Freelancing is rewarding, but it takes a lot of hard work. 

You’ll find yourself wearing many hats – designer, manager, planner, accountant, and more. While learning on the job is part of the process, there’s so much to gain from the other people’s experiences.

That’s why in April 2024, I surveyed over 20 freelance fashion professionals to gather tips and hear their stories on thriving as freelancers.

Whether you’re looking for actionable advice or a bit of validation and encouragement, you’ll surely find something for you here!

21 Essential Tips to Survive as a Fashion Freelancer 

Managing Clients and Projects

1. Choose Your Clients Wisely

Just because you CAN help them doesn’t mean you should. Make a plan for your business first and bat away anything that doesn’t fit into it. 

I spent the whole first year of my career working with a lot of dreamers with no direction. The second year, I found more focused clients who had their finances, target market, and end goal figured out before we met. Those 6 brands still work with me today. The other 30+ brands I briefly worked with did not actually ever launch. 

I would not take back the experience because I built a heck of a template library, learned a ton, and met some people I still cherish, but looking back I spent a lot of energy needlessly and potentially missed out on other more fruitful opportunities. 

*Shameless FAST plug* My coaching call with Heidi was the spark that pushed me to clean house!

– Krystal L., CEO of Black Unicorn Merchandising

Heidi’s Note: Krystal is one of my (successful) grads from my FAST program. I built FAST to help aspiring freelancers thrive in the fashion industry, find well paying clients, and earn a steady income. I only open it a few times a year; learn more here!

2. Establish Boundaries with Clients

Don’t let your clients tell you how to run your business. They have an agenda in doing so.

Case in point:

Them: “You should add alterations to your list of services.”

Me: “No thanks.”

Them: “You should enter your wares into my fashion show that’s being held at such and such bar/restaurant. You’ll get so much exposure.”

Me: “Exposure doesn’t pay for all the drunk people touching my garments and spilling drinks on them?” 

Them: “You should charge less for this service. You’d get more business.”

Me: “You want me to have more clients and less time for your project?”

Them: “Want to barter services? I’m a massage therapist.”

Me: “Sure. You just brought me 40 hours worth of work. I barter hour for hour.”

Them: “You’re just a seamstress. I’M A MASSAGE THERAPIST. I’ll give you 2 hours of massage for this pile of work.”

Me: “KTHNXBYE”

– April H., Freelance Product Developer & Pattern Maker

3. Do Not Mix Business with Family and Friends

Family and friends can be useful for testing ideas. Don’t make them your clients. Don’t let them convince you. If you want to make them gifts, that’s great. But don’t make them your clients. – April H., Freelance Product Developer & Pattern Maker

4. Diversify Your Client Base

Don’t allow one client to use up all your time, it’s too risky. Diversify your client base from the get go. – Stef B., Senior Freelance Designer

5. Choose Your Projects Wisely

Don’t do a cashmere dog sweater for $200!! 😂 – Kate K., Freelance Knitwear Designer 

Heidi’s Note: We’ve all had our fair share of crazy requests from clients who think they have the next million dollar idea. Learn how to decipher good projects from bad ones.

6. Protect Yourself Using Contracts

Hire an attorney knowledgeable in this industry to review and help negotiate and write contracts and NDAs. It will save you aggravation in the long run. Always have a contract that lays out deliverables, time, and payment schedule. And what happens if they “cancel” before completion, it happens. 

Contracts also help with payments. If a person or company tells you a handshake is good enough and to trust them, RUN away. Non payment is always a possibility without a contract. A well known department store years ago was a major non payer of over $19k!! I “trusted” them as they asked. Wish I had had an attorney I could have threatened them with. 

So my advice: an attorney and use them on every freelance job. 

– Pat T., Global Expert & Educator in Pre-production Apparel Process

Heidi’s Note: Using a contract and having really clear deliverables, terms, etc, is paramount. But in my experience and the experience of hundreds of freelancers I know, having a lawyer on hand / for every deal is major overkill. Get a deposit, a signed contract, learn to spot red flags, and you’re good. 👏

7. Implement Efficient Systems

Systems are your best friend. – Guthrie A., Strategic Designer & Creative Production Specialist

Heidi’s Note: Absolutely! As a freelancer, you’re a one-man team, so having solid systems in place is crucial to stay afloat. Beyond just completing your own tasks, you’re also responsible for things like client communication, scheduling, and financial management. That’s where tools like project management systems, clear communication strategies, time-blocking techniques, and smart financial practices come into play. 

8. Protect Your Income

Don’t continue to work with late payers. If they do it once, they’ll do it again! And NEVER start work without a clear scope of the project and deposit in hand! – Holly W., Freelance Pattern Maker and Product Development Consultant

Building Your Network and Reputation

1. Network Authentically

Network with no agenda. When you’re looking for work it’s obvious and it’s off putting. Desperate almost. – Michael H., Backpack Specialist

Heidi’s Note: Yes! Add value and don’t expect anything in return. It’s all about building when you don’t need anything.

2. Surround Yourself with Good People

Network more so you can surround yourself with good designers who have good processes. – Sam P., Freelance Senior Sportswear Designer

3. Join Supportive Communities

The community you surround yourself with should be one that helps you as much as you can help them. You never know when you might need more work or additional help for big jobs. – Katherine S., 3D Apparel Design Expert

4. Treat Everyone Equally 

We’re all just human beings. No one is more important than you, despite whatever title they may have. – Courtney O., Freelance Sustainable Sleepwear Fashion Designer

5. Trust Your Work

Get yourself out there and trust the quality of the work you produce. – Laetitia D., 3D Fashion Designer & Garment Technologist

Personal Growth and Mindset

And here are some kind words of encouragement from other freelancers! 

1. Charge more. Worry less. – Kyle K., Certified Professional Coach in Freelancing

Heidi’s Note: Easier said than done. But yes. 👏 How much to charge is the question I get the most from freelance fashion designers. While there’s no magic answer to this, I have a guide that explains 3 ways how to calculate your freelance fashion rate.

2. If someone makes you feel small, it’s more a reflection on them than of you (but also, don’t make assumptions about what people are thinking!). – Courtney O., Freelance Sustainable Sleepwear Fashion Designer

3. Be quiet and learn to listen well. – Courtney O., Freelance Sustainable Sleepwear Fashion Designer

4. Don’t shrink to fit your environment; find the right environment and grow to your heart’s content (or build it yourself!). – Courtney O., Freelance Sustainable Sleepwear Fashion Designer

5. Always trust your process. Never doubt yourself because of someone else! – Rohithkumar A., Founder of OneBreath Sport

6. Lean into the uncertainty, although it’s scary. – Philippa C., Freelance Technical Outerwear Product Developer & Pattern Cutter

7. Don’t let one bad experience dictate every future experience. – Marco B., Technical Apparel Designer & Developer

8. Value your skills. It’s not about the time you put in but the results you get and the expertise you bring. – Lucrecia A., Intimates Designer

That sums up all the freelancing tips to help you navigate this industry! 

Here’s the LinkedIn post if you want to read the raw comments and join the discussion.

Still not sure how to get started? Check out my ultimate guide to freelancing in fashion!