
210 episodes

Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms Sew Heidi
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4.9 • 294 Ratings
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This is a show for burnt-out fashion designers (and TDs, PDs, patternmakers and beyond) who want more flexibility while still doing work they love. As a freelance fashion designer, you can build your fashion career 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.)
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192: How This Freelance Technical Designer Landed Her First Client In One Month
Is your corporate fashion job leaving you feeling beat down? What if you could quit and land your first freelance client within a month?
That's exactly what today's guest did! Jenny Pflanz the highs and lows of transitioning from corporate to freelance work, including the challenges of projecting confidence, adjusting to the lack of office socializing, and seeking sustainability in the fashion industry. You'll discover the power of networking, the importance of specific details in sustainability efforts, and valuable advice on simplifying the approach to pitching potential clients.
If you're curious about the world of freelancing, overcoming self-doubt, and the pursuit of sustainability in fashion, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to take on your own freelance journey.
About JennyMeet Jenny Pflanz, a Textiles and Apparel Design expert with a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. With over 8 years of experience as a Technical Designer/Product Developer for various renowned brands, Jenny recently made a bold decision to leave her 9-5 job for mental health reasons. During her break, she focused on self-improvement and undertaking CLO certification courses at FIT. She now is successfully freelancing and exploring exciting new opportunities.
Connect with JennyVisit her WebsiteEmail at jenny.m.pflanz@gmail.com Connect on LinkedIn
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. -
191: Adjust these 5 things on your fashion resume to look "younger" (and avoid ageism)
Is your age holding you back in the fashion industry?
Ageism is a legit problem in the fashion industry, with some claiming that you're considered "old" after 35. That's why I'm sharing some of my best strategies to help you combat age discrimination when looking for fashion design jobs. From updating your email address to removing graduation dates and outdated projects, I've got you covered.
I'm also revealing a hidden gem for avoiding ageism altogether! It can not only help you escape age discrimination but also provide you with more financial freedom and a better work-life balance. So go ahead and click play and kick ageism to the curb.
Fashion Resume ExamplesFashion Portfolio ExamplesUltimate Guide to Adobe IllustratorUltimate Guide to Tech PacksEp 179: Illegal Freelance Jobs
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. -
190 - Q&A: Are You Ready to Quit Your Full-Time Job And Go All In As A Freelance Fashion Designer?
Are you at a crossroads in your career as a freelance fashion designer? Wondering if it's the right time to quit your full-time job and go all-in on your freelance gig?
You're not alone and in today's episode, we join Rachel Kranick, a freelance fashion designer who shares her journey and the challenges she's facing. Despite her success in the industry and a year's worth of savings, Rachel is torn between her full-time job and the desire to dive headfirst into freelancing. Heidi provides valuable insights on when and how to transition to full-time freelancing, as well as practical strategies to build a sustainable client base. Join the conversation as we explore the personal and professional aspects of being a freelance fashion designer and discover the courage to embrace change and create the career of your dreams.
About Rachel:Meet Rachael, a talented designer who specializes in outdoor apparel and outerwear. She absolutely loves designing jackets and technical pieces that are both functional and stylish. With over ten years of experience in the industry, Rachael has worked with big brands like Nike and Travis Mathew in the past and is currently the lead designer for an athleisure wholesaler. In her free time, she works with freelance clients on exciting projects. Rachael is based in sunny Long Beach, California and is an avid lover of the great outdoors. She enjoys camping, roller skating, paddle boarding, and hiking whenever she can.
Visit her website: Rachaelkranick.com
Email at: Rachaelkranick@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect on Linkedin
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 to make your freelance clients happy just by "being available"
Here's your backstage pass to see the challenges and triumphs of building a global fashion brand with freelancers from around the world.
Get ready to hear firsthand stories from Alexander Massey as he shares the ups and downs of working with freelancers and managing the logistics of manufacturing remotely. From surprise welcome hampers to finding the right balance between flexibility and boundaries, this episode is packed with insights and real-life experiences that every aspiring fashion entrepreneur can learn from.
