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Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms — Arts
Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms

This is a show for burnt-out fashion designers (and TDs, PDs, patternmakers, textile designer and beyond) who want more flexibility in their career while still doing work they love.

You’ll learn how to build a freelance fashion business, so you can do the work you love on your own terms. Freelancing in fashion is the only way to get freedom in your day (instead of being tied to a desk).

Whether you want to earn extra money on the side, fund your fashion brand, or replace your salary, the FDGP podcast will help you get there. Listen in for actionable tips and strategies to kickstart or grow your career as a freelance fashion designer, build your confidence, and create the life you want.

Hosted by $100k+ fashion freelancer Sew Heidi, the show features interviews and strategy sessions with successful freelance fashion designers from around the world who’ve ditched toxic fashion jobs and taken control of their own destinies. This is the only place to get REAL insights from REAL freelancers who have built REAL careers on their own terms. (Formerly the Successful Fashion Freelancer podcast.)

Copyright: © All rights reserved

Latest Episodes:

186 | Q&A: Do freelance fashion designers need to be on Instagram? The answer will surprise you. Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Break free from the endless tweaking of social media and portfolio and start landing paid projects. Discover how to prioritize your efforts, create an impactful Instagram profile, and leverage in-person connections to gain clients. Get ready to step out of your comfort zone and make real progress in your fashion design business.

In this episode, we approach the common problem of being stuck in the "productive comfort zone" that many freelance fashion designers face. Just like today's guest, Zoh Hollinger, you'll learn the solution lies in creating a visually clear Instagram profile, focusing on pitching, and leveraging in-person connections and trade show listings to land clients. Get ready for actionable tips to propel your fashion design career forward and leave behind unproductive habits.

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185: How to Build A Fashion Design Agency & Launch Your Fashion Brand On The Side Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

Want to know the ups and downs of building a fashion agency, navigating freelance work in fashion, and the incredible journey of transforming an inexperienced designer into a Clo 3D whiz? Then this episode is just for you!

In this episode, you'll hear how Kristen Anderson, a freelance fashion designer turned agency founder, took on a mammoth project that left her feeling overwhelmed and in need of a break. With pressure to go at lightning speed and a desire for control, Kristen shares her experience of building her team, switching up her pricing model, and even jetting off to Sri Lanka to bring her lingerie brand to life. And if that's not intriguing enough, she spills the details on a remarkable success story of a newbie designer who left and came back transformed. Plus, Kristen dishes out invaluable tips on optimizing LinkedIn, managing client expectations, and the power of putting yourself out there. Trust us, this episode is a fashion-forward journey you don't want to miss!

Kristen Anderson has been designing lingerie + intimate apparel for over 9 years. Her most recent full-time design position was at SwimUSA, where she was a senior designer for Kona Sol, a contemporary women's swimwear line sold at Target. In late 2019, Kristen left SwimUSA to pursue full-time work with KRSTN NDRSN, her startup fashion design agency started in 2018.

Contact Kristen:
Visit her Website: www.kndrsn.com
Email: kris@kndrsn.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn

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184: How This Freelance Textile Designer Is Charging $75/hr Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Are you tired of the rat race and longing for more control over your schedule? In this inspiring episode, textile designer Masha Khoruzhik shares her journey as a freelancer and how it transformed her life for the better.

Masha's freelance career has brought her more than just financial success - it has allowed her to prioritize her mental and physical health, earn more money working fewer hours, and collaborate with renowned brands like Anthropologie. From setting boundaries with her clients to realizing the power of raising her rates, Masha's story is a testament to the freedom and fulfillment that comes with freelancing. Join us as she dives into the challenges she's faced, the surprising transformations in her life, and how taking control of your schedule can lead to a happier, more fulfilling career. Get ready to be inspired and reconsider the endless possibilities of freelance work!

About Masha:
With a background in illustration and painting, Masha specializes in bespoke textile design and prints for the home fashion industry. Her focus is hand-drawn and painted designs suited for various home textile brands and companies - from open price to luxury. She's on a mission to whip up one-of-a-kind art with innovative techniques. And, she's not stopping there - these creations pack a punch in the market and align with the brand.

