Big disclaimer: Building your online presence is NOT a prerequisite for working in fashion. These platforms are here to supplement you with finding opportunities – not DISTRACT you from them. 

Based on my 15+ years in the industry and coaching hundreds of freelance fashion designers through my FAST programs, these are the platforms I actually recommend.

Top 3 Online Platforms for Fashion Designers

1. LinkedIn – Best Professional Platform for Fashion Designers (My #1 Pick!)

If I only had to choose one, I believe LinkedIn is the absolute best online platform for fashion designers

From firsthand experience, I have had success on LinkedIn (follow me!), and many of my students, podcast guests, and people in my fashion community have experienced the same. From freelance to career to business growth, I believe LinkedIn is the best place for fashion designers to hang out online.

LinkedIn used to be more focused for job hunters, but over the years, it has transformed more into a place for “people doing business.” That means everyone in fashion – freelancers, employees, hiring managers, CEOs, consultants, agency owners, course creators, etc. – is finding a home there and talking shop!

Here are some real examples:

🎧 Rachel, who now runs her own agency, has successfully used LinkedIn to land multiple high-paying clients (and hire freelancers herself!).

🎧 Fernanda, a fashion designer and product developer, shares how her LinkedIn post went ‘viral’ and led to three discovery calls with brands and an amazing client.

🎧 Alison, a kids and babywear designer, scored a $15,000 client through LinkedIn.

🎧 This Fashion Freelancer Changed ONE Thing On LinkedIn and Got More Clients

Now, success on LinkedIn does not magically happen overnight. Everyone I know in fashion that sees growth puts in the effort (no matter what online platform they use).

That means your profile is dialed in and you’re engaging genuinely on a regular basis. 1-2 thoughtful posts a week is a good place to start – but I believe it’s more about you engaging with other people’s content that will move the needle.

I followed Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn course to learn how to do LinkedIn right! I personally found it insanely helpful, and would not attempt LI without it. Here’s my affiliate link if you want to check it out. (I would 100% recommend it even if I weren’t an affiliate!)

2. Upwork – Best Platform to Find Freelance Fashion Jobs

If you’re a freelance fashion designer, Upwork is probably on your radar. It’s one of the largest freelancing platforms connecting freelancers with clients globally.

What I find great about Upwork is it’s a one-stop-shop for all your work. You can showcase your portfolio, apply to jobs, set your rates, and receive reviews all in one place. Plus, with the added option to create a project catalog, clients can easily ‘shop’ for your unique services. 

Truth Bomb: I had mixed feelings about Upwork. Years ago, I used to be against it. It was full of low quality clients and janky jobs. But over the years, my students started seeing major success on Upwork. 

Here are a few real examples:

🎧 Stayce, an activewear designer, landed a 10K project on Upwork.

🎧 Lucia, a textile designer who’s charging $60 an hour on Upwork.

🎧 Carolyn, a knitwear designer, snagged a $2,700 project on Upwork without pitching.

Recently, I’ve started hearing from more people who are continuously pitching but not hearing back. I’ve seen their pitches – they’re GOOD! But they seem to be going into a black hole more than they used to. Might be over-saturation, might be Upwork’s algorithm.

All that said, I still believe UpWork is the *best* online platform in fashion for directly finding and applying to freelance jobs. Yes, there are still junky clients there, but it’s much better than Fiverr or PeoplePerHour.

3. Instagram – Best Social Media Platform for Fashion Designers

Instagram is a visual-first platform, making it a great place to share your designs, creative process, and behind-the-scenes work. And yes – some freelancers do land clients there! 

A lot of my FAST students have strategically leveraged Instagram to get more freelance clients. They don’t do it by posting allllll the time. Instead, they create a very niche profile that instantly shows brands who they are and what they do. It’s not always about quantity, but rather about being clear and specific on your offer.

Just like LinkedIn, it’s more about being active and engaged with other people (strategic people!) on Instagram than posting daily.

Here are some examples:

🎧 Jolleen, a swimwear fashion designer, 10x’d her income (while working half the time!) and turned Instagram into a client-generating machine.

🎧 Alison, a freelance patternmaker who makes 75% more money freelancing than she did in her previous industry job, uses Instagram to find clients.

🎧 Lindsay built her own fashion agency in 2 years using Instagram + networking.

Which Online Platform Should You Choose?

If I had to choose just one, I’d recommend LinkedIn based on my own experience and stories from the freelancers I work with. But every platform has potential – what works best for one designer might not be the best fit for another.

But whatever you do, do NOT spread yourself too thin by trying to be on all platforms simultaneously. Focus on one or two (max!) where you feel most comfortable and confident about potential reach and engagement. Quality over quantity!

Full Disclaimer: Yes, I am on multiple platforms! But, I have a small team and people who help me manage everything. I do not DIY it all. That would be bananas. 🍌🍌🍌

Remember, building your online presence should complement your overall career strategy, NOT overshadow it. Each platform serves a specific purpose, and you should select the one that complements your path in the fashion industry.