Trenchcoat via BAZHANE boutique
There is a lot of people who dream of becoming a fashion designers. Not to jab, but those daydreams usually skip through the tough beginnings and go straight to seeing their designs on the runways of New York or Paris.
However, making a living as a fashion designer takes hard work, well-honed skills, and a customer base willing to pay for your craft. However, it’s important to understand that becoming a fashion designer is difficult.
The reality is that many factors affect how much you make as a fashion designer, including where you work and your experience level.
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there are some things you can do to make more money as a fashion designer.
This article will explore a few ways to make money as a fashion designer. One of the most common ways to break into the fashion world is by studying for a degree in fashion design or merchandising. However, getting internships while still seeking experience and building your portfolio is also good.
Sell your designs online
You can earn money selling your designs online as a skilled creative designer. You can use platforms like Etsy or Zazzle to sell your creations and make money while you sleep.
Designer boutiques like BAZHANE (left) or Marcella NYC (right) run successful Etsy shops even with their higher price tags
With these platforms, you can upload your designs and sell them on various products, including shirts, posters, stamps, and mugs.
One of the most useful tools online platforms offer is the preorder option. As long as you manage to bring decent traffic to your shop, launching items for preorder will help you gauge the demand. With this information you will be able to work out how much material to purchase so that you will not need to discount to get rid of unsold stock.
You can also use these platforms to collaborate with other creatives and reach a wider audience.
Online Supplier
You can get extra streams of revenue by supplying your designs to traditional and online retailers. This method allows you to focus on designing and production while the retailer focuses on marketing and sales.
To make this work, you’ll need to have a strong portfolio and be able to prove that your designs are in demand. Make sure to put money aside and choose the best bank account to grow your money. It’s also important to remember what you’re saving for and how often you plan to withdraw funds from the account.
Etsy: MATTERSGEORGIA
Fashion Shows
Participating in fashion shows is another way to make money as a fashion designer. These events are designed to showcase the latest trends and styles, and they can help you connect with potential clients. However, remember that these events are expensive and may require travel.
Work with a fashion consultant
In addition to designing fashion lines, many designers work with fashion consultants to help market their collections and find retailers to carry them. This can be a great way to make money in the fashion industry.
Once you have a strong portfolio, you can start looking for clients. You can do this through several channels, including social media and personal websites. Having a professional website to showcase your work and build a following is important. This will also give you credibility and make it easier to book clients. You can also find clients through trade shows or by contacting local boutiques.
Etsy: MATTERSGEORGIA
Start a fashion blog
A fashion blog is a great way to showcase your designs and connect with potential customers. It can also be profitable, especially when you choose a niche and focus on creating content relevant to your audience.
For example, if you want to appeal to a younger audience, you can blog about how to look stylish on a budget or advice on thrifting. Alternatively, you can blog about designer finds and upscale looks to attract an older audience.
Create a Website
Selling your designs online is the easiest way to start making money as a fashion designer. A website is a great place to showcase your work and get it out there for the world to see.
In addition, a good website should be SEO-friendly, have social media links, and include a blog section where you can share your work. Whether you are an experienced web developer, using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress to build your website is a smart idea. It will help you manage the look and feel of your site and add specialized coding if necessary.
Etsy: BAZHANE
Getting started in the fashion industry can be challenging. Still, making a living as a fashion designer is possible if you have the right skills and work hard. By following these tips, you can earn a steady income as a fashion designer. Good luck!
