Walking into a tradeshow with no idea where to start can be intimidating!

As a freelancer, having a plan of action for the next fashion trade show you attend can make all the difference. In this episode, I talk live with Andreu David, the Vice President of Sourcing at MAGIC, to get insights from an industry expert on how to make the most of a trade show. Andreu covers everything from understanding market levels and price points to the importance of factory operations and the benefits of attending trade shows. Discover how AI and 3D technology are shaping the future of fashion, and learn about the critical emphasis on sustainability and ethical production practices. Andreu also offers invaluable advice for freelancers and entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for transparency, trust, and strategic networking in building successful industry relationships.

 If you're in the fashion game, you can't afford to miss his insider tips on working with suppliers, the perks of attending trade shows, and the crucial role of AI and 3D tech in modern fashion.

About Andreu:
Andreu is the Vice President of SOURCING at MAGIC for Informa Markets Fashion, leading the largest sourcing trade show in North America. With over 20 years of fashion industry experience, he also serves as CEO of Brand Design Architects, teaches at Otis College of Art and Design, and runs his own brand. A graduate of USC (Marketing) and Parsons (Fashion Design), Andreu began his career with a design apprenticeship at Hermès and has held senior roles at Double RL Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, and a New York startup brand.
 
Connect with Andreu:
Visit his website
Email him at: [email protected]
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.

Freelancing in fashion might seem risky, but what if it didn’t have to be? You could replace or even exceed your corporate salary in just one month. 

In this episode, we will share how Aiden got noticed on Upwork, even without ratings. You’ll learn the negotiation tips that helped her turn a $2,000 offer into a $5,000 win. Aiden will also explain how she set up her profile so brands find and contact her, which means she doesn’t have to pitch herself anymore.

If you’re tired of the stressful corporate world or feel overlooked by junior designers in interviews, you will enjoy this episode.

Resources:
Check out Aidenn's Upwork profile here to learn more about their work and services!

About Aidenn:
Aidenn is an accomplished Fashion Designer with expertise in design, sourcing, and product development. She has led successful product launches, built strategic vendor partnerships, and excels in cost reduction, quality control, and team collaboration. By leveraging user experience insights and new technologies, Aidenn consistently delivers solutions that meet consumer needs, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth.

Connect with Aidenn:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
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 do you compete with low prices on Upwork? Is a bargain the only thing clients will look for?

I did an experiment and hired 5 freelancers at 5 different price points to see what you get for a tech pack at each level. The results are shocking and entertaining. Stick with me as I walk through the results, explaining why these low-priced options can lead to big problems for clients and why you shouldn't undervalue your own work. By the end, you'll see why quality tech packs are worth the investment and why it's okay to charge what you're worth.

Resources:
Watch the full video on YouTube: I Paid 5 Strangers on Upwork To Design a Sweater
Download my Tech Pack Template

Grab my Guide to Pricing your Freelance Services

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.

Starting with set package rates might feel tempting, but it’s like trying to sew a wedding dress on your first try—it’s better to start small and build up your skills.

In today's episode, I'll share a better strategy for finding your pricing sweet spot and how to handle those tricky conversations when clients think your rates are too high.  We'll uncover the nuances of custom versus package pricing, how to gauge client reactions, and strategies to ensure your services demonstrate clear value and more.

Boost your confidence and revenue as a freelance fashion designer by hitting play to learn these strategies for pricing and communicating your value.

Resources:
How to Raise Your Freelance Rates in Fashion 💸 (with word for word scripts)
How Much Do Fashion Freelancers Charge? (100+ Real-Life Examples)
3 Ways to Calculate Your Freelance Rate for Fashion Designers

About Elexis:
Based in Atlanta, Elexis is a women’s contemporary designer blending innovation with timeless elegance. With experience at top brands like Milano Di Rouge, Dolls Kill, and J.Crew, she creates trendsetting pieces that empower women. Passionate about the creative process, she sees design as storytelling and problem-solving. When not designing, Elexis draws inspiration from Atlanta’s vibrant energy.

Connect with Elexis:
Visit her website
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.

Ever had a client respond with, "Wow, that's a bit steep"? If you’re charging you're worth, you’ve probably seen that reaction before. But there are some easy ways to help clients get on board with your deserved rates. 

Take Alison Pickthorn, for instance. She’s a student in my hands-on coaching program, Fast Track Turbo, and she just landed a $15,000 client. She chats about maintaining fair pricing, understanding your value, and how crafting a compelling, client-specific proposal can make all the difference.  This episode is all about finding fulfillment, mastering the freelancer hustle, and staying true to your worth!

Listen now to get inspired by Alison's proactive hustle, the incredible support from a coaching program, and the rewarding freedom of freelance life that reignited her passion for design.
 
Resources:
235: What If A Brand Says You’re Too Expensive? Here’s How You Still Get the Client

About Allison:
Allison is an apparel designer with over 20 years of experience designing kids, baby, and licensed apparel for large retailers. In early 2024, she decided to transition into freelancing to continue doing what she loves while leaving behind what she doesn't. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her amazing daughter and their two lazy cats.

Connect with Allison:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
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.

This is Part 2 of my interview with Jonathan Stark.

If you're pricing hourly, you're potentially leaving a lot of money on the table in your freelance fashion design biz.

In this episode, business coach Jonathan Stark talks about value-based pricing. He shares his journey from charging by the hour to adopting a pricing strategy focusing on what clients truly value. From aligning services with client revenue goals, to three-tier value pricing strategies, to becoming meaningfully different, get ready to uncover some key insights that could totally change the way you think about pricing and your relationships with clients.

