As a freelancer in fashion, should you offer the skills you already know how to do well, or learn new skills so you can do what you really love? Some aspiring freelancers get so stuck on this question that they end up doing neither (and putting off their freelance goals yet another year… or two… or ten!).
In this Fashion Freelancer Q&A, we tackle the services you should offer, how to offer a service you haven’t perfected yet, and why doing what you love is a recipe for freelance success.
“Don’t wait until you’re an expert to get into the arena. It’s getting into the arena that makes you an expert.” -Sew Heidi
Arin is a product developer and designer for fashion and textiles, specializing in circular and more-sustainable design. Her love of empowering others through education and zeal to heal the broken parts of the industry intersect in her work as consultant and teacher.
She has over six years of experience in the industry—both the creative side and the technical side—across the globe. She is part nerd, part artist, part technician—a triad that has composed a rich journey to work in pattern making and garment technology, mentoring emerging designers, and researching circular materials.
Alongside her work in fashion, you can find her drinking black coffee (always and forever), sprouting a balcony garden, and learning French (Bonjour!). Born in a small Ohio town, she now resides in Brussels.