About Alexander: Alexander Massey is the founder of Charles William Alexander, a niche pajama and underwear brand that prioritizes sustainability and production in the USA. The brand, known for its premium and regal London-inspired style, has a global reach and a focus on creating purposeful, high-quality products. Massey's vision for the brand is deeply rooted in his connection to his favorite places in the world, including the UK, Australia, and the US. With a commitment to ethical and domestically-made products, Alexander Massey continues to lead his company in providing comfortable and stylish sleepwear to customers worldwide.
Connect with Alexander:Visit the WebsiteEmail at cw@charleswilliamalexander.co.ukFollow on Instagram
Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:https://katanamrp.com/https://satsumadesigns.com/
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. -
From Military Pilot to Freelance Fashion Designer. WHAAAT?!
A military pilot turned fashion designer?! Yep! And this awe-inspiring journey shows the possibilities of redefining your career path.
Trudy Gardner's journey is nothing short of inspiring and she shares her story in today's episode. Expect to hear her secrets to landing clients, finding mentors, and embracing the world of 3D design. Trudy's passion for intimate apparel shines as she discusses her collaborations, courses, and even her very own podcast. Get ready to be motivated and learn from the incredible journey of Trudy Gardner.
About Trudy:Trudy is a freelance intimate apparel designer, creator of the Underdressed Podcast, founder of Wayfinder Lingerie Online Academy and a retired military pilot. When she first discovered Clo3D, a software specifically made for patternmaking and 3D design development, she was blown away! She was able to create professional patterns and test them as 3D prototypes based on custom avatar sizes. The amount of resources she could save including paper, fabric and time, was well worth the hours and hours and hours spent learning the software. As a person with diverse interests, a spirit for adventure and always motivated by curiosity and creativity, Trudy enjoys trailblazing and continuously pushing the limits of what is possible!
Connect with Trudy:
Visit her Website
Email at: trudygardnerproductions@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram
Follow the Underdressed Lingerie Podcast on Instagram
Connect on Linkedin
Watch on Twitch
Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Sofia's Course
Sofia's Twitch Channel
Underdressed Lingerie PodcastThere are a few about Clo, but Trudy recommends:E8 with Isabel CrosbyE11 3D Design Software for Intimate Apparel
Intimate Apparel Technical Collective Website
Intimate Apparel Technical Collective Instagram
Email Nicola: nicola@iatechnicalcollective.com
Visit Ryan Amore's Website
Virtually Try On
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. -
187 Should you leave the fashion industry? Before you quit, consider this...
Feeling burned out in the fashion industry? Don't throw in the towel just yet!
Burnout is real, my friends, and I've been there.
In this episode, I'll be sharing my personal story of contemplating a career change, why starting a fashion brand wasn't the right path for me, and the alternative I found that worked wonders. But before you make that final decision to quit, I want you to consider a few things. Trust me, the next ten minutes could be just what you need to hear before saying goodbye to an industry you once loved. So grab your headphones and let's get started!
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
SFF134 Alexandra Agreda How to Be a Remote Freelance Patternmaker
SFF164: Breaking Back Into Fashion After Burnout
SFF133 Amy The Fashion Freelancer Who Never Wanted to Be a Freelancer
179: Illegal "freelance" fashion design jobs...
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.
Customer Reviews
Changed my life
This show literally changed my life because it showed me not just that I COULD work for myself but gave me steps on HOW to do it with **real, live, bonified proven techniques from fashion freelance rockstars.**
I had been working in the industry for over a decade at the time I found the show. I found the show by pure happenstance (looking for a fashion related podcast as a way of getting through another grueling day-in-the-life of a corporate designer LOLOL). I binged every episode and for the first time realized that the dissatisfaction I had in the industry was a shared burden.
My freelance journey has not been 100% easy 100% of the time but it has been rewarding and full of more wins than losses. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to take the plunge if it weren’t for Successful Fashion Freelancer. I 👏🏽 JUST 👏🏽 LOVE 👏🏽 THIS 👏🏽 SHOW!!!
So informative!
Great place to get informed! As someone just trying to figure things out, I have learned a ton about the fashion business. This podcast has given me the confidence to know that I can break into this business!!!
So empowered!
I’ve been listening to this podcast for YEARS and Heidi has definitely given me the confidence to pursue a freelance career and I’m so stoked for all her free resources and support 💯