So, you have completed your degree in fashion! However, you may find the idea of restricting yourself to one firm and one field unappealing. Instead, you could explore the industry opportunities by undertaking gigs as a fashion freelancer.

But let’s deconstruct the word freelancer first. A freelancer is not a long-term hire by a single employer. So, a fashion freelancer could be a person who contracts design projects with bigger businesses or who provides private clients with customised services.

If the idea of freelancing in fashion excites you, you’ve come to the right place! From valuable tips to job opportunities, read on as we guide you through the duties, responsibilities, and all the essential information you need.

What Does a Successful Fashion Freelancer Do?

Freelance designers are lone warriors and to balance multiple tasks. They have to work on many aspects of design with great dedication and precision. To understand what you, as a freelance clothing designer, must do, take a look at this list:

• Study the trends and understand what the market wants.
• Make sure your collection is based on a single theme or idea.
• Try to keep the collection inclusive and cater to diverse demographics.
• Start with rough sketches to ideate the final products.
• Transfer rough sketches to a digital platform for a polished look.
• Communicate with manufacturers and set up a workshop.
• Try to market your products with professional photoshoots.

How to Become a Freelance Fashion Designer?

Now comes the daunting question- what must you do to break into the field as a freelance fashion designer? Well, look no further. These easy steps will clear all your doubts about how to freelance in the fashion industry.

Be Thorough About the Industry

Beyond all the glitz and glam, it is crucial to have in-depth knowledge of the fashion industry. Educate yourself on the history of fashion, past and ongoing trends, garments, trending patterns and different fabrics and textures.

A Degree From a Recognised Institute

Make sure you learn colour theory, fabrics, sewing, sketching, digital art, and art direction while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, merchandising, or visual art. These programmes can be graduation, post-graduation or diploma degrees. Aspiring designers can interact with faculty and peers through these programmes as well.

Engage in Internships

Look for internships while you are completing your degrees or right after you have completed the necessary education. Internships will give you hands-on experience and give you an edge in the real world. You’ll be a step ahead because you will have grown your professional network and come in contact with potential clients.

Create an Eye-Catching Portfolio

A portfolio is one of the most important assets when you are looking to assimilate into the creative industry. It is a comprehensive way to showcase your skills through visual treats of your past successes. New clients will be most likely to hire you if they are impressed with your varied skills and experience.

Build a Strong Network

Take your time and build a strong professional network. Having several powerful connections would be immense in this industry. Many graduates with a degree cannot make a break in this industry because of a lack of connections. Networking is extremely important if you aspire to build a career in fashion and work as a freelancer, as you have to pitch your services to clients for projects.

Freelance Fashion Jobs

In the fashion business, there are many chances to work as a freelancer and earn a living! You can have a career as a freelancer in almost every sector of the apparel business. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Source: Freepik

• Sourcing: You may be somebody with an inclination to understand the fabric, the build, the quality and the durability. If that’s the case, then you can be the one sourcing the best and most unique fabrics and trims for your clients.
• Illustration: Illustrations are the stepping stone before the production of a product. Flat sketches or digital art forms are widely accepted as a good freelance fashion design career.

Source: Freepik

• Fashion agent: If you have remarkable interpersonal skills and understand the fashion industry well, you could make it as a fashion agent. The agents connect models or designers to collaborate with different fashion houses.
• Freelance Fashion Designer: You could create your own designs and collections or assist big fashion houses with specific projects.
• Marketing and Merchandising: A strong fashion sense with business acumen will land you into the marketing and merchandising side of fashion.

Source: Unsplash

Final Thoughts

Now that you have started thinking about being a fashion freelancer, get your necessary qualifications from a prestigious institute. JD Institute of Fashion Technology offers a 3-year Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design to refine and sharpen the fashion intellect of students.

The students are introduced to a variety of developing digital and technical tools in addition to a rigorous curriculum that covers the basic methodologies that guide the practice of fashion design. Students gain advanced knowledge of fabrics, pattern cutting, garment construction, and draping, as well as a research-driven creation process.

So, what are you waiting for? Put your anxieties to rest and equip yourself to take the fashion world by storm!