong to have no personal thoughts in an industry. However, everything should be done in moderation, and artistic expression should be based on aligning with customer tastes. Many designers feel that they are artists who focus on the design of works while neglecting the industrial application of their works. Designers should pay more attention to industrial board making and industrial processes, rather than just talking about it on paper. Many designers, due to a lack of industrial foundation in fashion or other aspects, produce finished garments that differ greatly from their design concepts. They may feel that their design drawings are simply masterpieces, but the finished works are really hard to describe.

Newly entering designers often have a fatal misconception that they must pursue creativity and make their designs stand out from others. But have you ever wondered why everyone else follows the same trend, yet you insist on being unique? Why do people all prefer to design a certain style? It's because the market demands such a style. The more the market needs a certain style, the more popular such designs become. If you insist on going against the market demand and blindly sticking to yourself, your designs may not sell well. Most consumers are ordinary people. They won't buy your clothes just because of your creativity or how good your style is. Have you ever seen ordinary people wearing those exotic and unusual clothes from Paris Fashion Week on the street? You must first understand that you are serving businesses, and businesses need the market. Therefore, what you must do is to combine what the market needs. Only when the designer himself/herself goes deep into the market and consumers can he/she create designs that suit the market and make his/her designs sell well.

Another misconception is that inspiration is necessary before designing a piece. However, what I want to tell you at this point is that commercial fashion design does not require inspiration. Sometimes, you may have a sudden flash of inspiration, and you feel that your inspiration has arrived. You must design something that matches your inspiration. Remember that you are a commercial fashion designer, not an artist. The idea of trying to capture random inspiration and incorporating it into your work is particularly immature. Not to mention that because inspiration is random, you may not be able to grasp it, and such inspiration is generated freely from your own subjective emotional coloring, which may not be accepted by the public.

Another major flaw in design is the tendency to feel condescending and superior. Designers often believe they are well-informed and have high taste. However, in design, gaining customer recognition is crucial. If your work consistently fails to win customers' favor, it will be a fruitless exercise in self-admiration. Designers should establish a good relationship with consumers, engaging in equal communication, rather than feeling superior to others. If designers can accept suggestions from customers appropriately, I believe their work will definitely sell well! When designers look at their own work, they inevitably inject some subjective emotions, while consumers view their work from a very objective perspective. This provides a very friendly learning opportunity for designers. In design, what should be done more is to learn to accept and absorb, rather than being stubborn and insistent on one's own views.

Finally, let's summarize:
1. First, you need to understand your market and your consumer group, and then prescribe the right remedy. Create works that meet their needs.
2. Don't wait for the so-called inspiration to come to you. Just go ahead and do it, right now.
3. Designers should pay more attention to business relationships and corporate interests.
4. Designers are also ordinary people, and they should learn to absorb suggestions from customers.
5. When necessary, adopt a consumer's perspective and view your own work from their viewpoint.