Episode Overview
In Part 2 of our conversation with Jade Wei, we pick up right where we left off—diving deep into how she runs discovery calls, builds custom proposals, and closes aligned, high-paying clients without needing a portfolio. Jade walks us through her exact process, from filtering out misaligned leads to building mini-portfolios and setting clear boundaries. If you’re looking for a masterclass in values-driven freelancing, this episode delivers.
Resources
CLO3D
Style3D
Chris Do
The Fabricant AI
Look AI
Nano Banana AI
4 Fashion Designers Battle for $500 – Freelancer Pitching Challenge
264: How Jade Strategically Prepared Her Freelance Business During Pregnancy (Part 1)
Episode Highlights
- Discovery Calls That Convert: How Jade leads calls with curiosity and filters for alignment
- The Power of Saying No: Why she turns down clients who aren’t a fit
- Her Custom Proposal Framework: How she builds tailored mini-portfolios
- Client Experience Over Volume: Why she avoids one-and-done projects
- Postpartum Productivity: Balancing work while raising a baby without childcare
- Reframing “Freelancer” as Entrepreneur: Her mindset shift on how she positions her work
- Turning LinkedIn Comments into Clients: How she built demand before even posting content
- Future Vision: Her plans to launch free 3D guides, YouTube content, and share more of her process
Key Questions & Guest Answers
Q: What does your discovery call process look like?
A: I ask a lot of questions, listen closely, and decide if it feels like a mutual fit. I don’t talk pricing unless we both feel aligned.
Q: How do you write your proposals?
A: I take a week or two to build something custom—usually a mini-portfolio with past work, clear scope, and values alignment. It’s not a copy/paste template.
Q: How do you say no when a client isn’t right?
A: I politely decline and sometimes send them free resources. I respect their time—and mine.
Q: How are you managing work with a baby at home?
A: My husband and I tag-team, and we get help from my mother-in-law twice a week. I work late nights and stay flexible.
Q: What’s your LinkedIn strategy?
A: Thoughtful commenting, not posting. I focus on adding real value—and it’s brought me clients who feel aligned before we even speak.
About Jade
Jade is a seasoned 3D sartorial streetwear designer, pattern maker, and product developer who previously contributed her technical expertise at Alexander McQueen. Since 2013, has led design innovation through her creative studio, Atelier WCMF.
With over 20 years of experience in pattern engineering and garment construction, Jade blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital tools (such as Clo3D, AI-enabled workflows, and virtual sampling) to streamline development, reduce waste, and deliver consistent high-quality results across collections.
Connect with Jade
Email her at j.w@atelier-wcmf.com
Check out her website
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn