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

Author: Sew Heidi

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This is a show for burnt-out fashion designers (and TDs, PDs, patternmakers, textile designer and beyond) who want more flexibility in their career while still doing work they love.

You'll learn how to build a freelance fashion business, so you can do the work you love on your own terms. Freelancing in fashion is the only way to get freedom in your day (instead of being tied to a desk).

Whether you want to earn extra money on the side, fund your fashion brand, or replace your salary, the FDGP podcast will help you get there. Listen in for actionable tips and strategies to kickstart or grow your career as a freelance fashion designer, build your confidence, and create the life you want.

Hosted by $100k+ fashion freelancer Sew Heidi, the show features interviews and strategy sessions with successful freelance fashion designers from around the world who've ditched toxic fashion jobs and taken control of their own destinies. This is the only place to get REAL insights from REAL freelancers who have built REAL careers on their own terms. (Formerly the Successful Fashion Freelancer podcast.)
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Tired of saying yes to everything—and still not getting paid what you’re worth? Martha Fogarty was, too. After years of permalance gigs, unpaid invoices, and murky job titles, she drew a line in the sand. In this episode, Martha shares how getting hyper-clear on her niche and offer flipped the power dynamic, brought in multiple five-figure clients, and helped her build a freelance business that’s finally on her terms. If you’ve ever felt like clarity could change everything—this one proves it can.About Martha:Martha is the founder of LIFTOFF — fashion’s ultimate brand launch lab. Part design school, part business bootcamp, it’s where early-stage founders learn how to build labels that don’t just look good but become successful, profitable companies. She’s spent 25+ years helping companies go from scrappy idea to runway darlings with record-breaking revenues, including Chris Benz and Brandon Maxwell. Along the way, she’s picked up CFDA awards, launched, scaled and sold two brands of her own, and guided dozens of founders from "I think I want to do this" to 7-figure business owners. Her mission? Demystify the fashion industry, skip the gatekeeping, and equip and empower future founders to lead like both the Creative Director and the CEO of their future.Connect with Martha:Email her at martha@321liftoff.netCheck out her websiteFollow on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Just because you land a $10K freelance project doesn’t mean it all goes smoothly. Jacqueline’s back to share what *didn’t* go so great—and the one decision she regrets most. We unpack the lessons she’s learning around boundaries, overgiving, and setting clear terms from the start. Whether you’re early in your freelance business or landing big wins yourself, this episode is a must-listen for protecting your time, energy, and value.Resources:260: How Jacqueline Landed Her First $10K+ Freelance Fashion Project (Part 1)196: How This Freelancer Does Sourcing & Product Development for Factories (and is making bank)197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross) with Nikki Rausch250: The $6K Freelancer: How She Replaced Her Salary in 30 DaysConscious Fashion CollectiveThe Power Pause, Neha Ruch BookAbout Jacqueline:Jacqueline is a freelance denim designer who collaborates with ethical brands. Denim production has significant environmental and social consequences, mainly due to chemical dyes, excessive washing, and unethical labor practices. Her work aims to raise awareness that the denim industry should prioritize not only sustainability but also fairness, ethics, responsibility, and promoting slow consumption. Jacqueline is dedicated to contributing towards steering the industry in a positive direction for the future.Connect with Jacqueline:Email her at connect@jacquelinediane.comCheck out her websiteFollow on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
You ever wonder what it *actually* takes to land a $10,000+ freelance project in fashion? Jacqueline’s back for her third appearance—and this time, she walks us through how a total stranger found her on Google, filled out her project form, and signed a $10,498 contract without negotiating. We get into the exact pricing strategy, mindset shifts, and proposal she used to close it—and what she did *before* the contract even landed to help seal the deal. Let’s get into it.Resources:196: How This Freelancer Does Sourcing & Product Development for Factories (and is making bank)197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross) with Nikki Rausch250: The $6K Freelancer: How She Replaced Her Salary in 30 DaysConscious Fashion CollectiveThe Power Pause, Neha Ruch BookAbout Jacqueline:Jacqueline is a freelance denim designer who collaborates with ethical brands. Denim production has significant environmental and social consequences, mainly due to chemical dyes, excessive washing, and unethical labor practices. Her work aims to raise awareness that the denim industry should prioritize not only sustainability but also fairness, ethics, responsibility, and promoting slow consumption. Jacqueline is dedicated to contributing towards steering the industry in a positive direction for the future.Connect with Jacqueline:Email her at connect@jacquelinediane.comCheck out her websiteFollow on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
You’ve probably been told never to say yes to cheap work. But what if that project could launch your freelance career? That’s exactly what Max Guemto did. With no reviews and a fresh Upwork profile, he got a message from a client offering just $150—and instead of walking away, he saw a smart opportunity. In this episode, Max unpacks the mindset, strategy, and communication that made this “cheap” project totally worth it. If you’ve ever debated whether a low-budget job is worth your time, this story will shift your perspective.About Max:Max Guemto is a freelance 3D fashion and activewear designer currently based in Korea. After earning his degree in textile and clothing technology in Germany, he interned across the globe—from lingerie brands to spinning factories—before diving headfirst into freelancing. With a sharp eye for detail and a deeply strategic mindset, Max helps brands bring functional, innovative activewear to life.Connect with Max:Email him at maxguemto@gmail.comCheck out his website Follow on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
What if you could build a thriving freelance fashion business… while raising a toddler at home? That’s exactly what Philippa Cooper—aka Pip—has done, working just two days a week. In this episode, Pip shares how she went from a COVID layoff to building a client roster using platforms like PeoplePerHour and LinkedIn. You’ll hear how she doubled project rates, started integrating Clo 3D into her services, and got consistent inquiries without even having a website. If you’re trying to make freelancing work in the margins of your day, Pip’s story proves it’s 100% possible.What if you could build a freelance career during nap time and weekend evenings? That’s exactly what Philippa Cooper—aka Pip—has done. Specializing in technical outerwear, she shares how she turned part-time hours into consistent £1K+ months, how Clo 3D transformed her workflow, and why LinkedIn has become her go-to marketing tool. This episode is packed with real strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical advice for freelancers trying to make it work with limited time.Resources:216: What 3D Fashion Design Software Is the Best? With Sylwia SzymczykFacetuneapp.com for professional AI headshotsAbout Philippa: Philippa “Pip” Cooper is a freelance pattern cutter and outerwear specialist based in Southeast England. She helps UK startups develop technical outerwear with a focus on fit, precision, and performance. Using tools like Clo 3D and leveraging her extensive industry experience, Pip creates efficient workflows that support startup founders from concept to production.Connect with Philippa:Email her at pip.cooper.fl@gmail.comCheck out her websiteFollow on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn  Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
What happens after you hit $100K on Upwork? For Afroditi, it meant finally stepping away. In this second half of our in-person interview, she shares how she scaled her freelance business, raised her rates, and built a system that brought clients to her. But she also reveals why she chose to leave it all behind. From pricing mindset to proposal tips and her 2025 pivot strategy, this is an honest look at what growth really takes.In Part 2 of our conversation with Afroditi, we pick up after her rocky first year and dive into how she built a stable, high-paying freelance business. She talks about growing from $15 projects to $70/hour clients, using Upwork to teach herself strategy, and why she ultimately chose to leave the platform.Resources:Afroditi's Upwork Profile253: Tabitha’s First $1K Month (and Why She’s Quitting Her Day Job to Go All In on Freelancing)256: From $15 to $100K: Afroditi’s Fashion Freelance Journey on Upwork (Part 1)About Afroditi:Afroditi is a fashion technical designer who earned $100K on Upwork while living in Greece. She now helps early-stage brands with tech packs and development—and is shifting her freelance business off-platform to gain more control.Connect with Afroditi:Follow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
What if your first freelance project paid just $15 and took a week to complete... would you keep going? In this first episode of our two-part series, I sit down in person with Afroditi, a Greek fashion freelancer who started on Upwork with no clients and no portfolio. She opens up about landing that first $15 sketch job, the fear and uncertainty she faced, and why Upwork felt safer than anything else.Afroditi shares the raw, unfiltered truth of her first year freelancing: her strategies, the emotional toll of working without boundaries, and the surprising reasons she didn’t give up.Listen to this powerful story of grit and growth, especially if you’re just starting out or need a reminder that every expert was once a beginner.Resources:Afroditi's Upwork Profile 253: Tabitha’s First $1K Month (and Why She’s Quitting Her Day Job to Go All In on Freelancing)About Afroditi: Afroditi is a fashion technical designer based in Athens, Greece. She transitioned from teaching cello to fashion, and after a tough start in the industry, she built her career on Upwork (eventually crossing $100K on the platform).Connect with Afroditi:Follow on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Could you land a $75/hour freelance gig without even showing a portfolio? Sara Bleske did—and her story might just change the way you think about pitching.After being laid off from her full-time design job, surface and textile designer Sara Bleske didn’t wait until everything was “ready.” Instead, she led with sincerity, curiosity, and a desire to be helpful—and ended up landing her dream client from a cold email (yes, really). In this episode, Sara opens up about the moment she hit “send,” the nerves that followed when she thought she got ghosted, and the surprising way it all came together.You’ll hear how she navigated the leap into freelancing while juggling motherhood and self-doubt, and how she figured out her niche when her skills felt all over the place. From crafting thoughtful outreach messages to experimenting with social media and tools like ChatGPT, Sara shares the real, raw, and refreshingly simple strategies that helped her get started—and get paid.If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to hear how genuine connection and a little courage can open big doors—even without a perfect portfolio.Resources:008: Freelance Textile Designer: How to Have A Successful Career with Michelle FifisAbout Sara:Sara Bleske is a textile and surface pattern designer with over 15 years of in-house corporate experience in home textiles, decor, apparel, and craft ribbons/trims. She is passionate about creating patterns and surface designs that make people happy.Connect with Sara:Email her at sarablesketextiles@gmail.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
From Zero Reviews to $4K Clients: How Danielle Steman Broke Into Freelance Fashion With Just 8 PitchesEver wondered how to stand out on Upwork without a single rating, review, or testimonial? Danielle Steman did just that—and banked $4,000 from her first two freelance clients.In this episode, you’ll meet Danielle, a former engineer from The Netherlands who left behind a stable tech career to carve out a bold new path in fashion. Specializing in made-to-measure and latex pattern making, she built a niche business from scratch—landing high-paying clients with just eight targeted pitches and zero experience on her profile.You’ll hear how her technical background gave her an edge, how she uses mobile scanning and CAD to wow clients, and why saying no to non-niche work helped her grow faster. She also shares the mindset shifts that helped her go all-in, and the exact steps she took to start attracting international clients (hint: it’s simpler than you think!).If you're new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to learn how confidence, clarity, and a super-specific niche can unlock your freelance fashion career.About Danielle:Danielle Steman is a freelance patternmaker for liberated brands committed to sustainable practices and inclusivity.She specializes in designs that fit like a glove, focusing on made-to-measure and latex garments. A fashion tech aficionado, she thrives on technical challenges and is a strong advocate for Made to Measure and Made to Order as the future of fashion. Over the past two years, she has been deeply engaged in exploring the integration of 2D, 3D, and scanning technologies to craft perfectly fitting patterns at the touch of a button.Connect with Danielle:Visit her website: https://daniellesteman.nl/Email her at info@daniellesteman.nlFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
No degree, no industry connections, no Illustrator skills—and still crushing it as a fashion freelancer! Tabitha Calvin proves you don’t need the "perfect" background to make it happen. Just a year ago, she was a Spanish teacher with a dream—and now she’s designing streetwear collections for clients, including a former NBA player!In this episode, we get real about what it’s like to build a freelance fashion career from scratch. From teaching herself Illustrator to landing $2,500 streetwear clients through LinkedIn and Upwork, Tabitha’s story is packed with hustle, discipline, and major mindset shifts. We talk about hitting that first $1,000 month, dealing with tough client feedback, and the confidence it takes to own your worth as a freelance fashion designer. If you’ve ever doubted whether you can break into fashion without a degree, connections, or years of experience, this episode will leave you fired up to chase your freelance dreams.If you're just getting started or ready to go all in on your freelance fashion career, click play now and see what’s possible when you bet on yourself.About Tabitha:Tabitha is a certified Spanish teacher and freelance fashion designer, finally living the dream she’s had since she was 8. After getting into her dream fashion school but unable to afford it, she studied Spanish instead—but fashion never left her heart. She tried the boutique life in college but realized she just wanted to design. Everything changed when she discovered FAST through Heidi’s YouTube channel and went all in. Now, she’s building a steady client base, growing her network of fellow designers, and working toward her ultimate goal: transitioning into full-time freelance fashion design.Connect with Tabitha:Email her at tatacalvin@gmail.