Connect with Masha:

Email at contact@studiosvekla.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect on Linkedin

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183 What's more profitable: starting a clothing line or being a freelance fashion designer? Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

Dreaming of working in the fashion industry and making money?
Well, hold on tight because in this episode, we're diving deep into whether starting your own clothing line or freelancing as a fashion designer is more profitable. With personal experiences and insights from industry experts, you'll discover the surprising truth about which path will fill your pockets faster. Get ready to unlock the secrets of the fashion world and find out if your dream lies in launching a clothing brand or taking charge as a freelance fashion designer.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Sofia's Story: https://successfulfashiondesigner.com/fashion-brand-vs-freelancing/

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182| Q&A: How Do Freelance Technical Designers Review Protos Remotely? Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered how freelance technical designers review garment samples remotely?

Look no further! In this episode, we join Heidi and guest Sarah Wattley as they discuss the ins and outs of this fascinating process. From deciding who receives the sample first, to marking up tech packs and coordinating Zoom sessions, Heidi lays out multiple options to navigate the sample review process efficiently. Discover the benefits of having two samples sent to different parties, and explore the role of pattern makers in the grand scheme of things. Whether you're a freelancer or a fashion enthusiast, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation on making remote sample reviews a breeze!

Sara is a single mom of two trying to find that flexible balance between work and home life. Throughout her career, she has explored many areas within the fashion industry of her country and often faces logistical challenges when it comes to reviewing samples. Sarah's dedication to her work and passion for the industry shine through her determination to have the samples in her hands and personally inspect them. Her commitment to excellence and her expertise in tech packs make her a highly sought-after professional in the fashion industry.

Connect with Sarah:

Email at sarah.wattley@gmail.com
Follow her personal stories on Instagram
Connect on Linkedin

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181 The Secret to Get New Clients on Autopilot for Your Freelance Fashion Design Business Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

Get ready to unlock your potential as a fashion design freelancer with expert tips on getting clients on autopilot, offering valuable solutions, and becoming a trusted partner in your clients' journey toward success!

Working remotely in the fashion industry can have its challenges. Like confusing language barriers, knowledge gaps, and even plackets! You're not alone and our guest today, Ted Griffith, tells all about his journey as a self-proclaimed accidental fashion entrepreneur.

From starting his own athletic wear brand, Sexy Ted, to navigating the intricacies of working with freelancers and factories, Ted shares valuable insights and practical tips that will leave you itching to hear more! Dive into the world of fashion design with us and discover how to turn your passion into profit, all while embracing the joys and pitfalls of remote collaboration.

Connect with Ted:

Ted is an entrepreneur who loves to play squash and other racquet sports. He decided to start a clothing line because he didn’t like the fit, quality, and look of existing products, particularly items that are predominantly white to meet dress codes at certain places. His goal is for people to have fun and not take themselves too seriously when they wear his clothes.

Email at Ted@sexyted.com
Follow on Instagram
Visit at www.SexyTed.com

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180: How This Pattern Cutter Freelanced for Alexander McQueen (While Still in Fashion School) Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

Imagine freelancing for one of the biggest names in the fashion industry while still in fashion school!

If you're thinking that's impossible, then listen to today's episode to hear how our guest, Jade Wei, a freelance pattern cutter, did just that - landing a freelance gig with Alexander McQueen!

From interning to launching her own brand, Jade opens up about the unique path she took in the fashion industry. Discover how she consistently attracts clients, raises her prices, and maintains her creative freedom. With an uplifting and inspiring perspective on life, Jade shares her insights into both the fashion world and the journey of finding your own passion. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or simply someone looking for a boost of motivation, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to embrace your own unique path and create a brand that makes a meaningful impact.

About Our Guest
Jade is a freelance designer based in London, specializing in 3D pattern-making, garment, and product development for brands with similar creative and world-view ethos.

Born in Taiwan, she moved to the UK at the age of 18 to pursue an education and a career in fashion. She studied at Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion with various technical qualifications in between.

With 17+ years of knowledge and experience in the fashion industry, she works for a range of luxury brands including Alexander McQueen, Theory, and ClothSurgeon as well as designing for independent designers, developing garments that have sold in retailers including Net-A-Porter, Mr. Porter, Selfridges, Liberty, and Harrods. Jade launched her own and ever-evolving brand and creative platform, ATELIER WCMF, to provide bespoke creations, freelance services with limited quantities of clothing and accessories.

