Successful Fashion Designer started back in 2010 with a few YouTube videos.
Since then, a lot has unfolded.
Over the years, I’ve created hundreds of videos, tutorials and more on Illustrator for fashion, tech packs, and portfolios.
Whether you were looking for your dream job, starting your own clothing line, or becoming a freelancer, you could (and still can) get help on my website.
I had done all three of these things in my career, so I figured I should help you do all of them too.
Fast forward to 2021, and I was burnt out.
Keeping up with three different “categories” of content was too much.
So just like I tell you to do — whether you’re looking for a job, starting a brand, or finding freelance clients — I decided to niche.
Freelancing in fashion is what lights me up.
It’s where I found freedom in my day, so I wasn’t tied to a desk.
It’s where I got to work on projects I loved, instead of mass production.
It’s where I made a fair wage, unlike losing money on my own collection.
So while you’ll still find a lot of older content here about all things fashion, my current and sole focus is helping you become a Successful Fashion Freelancer.
Because it’s not quite as easy as it seems…
Here’s the truth about freelancing in fashion:
You can’t just upgrade your portfolio, brand yourself, and *poof* magically have a bunch of amazing clients you love.
You have to actually standout…which is hard, because the industry is saturated with fashion designers.
And we, as fashion designers (or textile designers, PD, TD, etc), have busy lives.
So we have less time to pursue the work we love…the work we’re passionate about.
THE WORK WE WENT INTO FASHION DREAMING ABOUT DOING.
Some people spend yearrrrrs in the toxic mass-produced rat race because they’re scared they’re not skilled enough and fear being embarrassed. (Or they think most brands won’t accept freelancer. #nottrue)
Some people think they’re freelancers but are really stuck in the “permalance” temp job slog working 40hrs a week onsite for one brand. (That’s not freelancing. It’s just downright abusive.)
And some people give a shot at Fiverr and UpWork. They apply to hundreds of gigs but never hear back, or “luckily” land a project for a cheap client who literally wants a tech pack for $5. #nothanks
So how do you actually become a fashion freelancer and earn a steady income?
You work with well-paying clients who know the value of your services.
I know all too well because I learned it firsthand.
Hi, I’m Heidi
After running a brand I grew to hate and working 60+ hours in toxic fashion job, I almost burnt out of fashion. But then I found freelancing. I reached $100k+ and was living my dream, working when I wanted, traveling, and I never worried about paying the bills.
I worked for myself, earned steady income, and loved my clients. #winwinwin
I’ve taught 1000s of fashion freelancers to do the same.
Like Alison, a patternmaker from St. Louis
Alison wanted to work on a variety of projects. So, she started freelancing even though she only had a few years industry experience and didn’t live in a fashion hub. She now earns 75% more than her previous full-time salary and only takes on clients she’s passionate about. She’s booked 2-3 months in advance, even though she keeps raising her prices and saying no to brands that aren’t a good fit.
Like Amy, a mom and fashion designer from Washington
Amy returned to her full-time fashion design job after having a baby and quickly realized the work-life balance didn’t fit her new role as a mom. So, decided to pursue freelancing, even though no one she knew thought it was possible. She now works when she wants (mostly during her son’s naps) and has plenty of free time for motherhood.
If you’re curious about your potential as a fashion freelancer, see more success stories here.
But the truth is, you can do this even if…
- You’re terrified you don’t have all the answers
- You’re scared to freelance without a steady paycheck
- You’re convinced fashion brands only want in-house full-time freelancers
You don’t need tons of experience, a fashion degree, or to live in a fashion hub.
