Category: Blog
The Painful Beginnings of My Own Fashion Brand (that I’ve never talked about)
You’ve been thinking forever, “I want to have my own fashion brand.” It’s your childhood dream and you feel like, “I could really do this!” But there’s a lot of stuff no one ever talks about – like logistics and money and profits (or lack thereof). I’ve shared snippets of my fashion journey before. But I’ve […]
24 Services You Can Offer Your Clients (for Freelance Fashion Designers)
A job description for “freelance fashion designer” doesn’t really exists. Which is why it can be really hard to figure out what work you can do or what services you can offer clients. But here’s the best part… This is actually a really good thing! Why? Because you get to create your own job description. Which […]
Why your “freelance” fashion design job is abusive (and illegal)
What does a freelance fashion designer do? In reality, you can do any kind of work you want. But it’s not so much about what you do, it’s about how you do it. More specifically, where and under what terms. Turns out, there’s a common misconception about what it means to be a “freelancer” in […]
What Should I Include in My Fashion Design Portfolio? (with examples)
Do NOT overthink your portfolio! Brands are going to glance at it quickly and make a decision. If they see a few designs that match what they’re looking for, they’ll reply. They’re not going to spend 10 or even 5 minutes browsing. So keep it simple and include just a few examples of your best work for the market you’ve chosen. Here are some examples and why they work well.
3 Ways To Figure Out Your Freelance Rate for Fashion Designers
You don’t want to bid a project too low, but you also don’t want your clients to think you’re ridiculously expensive… “I’m not sure how much to charge…what should my freelance rate be?” This is by far the #1 question designers ask, and this article will show you 3 step by step ways to calculate your rate.
Dear Freelance Fashion Designers, Don’t Forget About These Brands
You know what people ask me all the time? “How do I find freelance fashion design work?” And I have to admit, it can feel intimidating. Because to be honest? Most brands don’t put up a “freelance fashion designer wanted” sign or directly advertise “need to hire a freelance fashion designer”. And if they do? Chances are […]
Are You an Illustrator File Messer-Upper?
If you work on a team, you probably know what it’s like to share Illustrator files. And chances are, you fall into one of these two groups of people: The File Fixer-Upper… or the File Messer-Upper. The File Messer-Upper You know enough about AI to make edits and modify files. But most of the time […]
That Time I Made 2500 Pairs of See Through Leggings…
Like a big nerd, I’m going to tell you a quote my yoga teacher shared this week that really resonated with me. I know, I know, the most cliche statement ever. But this one really hit home – so I wanted to share with you. “Discipline is the choice between what you want now, and what you […]
How to improve your branding as a fashion designer
Have you ever argued about fashion with a friend who says that what they wear doesn’t matter? Then you counter that of course it matters – it’s the first impression you get of a person! Your visual branding is the same.
Fashion Flats + Textile Design with Illustrator
Last week I asked what you’re doing in Illustrator, and hundreds of you responded. Turns out, most of you are working on sketching flats and creating repeats. Which is why I created my latest videos for you – to give you exactly what you’ve asked for. Check out the tutorials below, and if you want […]
Why I wouldn’t trade a freelance lifestyle for the world
Watching people you love get old is hard, and my in-laws are no exception. They’ve had some really unfair health challenges, and while they’re doing ok, we have no idea how much longer they’ll be with us. As I write this, I’m sitting at their dining table with a view of Marc flying his drone […]
Lace Brushes & Swatches in Illustrator & Photoshop
You guys have been asking for a while…so I’m finally giving you some answers. Here’s exactly how to mock up lace in Illustrator (and a little bit of Photoshop – because even though I’m an AI junkie, there are a handful of times when PS is necessary.) Enjoy 🙂 How to Create Lace Trim How to […]
Why A Tech Pack is Essential for Your Fashion Design Success
Fashion designers need tech packs! If you want to work in the industry, understanding how to build one fast is essential. Unfortunately, my inbox is filled with emails like this way too often: And it doesn’t matter if you’re sourcing locally or overseas, the same problems come up. Which is exactly why I’ve created loads […]
My 3 Best Tech Pack Tricks for Fashion Designers
Tech are tedious – and you’d rather spend time designing than speccing. But they’re a requirement to get product made correctly. These simple shortcuts will save you hours in Illustrator and Excel
This is how you accomplish your fashion career goals
We’re all capable of envisioning the finish line. But when we think about getting there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and just give up. Unless you break it down into tiny doable steps. Let me show you how to change your mindset to make even the biggest tasks seem achievable.
Now (officially) accepting your tutorial requests!
I’m running fashionably late, but I *finally* added comments to my site (welcome to the internet, Heidi)! Which means it’s super easy for you to ask questions and let me know what you want me to make videos about. Your requests don’t have to be about Illustrator – ask anything related to fashion (design, freelancing, getting a job, etc) and if I […]
Why I love Illustrator’s Pen Tool for sketching fashion flats (and what to do if you hate it)
You hear it over and over, and you wish it wasn’t true, but everyone keeps telling you: “You must know how to sketch with the Pen Tool in Illustrator.” And they’re right. The Pen Tool is an essential for Illustrator users and fashion designers. But most of you kinda hate it. Me? I actually LOVE the Pen Tool. […]
I feel scared most of the time
You know that heavy feeling you get in your chest, when your heart beats fast and your head physically gets hot? It’s called being outside your comfort zone. And it’s the best place you can hangout. The concept is simple: Follow me on Instagram The magic happens outside your comfort zone. Yes, it’s scary […]
5 Reasons Illustrator Proficiency is Closer than You Think
This is an excerpt from my Ultimate Guide to Illustrator for Fashion.If you like what you see, get the entire guide delivered to your inbox. Anyone can learn Illustrator – including you. And it’s more achievable than it seems. Most of your frustration comes from 2 things: misconceptions you believe about AI unqualified teachers who […]
Illustrator vs. Photoshop for Fashion Design
Perceptions are fascinating. We believe them. We beat ourselves up over them. And one of the most common misconceptions in the fashion world is that you have to know BOTH Photoshop AND Illustrator. Which can feel really overwhelming. Photoshop does have a purpose, but it’s not sketching flats (or most other things we do). As […]
