Even if you’ve been in the fashion industry for years (or decades!), transitioning to a freelance career presents a unique set of questions and challenges. Today’s guest has a decade of experience, but she still has tons of questions about how to turn that knowledge into a thriving freelance business. And we cover it all, from pricing to portfolios and so much more. 

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

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“It’s practically impossible to break into fashion.” If you’ve ever believed this myth, you’re not alone. And that’s how today’s guest, Brittany, felt after she graduated from fashion school. For 15 years, Brittany couldn’t get her break. But within two months of launching her freelance career, Brittany has already landed her first client and completed two projects--her first paid work in the fashion industry. And this is just the beginning. 

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

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If you’ve ever felt rusty or worried that you’re losing your edge in your fashion career, this episode is for you. Tina is a freelancer in Germany. Coming from the activewear category, she now exclusively designs workwear, and loves it! But will her workwear clients notice that she’s “lost” her activewear skills? And how can she get them back?

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

You shouldn’t have to choose between your fashion career and your family. That “9 to 5” (more like 7 AM to 10 PM!) corporate job might feel stable and safe, but sometimes sticking with what you know isn’t worth the trade off. As a freelancer, you CAN build a stable, fulfilling career in fashion--and still have time to spend with your family (and live your life!). 

I’m not here to judge--if you’re a parent who loves your demanding job and crazy long hours, then you do you! But if you’re craving more balance, you’re not alone. Listen to hear how designer Lori Paradis changed her life through freelancing… and how you can do it, too. 

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

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.

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

Freelance patternmaker Alexandra doesn’t have a fashion degree, and she doesn’t live in a fashion hub. Yet with only a couple years of experience, she is now making more in one day as a freelancer than she made in two weeks at her old full-time job. Better yet, she loves the freedom to make her own schedule, choose the best projects for her goals, and actually have a life--all while still working in fashion.

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

If you’ve never considered freelancing as an option for your fashion career, you’re not alone. Today’s guest, Amy, liked working in-house and was never interested in becoming a freelancer. But when she became a mom and needed just a little more work-life balance, she came face to face with how inflexible this industry can be. She started freelancing as a temporary fix while her son was young, and always intended to go back to in-house. But once she experienced the flexibility, freedom of choice, and better hourly wage she now has, she fell in love with freelancing. 

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

In this Fashion Freelancer Q&A you’ll hear from Mari, a freelance knitwear designer who’s working on perfecting her pricing strategy. She’s built a successful freelance business, and she loves her work and the “limitless opportunities” that freelancing provides. But like most new freelancers, she still has questions about charging for her services. From undercharging to retainers, listen for tons of tips to help you navigate freelance pricing.

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

One of the most common myths about freelancing in fashion is that brands won’t pay a fair hourly wage. Today’s guest blows that myth out of the water--sharing how she’s been charging up to $85 an hour over the past year (yes, during the pandemic!). From tips on finding clients, to pricing, retainers, and contracts, this interview is packed with the kind of freelance advice no one else in the industry is talking about. 

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

Sometimes the thing you *think* you’re stuck on is just a distraction from what’s really holding you back. In this Fashion Freelancer Q&A, technical designer Jaylene asks where to find freelance clients. But over the course of the conversation, she realizes that it’s not finding the brands that’s most challenging, but putting herself out there to pitch her services.

For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price