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

Ever had a client respond with, "Wow, that's a bit steep"? If you’re charging you're worth, you’ve probably seen that reaction before. But there are some easy ways to help clients get on board with your deserved rates. 

Take Alison Pickthorn, for instance. She’s a student in my hands-on coaching program, Fast Track Turbo, and she just landed a $15,000 client. She chats about maintaining fair pricing, understanding your value, and how crafting a compelling, client-specific proposal can make all the difference.  This episode is all about finding fulfillment, mastering the freelancer hustle, and staying true to your worth!

Listen now to get inspired by Alison's proactive hustle, the incredible support from a coaching program, and the rewarding freedom of freelance life that reignited her passion for design.
 
Resources:
235: What If A Brand Says You’re Too Expensive? Here’s How You Still Get the Client

About Allison:
Allison is an apparel designer with over 20 years of experience designing kids, baby, and licensed apparel for large retailers. In early 2024, she decided to transition into freelancing to continue doing what she loves while leaving behind what she doesn't. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her amazing daughter and their two lazy cats.

Connect with Allison:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
Connect on LinkedIn

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This is Part 2 of my interview with Jonathan Stark.

If you're pricing hourly, you're potentially leaving a lot of money on the table in your freelance fashion design biz.

In this episode, business coach Jonathan Stark talks about value-based pricing. He shares his journey from charging by the hour to adopting a pricing strategy focusing on what clients truly value. From aligning services with client revenue goals, to three-tier value pricing strategies, to becoming meaningfully different, get ready to uncover some key insights that could totally change the way you think about pricing and your relationships with clients.

If you're ready to shift your perspective on pricing and client engagement from transactional to transformational, get inspired by real-life examples, practical tips, and the psychological underpinnings that make value-based pricing a winning strategy, click play now and significantly increase your profits.

Resources:

Value Pricing Bootcamp, a free six-day email course to teach you how to make more money without working more hours.

Book: Value Based Fees by Alan Weiss 

About Jonathan:
Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.

Connect with Jonathan:
Visit his website
Email him at: [email protected]
Connect on LinkedIn

✍️ Fill out the Survey: http://sewheidi.com/survey

If you're pricing hourly, you're potentially leaving a lot of money on the table in your freelance fashion design biz.

In this episode, business coach Jonathan Stark talks about value-based pricing. He shares his journey from charging by the hour to adopting a pricing strategy focusing on what clients truly value. From aligning services with client revenue goals, to three-tier value pricing strategies, to becoming meaningfully different, get ready to uncover some key insights that could totally change the way you think about pricing and your relationships with clients.

If you're ready to shift your perspective on pricing and client engagement from transactional to transformational, get inspired by real-life examples, practical tips, and the psychological underpinnings that make value-based pricing a winning strategy, click play now and significantly increase your profits.

Resources:

Value Pricing Bootcamp, a free six-day email course to teach you how to make more money without working more hours.

Book: Value Based Fees by Alan Weiss 

About Jonathan:
Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.

Connect with Jonathan:
Visit his website
Email him at: [email protected]
Connect on LinkedIn

✍️ Fill out the Survey: http://sewheidi.com/survey

Can a LinkedIn post really transform your freelance fashion design career?

In today's episode, I talk with fashion designer Fernanda Martinelli about how one Linkedin post took off and helped land her a client!  We discuss the strategies for leveraging a popular post and how to turn new leads into dream clients.  Find out how she builds meaningful client relationships, leveraging tools like AI-generated images and detailed proposals.

Whether you're new to freelancing or have been around for a while, these social media strategies can make a huge difference in your client-finding strategies! 

Resources:
Read Fernanda’s LinkedIn post that led to three discovery calls with brands and an amazing client.
Check out NewArc.ai. Please note that this is an affiliate link.

About Fernanda:
Fernanda, originally from Argentina, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fashion and Textile Design from the University of Buenos Aires. Now based in Canada, she has worked as a Fashion Designer and Product Developer since 2019, specializing in men’s and women’s apparel, including workwear and outerwear. A lifelong art enthusiast, Fernanda explores new trends and techniques, blending creativity with functionality in her designs. She also completed a certification in Fashion and Sustainability Management at the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability, where she has served as a tutor.

Connect with Fernanda:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
Connect on LinkedIn

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Are you scared of getting scammed from factories?  Here are the red flags you should look out for.

Natalie is a corporate fashion designer turned freelance after some major burnout and the pandemic.  In this episode, she talks about things like how she got her clients, some sourcing red flags to look out for, how she sets her prices, and so much more. Natalie's story shows how she bounced back and came up with fresh ideas, how she's making customized mini portfolios, and how she landed gigs through smart outreach.

This episode is packed full of inspiration for your freelance journey in fashion!  Listen now to discover strategies for finding legitimate factories, avoiding scams, and pricing your freelance work confidently.

Resources:
Explore different examples of Natalie's mini portfolios
Download Natalie's project pricing calculator

About Natalie:
Since graduating from fashion school, Natalie always aspired to be a freelance designer. After spending over a decade climbing the corporate ladder in NYC and burning out during the pandemic, she transitioned into freelancing, building a diverse client base. In 2022, she left corporate and now works with brands like Classic Rock Couture and Snow Glow, while launching her own accessory line, Mary+Shelley. She also helps entrepreneurs grow their brands and teaches part-time at the Institute for Career Advancement.

