The Successful Fashion Designer

Ever wondered why some fashion brands are slow to adopt 3D software? My guest, Sylwia breaks it down, sharing real-world challenges and successes, like delivering the perfect collection to an Australian client in real-time. She also stresses the need for optimization and understanding polygons to make 3D design cost-effective and efficient. Whether you're a freelancer or part of a small team, learning these skills can set you apart in the competitive fashion landscape. Tune in and get inspired to take your fashion design game to the next level!About Sylwia Szymczyk:A dynamic and passionate 3D Fashion technology expert and keynote speaker from Timberland, a VF company, who simplifies and teaches complex technological concepts in fashion innovation. Her presentations share a deep understanding of stakeholder needs and build desire to create change in fashion.Sylwia started her career in the traditional fashion value chain (pattern making and garment development) and has been working on seamlessly integrating te

What exactly is a fashion consultant?  How is it different from a freelance fashion designer?Find out in this episode as I break down the differences, similarities, and offer some insight into being a freelance fashion consultant.  From networking tips to the importance of industry connections, this episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to carve out a niche in the fashion consultancy realm. If you've been considering a shift towards consulting or want to enhance your freelance services with strategic guidance, this episode is a must-listen. Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.

Are unsustainable practices in the fashion industry leaving you fed up and ready to jump ship? You're not alone but leaving the industry isn't the only option!  A talented fashion designer, Jade Wei, felt the same way in her fashion career. Feeling stuck in traditional, wasteful practices, Jade embraced new technology, starting with Adobe Illustrator and eventually mastering CLO 3D. This journey reignited her passion, showing how stepping out of your comfort zone and adopting innovative tools can lead to more sustainable and exciting opportunities in the industry.This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck or resistant to the evolving technologies in fashion design. Jade’s story offers hope, practical advice, and a renewed sense of purpose that can energize your own fashion design journey.About Jade Wei:Jade is a freelance designer based in London, specializing in 3D pattern-making, garment and product development for brands with similar creative ethos. Born in Taiwan, she moved to the UK at 18 to

When life gives you lemons you make lemonade...but what about when life gives you a job loss?  Or even a pandemic?Is it even possible to turn a job loss (especially during the pandemic) into a thriving startup in the fashion industry?  Yep!  My guest, Krystal Lewis, shares exactly how she turned her personal and professional challenges into launching her own fashion business. It's a raw look at the ups and downs of becoming your own boss in a tough industry.As a fashion designer, there's always going to be curveballs thrown your way.  Listen to this episode to learn key lessons for taking what life throws at you and creating a successful and thriving fashion business!About Krystal:Black Unicorn Merchandising is a boutique apparel design company specializing in custom design, ethical sourcing and low minimum manufacturing. We are a highly dynamic team of fashion connoisseurs, steadfastly committed to delivering top-tier garments that epitomize your brand's visionary essence. Our comprehensive approach spans th

Need More Clients? Learn how to use LinkedIn to create endless opportunities and grow your freelance fashion design business!We're not just talking theory; my guest, Emily Court, is living proof that the right strategies on LinkedIn can lead to tangible success. Learn how she transformed her online interactions into a thriving career, tripling her income in less than a year. Plus, get a peek into how regular yet thoughtful engagements and high-quality content can draw the right crowd to your profile. It can be a magnet for fashion design clients! If you've ever wondered how to turn LinkedIn connections into lucrative opportunities, or how to use your online presence to reflect your professional brand, this episode’s got you covered!About Emily:Emily is a senior copywriter based in Vancouver, BC. When she's not working with mammoth brands to refine their digital content, she spends her time helping freelancers flourish, and empowering coaches and thought leaders to rock LinkedIn.Connect with Emily:Visit their

Don't waste your time on freelancing platforms that are known for cheap pay and demanding clients.  But how do you know which freelancing platforms to look out for?After surveying over 500 fashion designers who are students in my Freelance Accelerator program, I've compiled real data so you can feel confident. Even though many of these students have found success, you still have to be wary of bad job postings. I break down why this platform stands out despite any pitfalls, what to watch out for with cheap and demanding clients, and how to tailor your profile to attract serious fashion brands. Whether you're brand new to freelancing or looking to improve your current game, hit play so you know how to navigate the freelance job postings, create a standout profile, and write proposals that get you hired. Resources:https://successfulfashiondesigner.com/upwork-proposal-for-fashion-designers/https://successfulfashiondesigner.com/sff172-how-this-freelance-fashion-designer-landed-a-10k-project-on-upwork/https://succe