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Curious how a self-taught freelancer with zero fashion experience charged 4x the going rate—and landed the client anyway? Fathima’s story is the bold confidence boost you didn’t know you needed.This episode follows Fathima Thasneem’s surprising entrance into the freelance fashion world, where a single LinkedIn message turned into a high-paying opportunity. With no degree and no prior design clients, she faced tough questions about her background—and didn’t flinch. Instead, she leaned into her worth, set bold boundaries, and delivered with confidence. You’ll hear how she used LinkedIn to find leads, why she priced higher than anyone expected, and how her honest, strategic approach paid off.If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to hear how trusting your instincts and taking risks can lead to your first big client win.About Fathima:Fathima Thasneem is a freelance womenswear designer specializing in Young Contemporary fashion, with a passion for fun, playful, and feminine designs. She helps brands create standout collections that blend creativity with wearability, turning ideas into polished, production-ready visuals. Her streamlined approach refines concepts quickly and ensures a smooth transition into production. With precise fashion CADs and thoughtful detailing, she brings clarity to the design process, ensuring every piece aligns with the brand’s vision.Connect with Fathima:Email her at ft.thasneem@gmail.com Follow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Learn the powerful mindset shift that took Jolleen from underpaid to unstoppable in fashion freelancing!Tired of feeling stuck, underpaid, or invisible in the fashion world? Jolleen Gabriel’s story will seriously light a fire under you. She went from earning just $18 a day in the Philippines to making over $4,000 a month as a freelance fashion designer—working only 20 hours a week. No massive audience. No secret connections. Just a smart strategy, a mindset shift, and some intentional Instagram magic. In this episode, Jolleen shares how she built a thriving niche in swimwear, turned Instagram into a client-generating machine (without needing a huge following), and overcame self-doubt to confidently charge her worth. Her journey is packed with practical insights and inspiring mindset shifts that any freelancer can learn from.If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to discover how to land better clients, build a business you’re proud of, and finally charge what you're worth.Resources: 197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross)Bonus: The $200K Reality Check: Why Starting a Fashion Brand Costs More Than You ThinkAbout Jolleen:Jolleen Gabriel is a swimwear designer who loves helping people bring their brand visions to life. For her, it's about more than just creating beautiful designs; it's about empowering entrepreneurs to launch successful swimwear lines. She guides her clients through every step, from sketching concepts and developing tech packs to finding the perfect manufacturer. Her goal is to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible, so her clients feel confident and excited about building their dream brands. Connect with Jolleen:Email her at jolleengabriel@gmail.comCheck out her websiteFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Discover how Candice Stokes went from undervalued to unstoppable in freelance fashion design!Ever felt stuck in a job where your skills weren’t fully appreciated? Candice Stokes knows that feeling all too well. She spent years questioning if she was “ready” to freelance—if her portfolio was strong enough, if brands would take her seriously. But when she finally took the leap, she landed a $4,100 client in her very first month. A few weeks later? Another $2,000 project. Now, she’s on track to leave her full-time job behind for good.In this episode, Candice breaks down her exact strategies for pitching, pricing, and standing out as a freelance fashion designer. She shares how she used ChatGPT to craft proposals that actually work, why your portfolio doesn’t need to be perfect, and how an Instagram post unexpectedly led to a key connection in Thailand. Plus, she opens up about her passion for ethical fashion and building a business that aligns with her values.If you’ve ever wondered if freelancing could really work for you, Candice’s story will challenge everything you thought about being “ready.” Click play now to hear how she made it happen—and how you can, too!About Candice:Candice Stokes is a technical fashion designer who transforms creative ideas into expertly crafted garments, thanks to her hands-on skills and years of sewing experience. She’s passionate about how clothes tell stories—both cultural and personal—and loves geeking out over why fabric matters as much as fit. Whether she’s sketching, sewing, or decoding a tricky pattern, Candice brings humor and heart to her work (and plenty of coffee).Connect with Candice:Email her at: hello@candicestokes.comVisit her website Follow on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Think you can launch a fashion line with a few thousand dollars? You might want to think again. In this eye-opening bonus episode, Rachel Erickson breaks down the real cost of building a successful fashion brand—and spoiler alert: it’s not cheap.After crunching the numbers, Rachel discovered that $200,000 is the magic number to hit profitability by year three. But where does all that money actually go? She walks us through the financial roadmap, from inventory costs to hiring a team, and reveals why many brands run out of cash before they even get off the ground.Beyond just the numbers, she also shares creative ways to fund your brand without drowning in debt . From freelancing to grants (and even unexpected funding strategies), she lays out real, practical solutions for making your dream brand a reality.If you’ve ever thought about launching your own line or working with clients who are, this episode is a must-listen. Press play now to hear the real numbers and learn how to set yourself—or your clients—up for long-term success in the fashion industry!Resources:021: How to Get Funding for Your Fashion StartupAbout Rachel:After 20 years of working for corporate apparel brands across the U.S., Rachel took a leap of faith and launched her own business consulting company in October 2021. Now, through her company, Unmarked Street, she partners with a variety of apparel brands, offering expertise in development, production, project management, and industry insights. With a vast network of connections across the industry and a deep passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, Rachel is excited to share her insights and experiences with the community!Connect with Rachel:Email her at: hello@unmarkedstreet.comVisit her website: Unmarked StreetVisit her website: The Business of ApparelFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Listen to her PodcastSubscribe to her YouTube Channel Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
