Welcome to the Designer FAQ series, where I openly answer your questions about freelancing as a textile designer!
One of the most commonly asked questions I get is:
"How do I find freelance work as a textile designer?"
And...
"Where do I find clients?"
Freelancing can feel like a wild ride, but with the right strategies, you can find steady work, connect with the right clients, and turn your passion into a sustainable career. In this post, we will explore a few methods, from online platforms to submitting work to print studios and how to pitch yourself like a pro.
So, let's start at the very beginning. You have decided to go freelance. First of all, congratulations! This is a big decision, so you've already taken the first step toward a commitment to grow as a freelancer.
Let's assume you have 0 clients and have never worked with a client before. This is what I would do first.
Have a stand-out body of work or portfolio ready to go If you don't have a portfolio, I highly recommend creating one. It doesn't have to be lengthy, but you do need to show potential clients some examples of your skillset. How else will they know if they want to hire you?
Decided on which market segment your designs work best in Take a step back and look at your work. Where do you think it will look best in the market? Some examples include fashion, homewares, DIY crafts, and stationery. Within these markets, there are also categories. So, in the fashion market, for example, there is womenswear, menswear, kidswear (etc.) I recommend starting with one market first. Then, as your style develops, you can add more to the mix over time.
Research brands in that market and start making a list Now, the fun begins. Once you've chosen a market, start researching brands you may want to work with. LinkedIn and Instagram are great places to start. Save these brands somewhere - it could be as simple as a written list or an Excel sheet. We will be referring to this list later!
Now that you know where your work fits best in the world, it's time to find those clients!
Freelance Platforms
Many designers may turn to platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to land freelance clients. (I'll be honest; it's not my personal favourite). But it can be lucrative for some. Here are the pros and cons of using these platforms:
Pros of Freelance Platforms:
Immediate Access to Clients:Â These platforms have thousands of clients actively seeking freelancers. You can create a profile, set your rates, and get to work quickly with little to no cost!
Global Reach:Â You can connect with clients worldwide, opening up opportunities you may not find locally. When I used Upwork, I landed a client from the US. (I'm based in Australia). They were a fantastic client, and I am thankful to have found them online!
Secure Payments:Â Platforms like Upwork offer escrow systems, ensuring you're paid once the job is done. This saves you headaches from chasing up payments.
Cons of Freelance Platforms:
Competitive Rates:Â These platforms are flooded with freelancers, often driving rates down. You may find yourself bidding against people who are willing to charge much less. Honestly, it enrages me when Upwork users expect a custom textile design for less than $100. (I think this will need to be an entirely separate blog post! Stay tune for that!)
Fees: Upwork and Fiverr take a percentage of your earnings, which can cut into your income. I believe the current rate is about 10%. So, if you charge a client $500 for a custom print design, you will be charged $50 and receive $450. This is not too bad, but it's still a fee nonetheless.
Time Investment:Â It can take time to build a solid profile with good reviews before you start attracting quality clients. This is understandable, as many clients may not trust a designer with no reviews. Many Upwork designers start by charging really low in the beginning to get a few good reviews before slowly raising their rates. This particular tactic is not for me. Instead, I would consider pitching to brands directly,
Pitching to Brands
Knowing where to look and how to pitch is key if you prefer to work directly with clients. Here's how you can find and approach clients needing textile design work without resorting to platforms like Upwork or Fiverr:
Leverage Social Media:Â Instagram and LinkedIn are gold mines for creative professionals. On Instagram, show off your designs, interact with potential clients, and use relevant hashtags like #TextileDesign #SurfacePatternDesigner. On LinkedIn, connect with decision-makers in the fashion and textile industries, such as art directors, creative directors, or design managers. Before sending that connection request, ensure your profile highlights your unique skills.
Cold Email Brands:Â Remember that list of brands I mentioned?! It's time to be brave and pitch to these companies directly via email! Personalise each email by mentioning something specific about their brand and explaining why your work would be a great fit. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. And always have a clear CTA (call to action) at the end of your email.
Online Marketplaces:Â Sites like Etsy, Spoonflower, and Society6 allow you to sell your designs as print-on-demand products such as fabrics, wallpapers, and more! This allows you to show off your work in various ways, giving potential clients a taste of your style, which can lead to custom requests. Designers with strong handwriting and a clear personal style are often found in places like Spoonflower. You never know!
Networking:Â Join industry-specific groups on Facebook, attend textile design conferences (even virtual ones), and build relationships with other creatives who might refer clients to you.