She never stops learning and has recently begun to merge the digital and physical fashion worlds, using emerging technology to create advanced technical services for fashion brands, enhancing both the experience and sustainability for the client, as well as opening herself up to new markets in the digital world.

Connect with Jade:

Email at j.w@atelier-wcmf.com
Follow on Instagram: @atelier.wcmf @jade_wei_s
Connect on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-wei-atelier-wcmf/
Visit her Website: www.atelier-wcmf.com

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179: Illegal "freelance" fashion design jobs... Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Before accepting your next fashion design "freelance" gig, make sure it's not illegal. I'm exposing the exploitative nature of these so-called "freelance" jobs in the fashion industry so you know the exact red flags to look for. Step away from that temp job in disguise and start looking for real remote freelance fashion design opportunities (or technical design, patternmaking, etc!).

When you think of freelance fashion design, you *hopefully* imagine the freedom to work on your terms, choosing the projects that excite you. However, the reality can be far from that. Brands often label temp jobs as freelancing, but they expect you to work as an employee without offering any of the benefits. This imbalance allows brands to save money while taking advantage of your talent and dedication. Shockingly, in some places, this working arrangement is actually illegal. These exploitative practices in the industry put true freelance fashion jobs in a bad light.

But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom! In this episode, we'll discuss the true essence of freelancing and how you can carve out a successful career as a fashion designer (or technical designer, or patternmaker, etc!) on your own terms. We'll explore the freedom, flexibility, and control that comes with being a real freelancer. So, if you're ready to learn the difference between permalancing and true freelancing, and how to stand up for your rights in the fashion industry, tune in now and let's reclaim the true meaning of freelancing in fashion!

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178: Q&A: Hey Fashion Designer, Are You Stuck in Your Comfort Zone? Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

If you've ever found yourself stuck in your comfort zone and in need of a little push to take your fashion design career to the next level, you're not alone and that's the exact strategies we'll be talking about in today's episode.

We'll explore common struggles with seeking permission and the fear of hitting send on important pitches through the lens of our guest, Jacqueline Schumann's, career. But fear not, because this strategy session will provide the guidance and mindset strategies Jacqueline (and you!) needs to break free from her traditional education and employee mindset. Get ready for an empowering and insightful conversation on how to give yourself permission for success. You got this!

About Jacqueline:
Jacqueline and a freelance denim designer who works with small to midsize-conscious brands.
She studied at FIDM where she learned how the industry works traditionally but after taking a break to have a family, as well as working in various industries, she lost her passion for it. Thankfully, she found it again through her own research of discovering better ways clothing can be made. These approaches are less harmful to people, animals, and our planet!

Connect with Jacqueline:

Email at: connect@jacquelinediane.com
Follow on Instagram: @jacqueline_consciousfashion
Follow on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineschumann/
Visit her website: www.jacquelinediane.com

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177: How this Fashion Designer Used LinkedIn to Land High-Paying Projects Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

Uncover this fashion designer's secrets to attracting clients and growing a successful agency, while also shedding light on the challenges and frustrations she faces when working with freelancers (and what you should do instead.)

In this episode, Rachel Battarbee spills the secrets to growing your freelance fashion career, ways to expand your network, and insights on what frustrations she commonly runs into when working with freelancers. We dive into her experience starting Guided Makers and how she landed her first clients. Rachel shares her valuable insights on using LinkedIn as a powerful tool for networking and getting noticed by potential clients. And hey, for all you freelancers out there, Rachel also provides some eye-opening tips on working effectively with freelancers and avoiding common struggles. So whether you're just starting out or looking to amp up your fashion freelancing game, this episode has got you covered with expert advice from the one and only Rachel Battarbee!

Our Industry Expert in this episode, Rachel Battarbee, cracks open her 25-year career in the apparel industry. She is a results-driven strategist who understands all facets of product development and sourcing. As a big-picture thinker and experienced process manager, she helps her clients anticipate potential roadblocks and establish best practices for current and future business opportunities.
Rachel’s previous experience includes developing and sourcing apparel lines for leading U.S. and U.K. retailers and distributors.

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