If you're ready to shift your perspective on pricing and client engagement from transactional to transformational, get inspired by real-life examples, practical tips, and the psychological underpinnings that make value-based pricing a winning strategy, click play now and significantly increase your profits.

Resources:

Value Pricing Bootcamp, a free six-day email course to teach you how to make more money without working more hours.

Book: Value Based Fees by Alan Weiss 

About Jonathan:
Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.

Connect with Jonathan:
Visit his website
Email him at: [email protected]
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.

If you're pricing hourly, you're potentially leaving a lot of money on the table in your freelance fashion design biz.

In this episode, business coach Jonathan Stark talks about value-based pricing. He shares his journey from charging by the hour to adopting a pricing strategy focusing on what clients truly value. From aligning services with client revenue goals, to three-tier value pricing strategies, to becoming meaningfully different, get ready to uncover some key insights that could totally change the way you think about pricing and your relationships with clients.

If you're ready to shift your perspective on pricing and client engagement from transactional to transformational, get inspired by real-life examples, practical tips, and the psychological underpinnings that make value-based pricing a winning strategy, click play now and significantly increase your profits.

Resources:

Value Pricing Bootcamp, a free six-day email course to teach you how to make more money without working more hours.

Book: Value Based Fees by Alan Weiss 

About Jonathan:
Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.

Connect with Jonathan:
Visit his website
Email him at: [email protected]
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.

Can a LinkedIn post really transform your freelance fashion design career?

In today's episode, I talk with fashion designer Fernanda Martinelli about how one Linkedin post took off and helped land her a client!  We discuss the strategies for leveraging a popular post and how to turn new leads into dream clients.  Find out how she builds meaningful client relationships, leveraging tools like AI-generated images and detailed proposals.

Whether you're new to freelancing or have been around for a while, these social media strategies can make a huge difference in your client-finding strategies! 

Resources:
Read Fernanda’s LinkedIn post that led to three discovery calls with brands and an amazing client.
Check out NewArc.ai. Please note that this is an affiliate link.

About Fernanda:
Fernanda, originally from Argentina, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fashion and Textile Design from the University of Buenos Aires. Now based in Canada, she has worked as a Fashion Designer and Product Developer since 2019, specializing in men’s and women’s apparel, including workwear and outerwear. A lifelong art enthusiast, Fernanda explores new trends and techniques, blending creativity with functionality in her designs. She also completed a certification in Fashion and Sustainability Management at the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability, where she has served as a tutor.

Connect with Fernanda:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
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.

Are you scared of getting scammed from factories?  Here are the red flags you should look out for.

Natalie is a corporate fashion designer turned freelance after some major burnout and the pandemic.  In this episode, she talks about things like how she got her clients, some sourcing red flags to look out for, how she sets her prices, and so much more. Natalie's story shows how she bounced back and came up with fresh ideas, how she's making customized mini portfolios, and how she landed gigs through smart outreach.

This episode is packed full of inspiration for your freelance journey in fashion!  Listen now to discover strategies for finding legitimate factories, avoiding scams, and pricing your freelance work confidently.

Resources:
Explore different examples of Natalie's mini portfolios
Download Natalie's project pricing calculator

About Natalie:
Since graduating from fashion school, Natalie always aspired to be a freelance designer. After spending over a decade climbing the corporate ladder in NYC and burning out during the pandemic, she transitioned into freelancing, building a diverse client base. In 2022, she left corporate and now works with brands like Classic Rock Couture and Snow Glow, while launching her own accessory line, Mary+Shelley. She also helps entrepreneurs grow their brands and teaches part-time at the Institute for Career Advancement.

Connect with Natalie:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
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.

What do you do when the brand says you're too expensive but you know you're the right person for the gig?

That's exactly what one of my FAST Track Turbo students, Allison Pickthorn experienced!  We worked out her pricing strategy and with some savvy negotiation, she landed a $15,000 project!  We break down all the strategies and mindset shifts that eventually got her the project, her experience with client negotiations, and the surprising twist involving an Indian manufacturer and a retailer right in her own backyard.

Allison also shares her thoughts on why it's crucial to stand firm on your worth and how to put together portfolio teasers that can tip the scales in your favor. Whether you're curious about freelance pricing, dealing with international clients, or just love a good success story, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the small yet significant steps that make a big difference in landing high-ticket projects.

About Allison:
Allison is an apparel designer with over 20 years of experience designing kids, baby, and licensed apparel for large retailers. In early 2024, she decided to transition into freelancing to continue doing what she loves while leaving behind what she doesn't. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her amazing daughter and their two lazy cats.

Connect with Allison:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
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 do you go from fashion freelancer to owning a design agency?

We're breaking it down in today's episode with guest Lindsay Kondel who did exactly that!  In our chat, she shares her journey, from starting out as a head designer at an activewear label to leveraging Instagram and networking to build her agency.  Also find out why collaboration trumps competition, especially in the dynamic world of fashion design. Whether you're a freelancer or an agency owner, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world experiences to help you elevate your fashion business.

Resources:
117: How to Quit Your Full Time Fashion Job and Start Freelancing
Check out the Instagram of Streetwear of Roses!

About Lindsay:
Lindsay Kondel is the cofounder of Stacked, a full-service fashion design agency. Stacked helps create killer fashion brands, working with both emerging and established labels. The agency bridges the gap between creative vision and commercial outcome through "stackable" services, allowing clients to cherry-pick based on their individual needs.

Connect with Lindsay:
Visit her website
Email her at: [email protected]
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.