Tag: Freelance
SFD124 How this Pattern Drafter Grew Her Freelance Business with Generosity
Karen LePage is a freelance patternmaker and grader who specializes in size inclusivity and sustainability. She’s also a fit consultant, a sewing and fit teacher, an author, and a mom. Karen broke into the industry without going to fashion school, and she has built a thriving freelance business doing meaningful projects for clients she loves. In […]
SFD122 Working as a Freelance Pattern Maker with Shilo Byrd (+ Tips on Starting Your Own Brand)
Shilo Byrd has been in the industry for a decade and a half, and she knows her stuff. She’s a freelance pattern maker, product developer, supply chain & production consultant, and a contributor at Vogue Business. In this episode of the SFD Podcast, Shilo chats about everything from understanding fit and the best way to […]
SFD121 How to be a fashion freelancer (if you don’t know anyone in the industry)
Alex is a self-taught freelance technical designer living in Ottawa, Ontario. He didn’t go to fashion school, and he never held a job in the industry. Yet he’s working with small fashion brands, helping them get their ideas into production alongside his full-time job. Even if you don’t know anyone in the fashion industry, you […]
SFD117 How to quit your full time fashion job and start freelancing
*Note: This episode has a slight tic on the guest’s audio that we were unable to repair. But the interview is way too good not to share, so thank you for understanding!* Freelancing is a hot topic in the fashion industry right now. With almost everyone working from home, more and more companies have realized […]
SFD113 How to fund your fashion brand with a freelancing career
Need funding to launch your fashion brand? Mat Booth, founder of UK-made luggage brand Both Barrels, funded his startup brand by working as a freelancer. Listen to the story of how he shifted from employment to freelancing, and then started a successful label without any outside funding.
SFD107 What to Include in a Freelance Fashion Designer Contract
Do you really need a contract as a freelance fashion designer? What should your contract include? On this episode of the SFD Podcast, you’ll hear from small business attorney Andrea Sager on contracts, design ownership, payment disputes, and the best ways to protect yourself and your assets when you’re freelancing in fashion.
If you want to work in fashion, don’t send emails like this
I’m going to put on my glasses and wag my finger at you for a quick minute. Like the true nerdy old lady that I am! Because there’s a BIG lesson many people (and you?) need to learn to advance their fashion careers. It starts with emails like these: What should I include in my fashion […]
Freelance Fashion Designer Rates: Project Rates vs Hourly
As a freelance fashion designer, it’s easy to totally eff up your pricing… and only once it’s too late, do you realize YOU’RE NOT MAKING ENOUGH MONEY! So you’re wondering, how do you set your rates as a freelance fashion designer? Should you do a flat rate and price by project, or should you charge an hourly rate? Now, […]
Fashion portfolio mistakes that most freelance designers make
How can two fashion designers with similar portfolios have drastically different success with freelancing? After 6-months, one is desperate for any work, while the other has 3 steady clients and is on track to quit her full time job. What fashion portfolio mistakes is one of them making that’s leading to failure? I’ve been talking […]
SFD052: Mailbag! Your Fashion Industry Q’s Answered
Many of you have loads of Q’s about working in fashion…and I know it can be hard to find answers. Maybe you don’t know any industry experts to ask. Maybe your coworkers are tight lipped and not willing to share their secrets. Maybe you just don’t even know where to go. Which is why I’m adding a […]
How My Dream Job as a Fashion Designer Turned Into My Worst Nightmare
You wanted to work in fashion for as long as you can remember. And maybe you even landed your dream job as a fashion designer. But after a while, you realize this fantasy life isn’t so dreamy after all. I understand. I went through the same thing you are for years. My story is long. Yesterday, we started […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to Charge for Freelance Fashion Design Work?!
We all just wanted to get a fair rate for our work without selling ourselves short. Years ago, I figured out a pricing strategy that allowed me to triple my hourly rate – without having to charge my clients more. This video will show you exactly how.
