Freelance Patternmaking Guide to Success

So you fell in love with patternmaking, and are ready to make a job of it now - offering your service to others. You probably have googled “How to get started freelancing”, but maybe you still feel stuck? Don’t fret. Today, we will go over all the in’s and out’s of getting started as a freelancer and some of the nitty-gritty details so you can go into the freelance market feeling confident.

Finding Clients

Step one is finding clients. This is always the most challenging first step. Especially if you don’t have a large online social network yet. The best clients often come through recommendations of others, or word of mouth, so start by putting yourself out there…

Social Media

Update your Instagram bio to include “professional patternmaker/grader”. You can also create a highlight on your page with a story that mentions the services you offer.

Add “freelance patternmaking/grading” to your LinkedIn, and Facebook. The more places you are visible, the more likely people will come across you and reach out to inquire.

CPMG Connect

CPMG recently created a new service for CPMG Alums where we connect you with people looking to hire professional patternmakers/graders. Keep an eye out for emails with potential clients.

Creating a Contract

Once you secure a client, it's a good idea to create a contract. A contract is a written document that includes contact information for both you and your client, payment terms, service prices, etc. Your contract is unique to you and should include anything that you want your client to know about how it will look when you work together. 

Payment Terms

It is up to you if you want to charge your client per project, or at an hourly rate. Patternmaking services typically start at $50/hour. 

Be sure to clarify how you would like to be paid, and when you expect to be paid by. 

Tracking Hours

Whether you opt to charge per hour, or by project  - it is a good idea to track your hours. This will help you get a better sense of how long projects take and help you to quote more accurately as you go along in your freelance journey. 

You can opt to use an app (like Toggl), online service (Quickbooks), or track manually with pen and paper. 

Professional Communication

Consider how you would like to communicate with your clients. Do you prefer email, Slack, Facebook messenger? Some clients will have preferred methods of communication, but remember to choose a method that works best for you and honors your work hours. For example - communicating via text is fast, but it means your client could text you about a work task at 10PM at night! Find a communication method that honors your personal time, and feels professional.

Let your clients know when they can expect to hear from you - for example- if you don't respond to emails on weekends - let them know at the beginning of your work relationship.

Taxes

As a freelance patternmaker you are a 1099 employee. You need to request a 1099 tax form from your clients at the end of the calendar year, and remit taxes. Setting aside 20-30% of your earned freelance income is best practice. 

Believing in Yourself

When you first start out, you might not know the answer to every single question your client asks you. This is ok. You will learn as you go, and if you are confident in figuring it out - that is what matters. It is ok to tell your Freelance client if you are unsure or need more clarification. If you make a mistake on a pattern, own up to your mistake, redo the work, and move on. You don’t have to be an expert before you get started.

We believe in you, and know you can do this! CPMG is here to cheer you on as you embark on your freelance patternmaking journey.

And if you are looking for more hands-on support, and the guidance of experienced teachers to help you on your way to becoming a patternmaker, check out our Confident Patternmaking & Grading Program.