Becoming a freelance fashion designer comes down to just FIVE steps. The process may seem overwhelming and intimidating, and of course there are nuances, but it’s really simple.

Here are the 5 steps to become a freelance fashion designer:

1. Figure out your services (don’t try to do it all)
2. Create a professional portfolio (simple and concise is best)
3. Find freelance clients (no matter where you live)
4. Set your pricing (and earn a fair rate)
5. Grow with ongoing projects and referrals (for consistent income)

Here’s a more detailed look at all five steps to become a freelance fashion designer. Click through for more on each step!

1. Figure out your services (don’t try to do it all)
   
   You DON’T have to do all the things. In fact, the more services you offer, the less successful you’ll be. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but trust me.
   
   Offering just ONE service (like flats or tech packs or product development) or working in just ONE category (like sustainable sweater knits or men’s active) is the easiest way to become a Successful Fashion Freelancer.
   
   
2. Create a professional portfolio (simple and concise is best)
   
   You have about 8 seconds to catch a brand’s attention with your portfolio. It doesn’t matter if you have zero or 20 yrs experience, you don’t have long to stand out. Which means your portfolio needs to be simple and concise.
   
   It may seem hard to believe, but less is actually more. Because brands don’t care if you can do everything—they only want to know you can do their thing. And in that 8-second glance, you need to convince them you’re the right person.
   
   
3. Find freelance clients (no matter where you live)
   
   You don’t have to live in a fashion hub like New York, Los Angeles, or London. And you don’t have to live in the US! You can be a freelance fashion designer from anywhere in the world—India, Australia, Germany, Colombia—ANYWHERE!
   
   Because remember, it’s REMOTE freelancing. There are simple tricks to find freelance clients (hint: it’s not on job boards like StyleCareers or Indeed) and how to reach out to them (like literally, where to find their email).
   
   
4. Set your pricing (and earn a fair rate)
   
   Figuring out your pricing as a fashion freelancer can feel hard AF. You want to earn a fair wage, but you also don’t want to scare brands away with a high rate.
   
   There are no-brainer strategies to set your freelance pricing to make sure you’re not undercutting yourself. They’re super simple, no fancy math required.
   
   
5. Grow with ongoing projects and referrals (for consistent income)
   
   Building the foundation of your freelance career takes work (just like starting a brand or finding a job). But with the right strategies (that are super easy), you can get consistent work with ongoing projects and referrals.
   

These are the simple, 5 Steps to being a successful freelance fashion designer.

If you’re want more, check out these free resources:

• The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Freelance Fashion Designer
• The Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Freelance Fashion Designer
• The Successful Fashion Freelancer podcast

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