Saying 'Yes' to be a more desirable fashion freelancer is the quickest path to getting caught in a scope creep nightmare.There's an important balance of being available but also having boundaries.  Andressa, my guest in this episode, and I talk about constructing firm proposals and how to handle the awkward dance of revising costs mid-project. By the end of this strategy-packed session, you'll be armed with actionable advice on how to avoid scope creep and feeling obligated to take on too many revisions.Stop leaving money on the table and listen to these valuable strategies.About Andressa:Andressa is a fashion and textile designer with over a decade of experience in kidswear! She's an expert in developing seasonal collections, from initial concepts to final products. Whether you're a startup or a mid-sized brand, she can assist you with various aspects of product development, including creating mood concepts, sourcing materials, creating flat drawings, and preparing accurate tech packs suitable for manufactur

Success can be temporary.  It can dry up if you're not prepared. There one day and *POOF* gone the next. That's exactly what happened to my guest in today's episode, Louise Ryan, a freelance footwear trend consultant.  She had a stable freelance income for a while but eventually, it dried up leaving her looking for answers.  She turned to my flagship program FAST and shares how she redesigned her freelance fashion career and essentially tripled her income.  Even with all the strategies at her fingertips though, there's still room for disappointment and rejection.  If you've ever felt like your success is drying up or you feel like throwing in the towel because of the rejection you get, you'll want to listen to this episode as Louise and I talk about the high highs and low lows of freelancing in fashion and how not giving up pays off.  Learn how having the right strategies in your arsenal can protect you from withering away from an unstable income and a dried-up network.About Louise:She is an exceptional creat

Is freelancing in fashion actually as good as it sounds?  From the promises of freedom to the ideas of total flexibility, it can be easy to get swept up in the "dream".There's a lot of positives when it comes to freelancing, but that doesn't mean that you don't have to put in hard work to achieve your freelancing dreams.  In this episode, Kate Knight opens up to share some amazing wins but also gives a realistic perspective of the ups and downs in freelancing.  We also talk about pricing which is always a hot topic that I get tons of questions about.Tune in to find out what the REAL truth about being a freelance fashion designer is like.  You won't want to miss a big win that Kate shares at the end because she started charging for something that she used to give away for free.  About Kate:Kate Knight is a knitwear designer who specializes in creating recycled and sustainable cashmere and cashmere blends. She has previously lived and worked in New York City, London, and the Swiss Alps, but currently resides ju

Are you struggling to figure out your fashion design freelance rate? Do you find it challenging to determine how much to charge for your fashion design services?That's because no one openly wants to talk about rates or money.  In this episode, I break that silence in the industry by sharing real-life strategies that I've used in my own career and examples from real successful fashion freelancers for setting rates.  If charging hourly, by day, or per project has you scratching your head, push play now to find out how to charge your worth and avoid common pitfalls in pricing.   Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.

Sourcing in your freelance fashion career is a lot like matchmaking!  You want to make good connections that align well with your client's brand. You can build a great career by thinking strategically and approaching sourcing with care.Once you identify that sourcing isn't just about finding products or services; it's about creating valuable connections and delivering exceptional results, you can strategically start setting your clients up for success. Get ready for insights and practical tips on navigating the sourcing process, set transparent expectations with clients, and conduct thorough due diligence to ensure the best possible outcomes.  You'll gain a deep understanding of the strategic and relational elements involved in successful sourcing, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the fashion world.Resources:SFF156: Jay Arbetman How to Source Fabrics for Your Freelance Clients Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (eve

If you're new to the fashion industry or unsure of your skills but want to start as a freelancer, you may consider being a fashion virtual assistant (VA) and earning while you learn.  Find out how you can transform your soft skills into hard cash. You don't need to be a super tech genius to work as a virtual assistant in the fashion industry; basic tech skills and a willingness to learn as you go are enough to get started. Tons of business owners are bogged down with tasks they can do, but do not have the time for.  The VA industry isn't just about ticking off tasks. It *thrives* on soft skills like organization, a knack for creativity, and, oh yes, being a little tech-savvy! So if you have what it takes, you can thrive as a fashion virtual assistant and start earning while you develop your fashion design skills.About Aubree:Aubree Malick is a boy mom, former teacher, virtual assistant coach, and host of the Freelancer to CEO podcast. Through her podcast and programs, she helps overworked and underpaid moms a

Knowing how to add value to your clients without sacrificing your mental health is a lesson many freelance fashion designers learn on their freelancing journey.  It's all too easy to listen to self-doubt and let imposter syndrome creep in which ultimately will lead to resentment, burnout, or missing out on huge opportunities. So how can you land freelance gigs from big names while overcoming challenges such as low self-esteem and even geographical constraints?It's easier than you may think! Our guest, Harshini, is a fashion designer who landed a job with WGSN despite their minimal presence in India and lack of a head office in her home country. She has also faced familiar mindset issues that can hold us back, which led her to low-paying clients and work she grew to hate. In this podcast episode, you can listen to the strategies she implemented to change the trajectory of her career which enabled her to outsource work, increase her rates, and secure higher-paying projects. You will also learn about the challen

Let's talk about two easy but often overlooked strategies to avoid the freelancing roller coaster of making $3,000 1 month and a $100 the next, and you're left wondering where your next fashion design is project coming from.By implementing these practical strategies in this episode of Fashion Designers Get Paid, you'll position yourself as the kind of freelancer that brands want to hire again and again, ultimately leading to more referrals and ongoing projects.So, if you're ready to start earning consistent income as a freelance fashion designer, hit play and start putting these strategies into action today.Mentioned in this Episode:Podcast Episode with Hillary Glenn - How to Build Your Career as a Contract Fashion Designer (and work from home) Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.