Best Practices for Pitching
When it comes to pitching your work, a little bit of effort can go a long way. Here are some tips to make sure your pitch stands out:
Keep It Visual:Â Since textile design is a visual medium, attach high-quality samples of your best work or link to an online portfolio. Show them what you can do instead of just telling them.
Personalise Each Pitch:Â Avoid generic emails! Do some research on the company you're reaching out to and tailor your message specifically to that brand. But also be genuine. Don't just say, "love your work". Be authentic and explain why your style and values align with their brand.
Offer Something Unique: Explain what sets you apart from other textile designers. Maybe it’s your process, your use of colour, or the trends you focus on. Specialise in hand-painted watercolours? Tell them! Are you well-versed in character designs for kidswear? Preach it!
Follow-Up: If you haven’t heard back, don’t be afraid to follow up after a week or two. Keep it polite and use the opportunity to reiterate your interest.
What About Print Studios?
Print studios are another way to work as a freelancer. However, I view this more as supplemental income on a consignment basis. Print studios often sell or license designs to their own client list of manufacturers and retailers, which can be an excellent way for textile designers to get their work in front of more eyeballs!
Pros of Submitting to Print Studios:
Less Marketing Involved: You won’t have to pitch directly to clients as the studio does all that for you. This could be ideal if you're more interested in designing and do not enjoy marketing.
Industry Connections:Â Print studios often have long, established relationships with large retailers, so your work could potentially end up in major stores.
Consistent Sales:Â If a design sells well, you could earn consistent royalties from designing more of the same thing. I once worked with one studio where my animal prints sold all the time, so I just kept making more of them!
Cons of Submitting to Print Studios:
Limited Control: You won’t have as much say over how your designs are used or where they end up. Often, you will not know who the designs are sold to, and the copyright will no longer be yours either. You need to decide if you are OK with this.
Lower Profit Margin:Â Studios typically take a cut of your earnings as a commission, so you will earn less than if you sell directly to clients. This varies significantly from studio to studio, but I'd say the average is about 50%.
Waiting Game: It can take a while to see any returns, especially if your design doesn’t sell immediately. Fashion brands are also known to send out payments every quarter, so even if you sell a design, you may not see any money for up to three months!
Reach Out to Past Clients
Have you worked with a few clients in the past? When was the last time you checked up on them? They say it is easier to retain a new client than to acquire one, so treat your clients like precious gold.
The probability of selling to an existing customer is higher because they already understand why they need your product and what sets it apart from the competitors. Here are a few ideas to get re-acquainted:
Check up on a past project. Ask them how sampling and production are going. Offer assistance if a design needs tweaking.
Ask how sales are going, if they have any feedback from their customers on your design, and if they are planning any seasonal events in the future (Black Friday, Christmas, etc) Do they need some new seasonal designs?
Remind them of your availability by email. Sometimes, a gentle reminder is all they need. It could spark a project need or idea they forget about
Have a Backup Plan
While diving into freelancing can be exciting, having some financial security during the transition is essential. Freelance work can be unpredictable, especially when you're just starting out. When I started freelancing, I had two ongoing clients and made sure to have up to six months' worth of savings - this was to cover living expenses while I slowly built my client base.
If having a savings plan is not feasible, consider keeping a part-time job until your freelance income becomes more consistent. Having a backup plan in place will ease financial pressure and give you the freedom to focus on finding the right clients without feeling desperate to take every gig that comes your way. And trust me, I've taken some on some desperate gigs in my time, and it is not fun. Your aim is to enjoy your work by aligning yourself with incredible clients who contribute to that experience!
In Conclusion
Finding freelance work as a textile designer requires strategy, creativity, and persistence. I'll be honest... it's a slow game! So, ensure you are financially covered when you first start as a freelancer.
Whether using freelance platforms, pitching directly to clients, or submitting designs to print studios, each avenue has perks and challenges. The key is to diversify your efforts and be consistent in how you present yourself.
So, what’s your next move? Try out a few of these methods and see what works best for you. And remember, building a freelance career takes time, but with patience and a solid portfolio, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving textile design business!
Need Guidance?
If you are feeling lost and still need help, don't fret!
You can join my Facebook group, "Freelance Artists and Surface Pattern Designers." We have some fantastic designers there willing to answer your questions for FREE!
Feeling stuck and need help now? Why not book a 1:1 consultation call with me today? I can review your portfolio and online marketing presence, clarify your goals, and help you strategize ways to achieve them.
As usual, you can reach out to me via email if you have any questions about my 1:1 coaching sessions or textile design in general: hello@carolynquan.design
Happy designing!
Carolyn