Welcome to the Designer FAQ series, where I openly answer your questions about freelancing as a textile designer!
If you are new to freelancing as a surface pattern and textile designer, the idea of marketing yourself can feel overwhelming. Some enjoy the process, while others may have fears and self-doubts about putting themselves out there.
I'm not here to say it's easy, but with the right approach, you can start to build a presence and gain traction in this exciting industry. Below are some strategies for marketing yourself effectively, whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business.
1. Take Advantage of Social Media and Other Online Platforms
So, first things first. You need to SHOWCASE YOUR WORK! And what better way to do that for free than with social media? Here are some platforms that are especially valuable for textile designers:
Instagram:
Instagram is perfect for visually sharing your designs. Focus on building a portfolio of your work by posting high-quality images and videos of your patterns, textiles, and finished products. Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels to give followers a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process. Need ideas on what to post? Check out this free resource by Creative Howl here.
TikTok:
You know what? I'm too old for TikTok and have no interest in using it. It's noisy and loud over there, and it feels so draining every time I open the app. But if you enjoy creating video-based content more than static images, then TikTok is the space for you. Did you hear? Apparently, many GenZ prefer TikTok instead of Google to search for things. Weird, I know. Do what you will with that information. You can read the article here.
Pinterest:
Did you know that Pinterest is not a form of social media? You must treat it like a visual SEARCH ENGINE. I've included it in this list because it does have social engagement functions such as commenting and sharing. But really, for you to use Pinterest effectively, make sure you share pins that your potential customer is searching for. There are heaps of templates available for creating exciting pin graphics. Check out these templates on Etsy here!
Behance:
Behance is owned by Adobe. Upload your projects and share your work with this designated portfolio platform for creatives. You can also use Behance to create an online portfolio link using Adobe Portfolio. There is also an opportunity to get 'hired' on Behance. This new feature allows you to get freelance work through your Behance inbox. Read more about it here.
Dribbble:
To me, Dribbble is like another version of Behance (it's just not owned by Adobe). I quickly searched for 'surface pattern design' and got this. I like its clean and minimal design.
LinkedIn:
While Instagram and TikTok focus on visuals, LinkedIn is a platform where you can establish yourself as an industry professional. Share case studies of your work, write articles on industry trends, assert yourself as an industry leader or post about your recent projects and achievements. Connecting with fellow designers, potential clients, and brands can open the door to new opportunities. Just be cool and don't launch into the cold pitch with every connection you make! It can feel pretty sleazy quite quickly, so choose your professional connections wisely.
2. Attraction Marketing vs. Pitching Yourself
There are two primary ways to attract clients: attraction marketing and pitching yourself. Which one resonates with you?
Attraction Marketing:
With attraction marketing, the goal is to draw clients to you organically. By showcasing your expertise, sharing valuable insights, and consistently posting your work, potential clients may naturally approach you. This type of marketing allows your work to speak for itself and positions you as an expert in the field. For instance, sharing a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram of you creating a pattern and a thoughtful caption on the inspiration behind your design can attract like-minded clients who resonate with your work.
Now, sitting back and letting the work speak for itself may sound ideal. But it does mean you have to get serious and clear about your branding for attraction marketing to work. I am not an affiliate of Cass Deller, but you may want to check out her personal branding masterclass for creatives here!
Pitching Yourself:
Pitching yourself is the more direct and proactive method, which may intimidate many new designers. This could involve contacting brands or potential clients directly via cold email or LinkedIn. It’s essential to craft a clear and concise pitch, explaining how your designs can benefit their business and why you’re the right person for the job. When pitching, tailor your message to the client’s needs and show examples of work that aligns with their brand.
A note about pitching: It took me 50 unanswered email pitches before I got one 'yes'. So yes, cold pitching is going to take some time and luck. It's going to be a numbers game, so keep at it. The more consistent you are with pitching, the easier it will be. I promise.
So which option do you prefer? While both methods can work, combining them often yields the best results. Let your marketing efforts attract clients while occasionally pitching yourself to those dream opportunities you don’t want to miss.
3. Nurture Relationships and Be Patient
Building and maintaining strong relationships is one of the biggest keys to success in any design career. The clients and collaborators you connect with today might not need your services immediately, but keeping the relationship alive ensures they’ll think of you when needed.
If you're completely new and have no connections, what better time than to act now? You never know who will randomly stumble upon your Instagram feed, or run into your LinkedIn profile thinking, 'Hey! This designer's style and taste is absolutely perfect for my brand!'
If you have worked with a client in the past, follow up after projects to see how your designs are performing, stay connected on social media, and engage with their posts. Make sure your communication feels genuine - building trust over time can lead to long-term collaborations.
4. Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level?
As an active freelance illustrator and textile designer with experience in art direction, I’ve navigated the industry as a creative for almost two decades! I have trained and mentored junior artists, participated in public speaking events, and been picked up by a few podcasts, of which I am very proud.
Sharing my knowledge and helping other designers is not only rewarding but also strengthens our industry and community.
If you’re looking to refine your marketing approach or want personalised advice on growing your freelance business as an artist or surface pattern designer, I’d love to help!
If you are not yet ready to invest in guided mentoring, 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 strategise 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