The Successful Fashion Designer

With the right foundation and strategies, you can find massive projects on Upwork!No, really.  Upwork may have its cons (just like any freelancing platform), but today I'm talking with Katrina Martin who made the transition from corporate to freelancing and landed an amazing gig from Upwork.  We're talking a massive 140-style project!  Not only did she land the gig, she also negotiated a price that was higher than the set budget!Knowing the right strategies to stand out in a saturated market, network effectively, negotiate pay, and step out of your comfort zone can help you regain creative freedom.  Whether you're new to fashion freelancing or a seasoned freelancer, this episode is full of golden nuggets to help you utilize the right strategies in your toolbox.About Katrina:Katrina is a women's wear designer, trend connoisseur, and Adobe Illustrator guru specializing in woven and knit tops. She was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Her journey in the fashion industry has taken her to Los Angeles, New York,

Pricing pitfalls are some of the easiest to fall into when it comes to freelancing in fashion.Are you pricing your freelance fashion design services right?  There's a lot to consider like whether you should price hourly or value-based, or how to handle scope creep.  And don't worry, everyone messes up their pricing at least once!  This episode breaks down pricing psychology so you will know how to manage client expectations, wrangle projects effectively, and understand why your experience is worth more than just timeWhether you've been in the freelance game a while or just getting started, you'll want to listen to this episode to make sure you know how to make every minute and every skill count! SFD in NYC early bird tickets on sale now! Click here for more deets! sewheidi.com/NYC

Ever feel like fate has a crazy twist in store for you? Courtney Osborn sure did, especially when she got fired the same day she signed up for a webinar about freelancing. Delving into her journey from a toxic corporate job to launching her own fashion freelancing business, Courtney shares how she battled through emotional abuse, HR letdowns, and panic attacks. Amidst initial challenges and imposter syndrome, she’s found validation in every paid invoice and learned to celebrate those small wins that keep her going.About Courtney:Courtney Osborn is a Freelance Designer based in New Jersey. She studied fashion at the University of Cincinnati school of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), focusing on Product Development and Marketing. The internship requirements at DAAP set her up with real world experience designing for department stores Kohl’s and Bonton, and brands like Fossil and Garanimals. She spent 12 years in the corporate retail sphere before transitioning to freelancing full-time in 2023.Con

Networking is thrown around a lot in the freelance world. But how important is it really?The truth is, if you want more fashion freelance clients, it's ultimately a relationship game.  And that is exactly how Ana Guerrero quickly got 3 new clients. They were all from industry connections, specifically from other freelancers she had built relationships with. In this episode, Ana shares how she refined her niche, transitioned from hourly to project-based pricing, and found more clients. She has done all of this, and we talk about the strategy behind it.If you want to get more clients, learn strategies for effective networking, and the importance of customer research, hit play now!About Ana:After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art (not Fashion! LOL) from the University of California Santa Cruz, Ana started taking fashion classes at various community colleges. She landed a design internship for a contemporary women's clothing brand in 2010, which marked the beginning of her journey in the fashion industry.

Is scope creep devouring your profits and your freelance pricing sabotaging your success?Even seasoned freelance fashion designers can struggle with project-based pricing!  Experience doesn't make you immune to scope creep and pricing pitfalls.  Let's dig into the challenges of project-based pricing and how to ensure your projects don’t go over scope. My guest, Connie Bourgeois, is a seasoned fashion freelancer turned agency owner.  We talk about strategies for setting the right price, the importance of a thorough discovery process, and handling those unexpected changes. If you want to optimize your freelance business, craft bulletproof proposals, and get paid what you're worth, hit play now!About Connie:Connie Bourgeois founded Conjetta Designs with the purpose of supporting designers and entrepreneurs by making their apparel dreams a reality! By sharing her extensive knowledge of design, development, sourcing, logistics, merchandising, and brand building, with both her team and her clients, Connie fosters a

There's one door to a corporate fashion job, but freelancing has countless doors waiting for you!  But making the switch can leave you with lots of questions.Like, when is it time to decide to switch? How do you keep from giving up? Why it's time to go all-in on freelancing? What benefits are there to being on the struggle bus?Whether you're new to freelancing in fashion or have been doing it for years, you may find yourself asking similar questions. Our guest today, Marco Bruni, shares his journey of struggles, finding freedom, and making difficult decisions. His inspiring story is relatable and packed with valuable lessons to help you along your own freelancing journey!About Marco:Marco's passion for sneakers and fashion grew from his involvement in club soccer and athletics. He obtained a Diploma in Fashion Design in Vancouver and has expertise in Product Development & Technical Design. Currently transitioning into freelance work, he aims to focus on Outerwear & Technical Apparel / Accessories. Wit

Ever been caught in one of those vicious circles that looks a little bit like this:  need a job to get money, but need time for a job, but need money to have time?  If you're a parent who's trying to freelance, you may have found yourself in this exact struggle.  Jacqueline is a mother and needed daycare to allow her the time she needed to devote to her job, but she needed a job to pay for daycare and have time.  In this episode, we talk about the strategies this mother used to kickstart her freelancing career and find the perfect work-life balance she was craving.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fashion, freelancing, or just looking for a booster shot of perseverance and motivation.About Jacqueline:Jacqueline is a freelance denim designer who collaborates with ethical brands. Denim production has significant environmental and social consequences, mainly due to chemical dyes, excessive washing, and unethical labor practices. Her work aims to raise awareness that the denim industry should

Taxes aren't fun but paying more taxes than you need is even worse!Choosing the right structure can have a significant impact on your taxes and personal liability.  This episode breaks down the essentials of choosing between a sole proprietorship, LLC, and S Corp so you can be confident in setting up your freelance business. Discover how the right business entity can save you money on taxes and protect your personal assets, all while making the setup process as painless as possible.If the legal stuff sounds scary and is holding you back from diving in, hit play now (and throw that excuse out the window)! Resources:Do I Need an LLC to Freelance Blog Post  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.

How can you tell if a factory is legit?There are easy strategies you can use to vet factories in the fashion industry.   In this strategy session clip, Deb Barraza and I share personal experiences and brainstorm ideas to make the process feel less daunting and more manageable. Learn how to use targeted, open-ended questions that reveal the true nature of a factory's operations beyond the sales pitch. Because let's be honest, a good salesman can give you smoke and mirrors all day long.Hit play now to avoid factory nightmares for you and your freelance fashion clients!About Deb Barraza:Deb is a product Development Consultant helping small and growing jewelry brands bring in their collections as envisioned and on time. 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.

Get the eviction notice ready for the imposter syndrome that's moved in!  Imposter syndrome is something so many freelance fashion designers struggle with in their careers.  Amanda Thome was one of them but figured out how to kick it to the curb and double her rates...with an existing client!  We talk about the importance of a supportive community, her struggle with imposter syndrome, and her motivation after sending her biggest invoice yet!If you wanna increase your rates or you just need a big old confidence boost that you can do this freelancing thing, you're gonna love this episode.About Amanda:Amanda Thomé is a knitwear designer based in Brooklyn, NY. She studied fashion design at FIT and specialized in knitwear during her master's in the UK. She began freelancing with small brands in Paris and is now based in NYC, working with brands like Goldie LeWinter, Fang NYC, and Ellis Littles. Her designs are influenced by her multicultural upbringing, resulting in a style that's youthful, experimental, and emoti

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.