From Nervous to Thriving: Discover how Alina Sanchez-Lopez transformed trade show nerves into a $12,000 freelance triumph!Ever walked into a trade show feeling completely out of place, unsure of how to approach potential clients? That was Alina—until a few key mindset shifts and strategic moves changed everything. A casual chat at Magic turned into a game-changing $12K project, reigniting her passion for design and proving that in-person networking can lead to massive freelance success.In this episode, Alina pulls back the curtain on how she overcame the initial awkwardness, what she said to grab a brand’s attention, and the smart strategies that helped her stand out in a sea of fashion pros. She also shares how she navigated the leap from corporate burnout to freelance freedom, creating a career that gives her both flexibility and fulfillment. Whether you’re gearing up for your first trade show or looking to refine your networking skills, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply right away.If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it for a while, click play now to learn how to confidently network at trade shows and turn conversations into paid design work!About Alina: Alina is a Freelance Designer & Consultant dedicated to helping small brands discover their unique identity, transform ideas into standout designs, and create fashion with purpose. Specializing in eco-conscious activewear and streetwear, she combines innovative design, technical expertise, and a passion for sustainability to bring bold ideas to life. Her mission is to empower clients to build impactful and distinctive fashion lines that inspire and resonate. Connect with Alina:Visit her websiteEmail her at: alina.sanlop94@gmail.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Ever wondered how some freelance fashion designers land dream clients with just a simple email? In this episode, Heidi Herrman breaks down her secret sauce for securing a $3,000 project with a personalized pitch. From using ChatGPT to find niche brands to crafting an authentic, heartfelt message, she shares all the ins and outs of her process. You’ll be inspired by Heidi's genuine approach and her knack for turning a one-off gig into an ongoing client relationship.But it doesn't stop there! Heidi dives deeper into setting the right rates, negotiating contracts, and building trust with clients. She talks about her experiences working with various brands, including a cool outdoor brand called Fayette Chill and a vibrant apparel company named Sky Goat. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to help you grow your fashion business. Tune in to get the full scoop on how to win clients and create lasting connections in the fashion industry!Resources:228: How this Freelance Fashion Designer Built A MILLION Dollar Design Agency with Connie Bourgeois232: Why This Freelance Fashion Designer Is Turning Down $120k+ Job Offers with Rachael KranickAbout Heidi:Welcome to the creative world of Heidi Herrman, a visionary multi-media artist and seasoned fashion designer. With over two decades of experience in apparel design and development, Heidi has merged her passion for contemporary art and sustainable fashion into H² Design & Art. At H², She specializes in innovative textile, encaustic, and mixed media artwork, as well as forward-thinking, sustainable fashion solutions. With a focus on thoughtful design, sustainability, and product innovation, Heidi collaborates with companies and individuals who share a commitment to creating meaningful, impactful products and experiences.Connect with Heidi:Email her at heidiherrman@gmail.comCheck out her websiteView her portfolioFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Ever wonder how some freelancers land big-ticket clients while others struggle to get responses?Imagine setting up your Upwork profile in just half a day and scoring a $27,100 project just weeks later. Sounds unreal, right? That’s exactly what happened to Carolyn. In this episode, she breaks down the key moves that helped her attract premium clients—without years of trial and error.Carolyn shares how she went from working with high-street brands in the UK and navigating the job market in Hong Kong to building a thriving freelance career in knitwear design. We dive into her approach to pricing projects, crafting pitches that actually get responses, and the simple tweaks she made to her Upwork profile to stand out in a sea of freelancers. Plus, she spills some insider tips on using Illustrator for knitwear design and how she landed repeat work with top clients.If you're looking to boost your freelance income, attract high-quality clients, and learn real-world strategies from someone who’s been there, hit play now!About Carolyn:After studying Fashion Knitwear Design at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, Carolyn moved to Hong Kong for a one-year graduate trainee placement. More than 20 years later, she is still there. Initially, she worked for a small, family-owned knitwear manufacturer that supplied the UK and EU markets. Later, she transitioned to a large corporate sourcing office, just before the pandemic. In April 2024, Carolyn was made redundant but quickly adapted. She started FAST in May and began freelancing in July, securing her first project that same month. Her expertise lies in knitwear, with extensive experience in women's and men's wear, as well as some experience in children's wear. Ultimately, Carolyn chose to focus on womenswear as her niche. Connect with Carolyn:Email her at carolyn.chandler@gmail.