No, a traditional university degree in fashion or graphic design is not strictly required. Sportswear design directors at major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma prioritise a commercial, industry-ready portfolio, advanced vector software proficiency (Adobe Illustrator), and a solid understanding of garment manufacturing tech packs over academic certificates. Specialised, accredited training programmes—such as Spark Design Academy’s NCFE-accredited pathways—provide a direct, portfolio-first alternative to traditional degrees.