Surface pattern design is a broad category that includes textile design and print and pattern design for all sorts of applications, from dishware to packaging to office supplies. If you’ve been listening to the SFF podcast for long, you know how important niching down is for finding freelance clients. But in such a diverse specialty, figuring out what to focus on can be a big challenge!

In this episode, I walk surface pattern designer Rachelle Fields through choosing the niche she wants to focus on. Then we go on to talk about pricing, and what to include in a textile design contract so both you and your client walk away happy.

In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover:

• Why niching down is important for freelancers
• Things to consider when choosing your freelance niche
• How you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to your niche
• Tips for a proposal and contract that will protect you and keep your freelance clients happy
• And more!

Press the orange play button below to listen here, or listen on Apple Podcasts:

About Rachelle

Rachelle Fields is a surface pattern designer living in Washington state. She grew up in Alaska, studied art in California and moved to Seattle 8 years ago. She worked for Tommy Bahama as a Cad/textile designer, and currently works at a company that does a lot of outsourced design for Starbucks and Disney. She recently relocated to Spokane so her husband can go to medical school, and still works remotely for the same company.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss these other episodes featuring print & textile designers:

• Episode158: How This Freelance Textile Designer Out-Earned Her Salary (In Her First Year of Freelancing)
• Episode 145: How This Textile Designer is Charging $60/Hour on Upwork

Resources & People Mentioned

• Free resources for SFF Podcast listeners!
• Check out Rachelle’s website
• Follow Rachelle on Instagram
• Want to work with Rachelle? Email Rachelle [at] RachelleFields [dot] com

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Related posts:

SFD 004: Freelancing Strategies for Fashion Designers with Marissa Borelli SFF137 Fashion Freelancer Q&A: I feel like I’m losing my skills and confidence… SFF 144: Fashion Freelancer Q&A: Why Your Emails Aren’t Getting Replies (+ more on pricing, starting without experience, and finding clients)