SFD043: Build Your Career as a Freelance Pattern Maker (from anywhere)

Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms

You may think it's impossible to have a career as a freelance pattern maker in the fashion industry. And you'd probably think it's even more impossible to do it from a rural town. But that's exactly what David Russon does. In today's episode of the SFD podcast, he shares exactly how he built his freelance career and now earns a full-time living doing work he loves - pattern drafting and sample sewing. He does work for established and startup indie brands to help make sure their designs fit perfect (one of the most important parts).

When I first showed up to David's studio in Greeley, CO (a farm town an hour outside of Denver), I had no idea what would be behind the unassuming door in an industrial neighborhood.

Turns out, it's David studio where he does all his freelance pattern maker work.

I was lucky enough that David not only agreed to an audio interview, but he also let Marc and I bust out cameras for our (FIRST!) video documentary (eek!).

You can see the videos here: http://successfulfashiondesigner.com/freelance-pattern-maker/.

(Oh, and BTW, if you want more behind the scenes content like this, you can find it only on this page).

Next, listen to the interview below where David and I talk about:

• What a freelance pattern maker in the fashion industry does
• What is a block, cutter's must, grading, and other terminology a pattern maker uses (hey designers - you should know this stuff too!)
• How to get started as a freelancer (even if you don't live in a fashion hub)
• The importance of networking and being part of your local community
• How to price your services
• The ridiculously obvious thing David does to get more work (that most freelancers don't)
• How David's process works (whether you have a sample garment or a napkin sketch)
• How many opportunities there are to work in fashion outside of being a "designer"
• What happens when you skimp or cut corners on pattern making
• Why the fashion industry isn't full of all divas (and how we can create a different culture)

Guest Info & Resources

• David's site (get in touch with him if you need a freelance pattern or sample maker!)
• Ralph's Power Sewing
• Denver Design Incubator

Enjoy the show? Help us out by:

• Rating us on iTunes - it really helps!
• Subscribing on iTunes - I appreciate each and every one of you!

Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price