Connect with Natalie:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn

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What do you do when the brand says you're too expensive but you know you're the right person for the gig?

That's exactly what one of my FAST Track Turbo students, Allison Pickthorn experienced!  We worked out her pricing strategy and with some savvy negotiation, she landed a $15,000 project!  We break down all the strategies and mindset shifts that eventually got her the project, her experience with client negotiations, and the surprising twist involving an Indian manufacturer and a retailer right in her own backyard.

Allison also shares her thoughts on why it's crucial to stand firm on your worth and how to put together portfolio teasers that can tip the scales in your favor. Whether you're curious about freelance pricing, dealing with international clients, or just love a good success story, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the small yet significant steps that make a big difference in landing high-ticket projects.

About Allison:
Allison is an apparel designer with over 20 years of experience designing kids, baby, and licensed apparel for large retailers. In early 2024, she decided to transition into freelancing to continue doing what she loves while leaving behind what she doesn't. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her amazing daughter and their two lazy cats.

Connect with Allison:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
Connect on LinkedIn

✍️ Fill out the Survey: http://sewheidi.com/survey

How do you go from fashion freelancer to owning a design agency?

We're breaking it down in today's episode with guest Lindsay Kondel who did exactly that!  In our chat, she shares her journey, from starting out as a head designer at an activewear label to leveraging Instagram and networking to build her agency.  Also find out why collaboration trumps competition, especially in the dynamic world of fashion design. Whether you're a freelancer or an agency owner, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world experiences to help you elevate your fashion business.

Resources:
117: How to Quit Your Full Time Fashion Job and Start Freelancing
Check out the Instagram of Streetwear of Roses!

About Lindsay:
Lindsay Kondel is the cofounder of Stacked, a full-service fashion design agency. Stacked helps create killer fashion brands, working with both emerging and established labels. The agency bridges the gap between creative vision and commercial outcome through "stackable" services, allowing clients to cherry-pick based on their individual needs.

Connect with Lindsay:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn

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What if you could break the feast or famine freelance cycle with one simple mindset shift?

I talked with Kyle Kushner, a coach for freelance and entrepreneurial creatives, and we had some very interesting discussions around this topic and much more.

Kyle opens up about overcoming self-doubt and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset. He talks about how to promote ourselves, boost confidence, and form genuine, non-transactional connections on LinkedIn. And you gotta hear Kyle's awesome journey from feeling nervous and undercharging to doubling his rates and locking in an eight-year business partnership. The episode also dives into killer strategies for proactive networking and the game-changing power of shifting your mindset.

Ready to transform your professional presence and skyrocket your freelance career? Listen now to start optimizing your client-finding strategies.

Resources:
Listen to Podcast Episode 166 with Aashika: This Fashion Freelancer Changed ONE Thing On LinkedIn and Got More Clients
Check out Justin Welsh's course on how to grow and monetize LinkedIn. Please note that this is an affiliate link.

About Kyle:
Kyle is a professional graphic designer with 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, including 21 years as a freelancer. He is currently a certified professional coach who assists the careers of other freelance creatives. Kyle shows them how to transition from traditional freelancers to successful entrepreneurs.

Connect with Kyle:
Visit his website
Email him at: [email protected]
Connect on LinkedIn

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Curious about turning freelancing into a stable career?

It's possible with the help of these secrets on pricing, Upwork strategies, and LinkedIn hacks with today's guest, Rachel Kranick. She shares real talk on ghosted clients, work-life balance, and leveraging her previous experience. Plus, get tips on staying financially savvy and embracing the freedom of freelancing. Don’t miss this inspiring career pivot story!

Whether you're wondering if making the leap into freelancing is possible, or a seasoned freelancer, this episode is filled with gold nuggets of strategies that can have a big impact on your career.  You'll definitely want to listen to this one!

Resources:
Read the LinkedIn post about Rachael's Hawaii trips and freelance journey.

Listen to the strategy session I had with Rachael in 2023.

About Rachael:
Rachael is a senior activewear designer with over 12 years of experience, working with brands like Nike, Travis Mathew, and MonoB.

An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys camping, hiking, paddleboarding, and dragon boat racing, and is passionate about helping women and marginalized groups connect with nature.

Rachael loves partnering with small brands to provide creative support and ensure their products are trend-right, functional, and resonate with their audience. Through strategic design, she helps create best-selling products that increase sales and build customer loyalty.

Connect with Rachael:
Email her at: [email protected]
Connect on LinkedIn

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What if getting new projects was as easy as sending a quick catch-up message?

You've got a hidden goldmine in your network, and today we talk about how to tap into those connections without feeling awkward or annoying. This clip is from a strategy session with one of my FAST students, Daniella Kahle, where we talk about the simple strategies you can use to reconnect with old industry connections.

We give some real-life examples of how reconnecting pays off, sometimes in unexpected ways. From dusting off old LinkedIn connections to sending casual text messages, it's all about human-to-human rapport. Imagine getting project referrals just from catching up! Plus, find out why big brands and niche markets both offer potential freelance gigs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, you won't want to miss these insider tips.

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