Want to kickstart your freelance career while learning a new industry skill, like Clo3D?In this Fashion Designers Get Paid episode, we hear a clip from a strategy session with fashion designer Sharon Hay, who's breaking into fashion from the tech industry and learning Clo3D. So, how can you build your network and line up clients while still learning?It's not about waiting until you're an expert before putting yourself out there. Instead, it's about engaging and sharing what you're working on, starting authentic conversations, and connecting with brands who may need your services down the line.Tune in as we talk about specific strategies to pull this off (and it works for any fashion design niche).  By building a strong network, sharing your learning process, and engaging with others in your industry, you can confidently secure trial projects to refine your skills. So, go ahead and put yourself out there and make meaningful connections!Mentioned in this Episode:If you're going to do LinkedIn, I literally think

Ever feel like one of the biggest roadblocks in your fashion design career is procrastination?If you find yourself reaching for the newest or trendy technology hoping to finally find your holy grail for staying on task (spoiler alert: it wasn't it), then this episode has your name written all over it!  I talk with Grace Brodeur who specializes in helping entrepreneurs overcome procrastination so they can increase their time, financial, and mental freedom.  She shares her insights on setting goals, navigating emotional blocks, and giving procrastination the well-deserved boot.Mentioned in this Episode:EFT Tapping with Brad YatesAbout Grace Brodeur:While getting her Master of Science and working in consulting, Grace experienced ongoing procrastination, deadline crunches, fear, overwhelm, and overthinking that kept her stuck. She could not find comprehensive training that achieved permanent solutions, so she decided to create it herself. Grace is a trauma-informed performance coach who has built a community of o

What if you had to completely restart your fashion career?  And what if you were also faced with a lot of barriers?That's exactly what this fashion designer, mom of two, and my guest, Andressa Iop, faced when she moved from Brazil to the U.S.  Between learning a new language, juggling the hectic schedule of motherhood, and everything else, she found time in the cracks of her day to fit in time to rebuild her fashion career.Andressa shares more about her success and the amazing way she finds time for fashion design.  If you ever wished you could buy a new MAC or make $3k working part-time, then you'll love this episode of Fashion Designers Get Paid.  Hear how she did it and how you can too!About Andressa Iop:Andressa is an exceptional fashion and textile designer with over ten years of experience in the kidswear industry. She specializes in bringing seasonal collections to life, from the initial concept to the final product. Her passion for her work is evident in every detail of her designs, and she offers her

Is freelancing in fashion worth it?If you've ever wondered about being a freelance fashion designer (or PD, TD, patternmaker, etc!) then this episode will shine some light on the pros and cons of freelancing in fashion.  Let's get super clear on what true remote freelancing means so then we can pull back the curtain to reveal all the good and bad that comes with it.  Is freelancing really worth it?  Tune in to find out! Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.

Rejection doesn't have to be synonymous with failure.The truth is, there will always be rejection in your fashion design career and that can be scary (and totally normal!).  But whether you hear a yes or no shouldn't be what determines your success.  In this episode, I talk with Anne Benschop about the fear of rejection and the impact that can have as a freelance fashion designer.  We work on reframing her mindset to measure her success based on her actions, not others'.Don't let the fear of rejection hold you back.  Listen to this episode to learn how you can also reframe your mindset to let go of some of that fear and start making progress in your freelance business.About Anne:Anne is a womenswear designer who is focused on inclusive and sustainable fashion. She is experienced in the whole design process from brainstorming a new collection to product development.  She has worked part-time in customer service and previously experienced the challenges of the fashion industry job market, finding it to be toxic

Woah...did we just crack the code of sales conversations to land more freelance fashion design clients?!If you've ever felt sales conversations were scary or just need to elevate your sales game, then our guest, Nikki Rausch, is here to share her best tips and tricks to help you feel confident in your sales calls.  We talk about navigating the sales staircase framework, using the power of smart questions, and leading the conversation with finesse. Learn how to make your potential clients feel understood, tailor your offers to their needs, and even snag a free gift training on mastering the sales conversation. Get ready to level up your sales game and leave your clients saying "yes" in style! About Nikki Rausch:CEO of Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch has the unique ability to transform the misunderstood process of “selling”. With 25+ years of selling experience, entrepreneurs and small business owners now hire Nikki to show them how to sell successfully and authentically. Nikki has written 3 books, all available on A