In this episode I’m chatting with Michelle Fifis, founder of Pattern Observer and creator of the Textile Design Lab, a blog and community that helps creatives grow their textile design business. Michelle’s done textile work for Columbia Sportswear, Lucy Activewear, Jantzen Swimwear, Perry Ellis and had been featured in Stylesight.com, Elle Decor, and Nordstrom. In the interview, she shares how she got started and worked her way up in the industry, her strategy for leaving her full time job to start freelancing, and how she grew her blog into a successful online business. Michelle and I also talked about how to choose and start working with an agency or print house, how to stay motivated when you feel deflated, and not only how to price your work, but how to gracefully raise your prices.

• The role a textile designer plays in the fashion world
• The pros and cons of working with an agent or print house
• How to rediscover your creativity when you feel stuck
• The importance of having patience with your career growth
• How to stay up to date on trends if you don't have access to expensive services like WGSN
• The importance of having a community and not working in a vacuum

• Pattern Observer blog
• Why it's okay to take a break from social media
• Surtex textile show
• Vogue

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