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInConnect on Upwork Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Ever feel like you’re undercharging for your freelance services? Amy Barnhart shares how a smart pricing shift and one game-changing service helped her nearly double her income in just one year.In this episode, Amy Barnhart, a freelance fashion designer, reveals the strategic decisions that transformed her business, including raising her rates for tech packs and introducing a new print design service tailored to the men’s golf fashion niche. These moves not only boosted her revenue but also strengthened her client relationships and positioned her as an industry expert.Amy also spills her secrets for running successful discovery calls that consistently convert leads into paying clients. Whether you’re trying to figure out when to raise your rates, how to expand your services, or ways to stand out in your niche, Amy’s insights are packed with actionable advice and real-world examples you can use right away.If you’re ready to grow your freelance income, click play now to learn how Amy’s strategies can work for you!Resources:133: The Fashion Freelancer Who Never Wanted to Be a Freelancer with Amy Barnhart197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross) with Nikki RauschAbout Amy:Amy helps men's golf startups transition from design to production, collaborating on creative designs while managing the intricate technical details, allowing them to focus on the bigger picture.Connect with Amy:Visit her websiteEmail her at: amy@amylynnsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Discover how Gabriella Bilotta transformed a heartfelt LinkedIn message into a six-figure client! In this episode, Gabriella shares her journey of building genuine connections, landing high-paying clients, and transitioning to full-time freelancing. She dives into her background in lingerie and sustainability, the value of mentorship with her coach Alison, and the role personal branding played in her success.Gabriella also unpacks her strategies for pricing, networking, and fostering meaningful client relationships. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your freelancing game, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a thriving career.If you’re ready to learn how authentic connections and smart strategies can transform your freelancing journey, click play now and start building your dream career today!About Gabriella:Gabriella Bilotta is a freelance women’s tailoring and contour technical designer based in Toronto, Canada. Passionate about sustainable sourcing, she excels in creating innovative designs that balance style and ethics. After earning her degree in fashion design from Toronto Metropolitan University, she completed a master’s in sustainability at the London College of Fashion. Gabriella believes freelancing enables unique collaborations with talented professionals, driving remarkable advancements in fashion. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, she inspires others to embrace sustainability while pushing the boundaries of design.Connect with Gabriella:Email her at: gabriellabilotta.designs@gmail.comConnect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite podcast? In today's episode, I’m sharing some exciting updates for the Successful Fashion Designer Podcast in 2025 and reflecting on the challenges I faced in 2024. From business hurdles to personal struggles, I’ll dive into what I learned and how those lessons can help you navigate your own journey as we head into the new year.Join me as I share the highs, lows, and everything in between, and let’s get ready for an amazing 2025! Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
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Comments (7)

Fashion Design Portfolio

Great , I appreciate your work. for fashion designer job - https://fashiondesignportfolio.com/

Jun 21st
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Anicca Main

So helpful! Thank you!

Aug 31st
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Esther Victoria Skandunas

I just discovered your podcast a few day ago, and I can't stop listening. I am so grateful that you started this series. The insight and information is incredibly valuable! Thank you! I also wanted to mention that your interview skills are truly fantastic!

Jul 31st
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Morgan Besterman

so great! Amazing stories!

Apr 22nd
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Mezay Ugbo

Heidi, I've just started listening to your podcasts and I've been following you since my illustration days :) Love this!! keep em coming💛💛

Mar 26th
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S Lazinsk

This episode won't play for some reason. Pop up saying there is a problem with the source.

Oct 3rd
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