How to Find work as a Freelance Patternmaker
Keep Reading This Post to Learn:
How to Build your network in person and online
The best places to find work as freelance patternmaker
How to naturally pitch yourself to brands
If you are reading this blog post, chances are you have already made the bold and brave decision to start freelancing. You have a solid background in patternmaking and grading, and are ready to monetize those skills.
If that's not the case, let’s take a few steps back - Check out this blog post where we discuss how to get a solid patternmaking education
Finding freelance work starting out can be challenging. But I promise it is totally possible, and once you land your first job, it gets 1,000 times easier (I speak from experience, these days all of my freelance work comes from people reaching out to ME). So let's jump in to 5 simple tips to help you land your first freelance job
1. Build your network
Word of mouth is the BEST way (IMO) to find freelance work. If you can get a recommendation from someone you are that much more likely to get hired. So start by building out your network.
I’m talking in person AND online.
Start by surrounding yourself with other people doing similar work. This doesn't have to be just other pattern designers, but creatives of any kind. Photographers, graphic designers, fine artists,etc. Creatives talk to creatives. So just because they aren’t doing the same exact work as you doesn’t mean they aren't a valuable connection.
Let me tell you about a freelance job I worked last year: I created a pattern, and size chart for a small fitness brand that was just starting up. I had never met the person who hired me, but want to know how I got the job? He had been working with a printmaker I knew named Jessie, and asked him if he knew anyone who knew how to sew/make patterns. Jessie thought of me, and reached out to ask if I was interested in the job.
Creatives talk to creatives. So start by finding other artists/designers.
If you aren’t currently connected to other artists, go to art fairs, or events where there are artists present. Introduce yourself and tell people what you do. Chances are if you are wearing something you sewed/patterned people will ask you about what you are wearing, and it's a great way to start talking about what you do.
In the online space - Follow other creatives, and engage with their work. Like, comment, and dm them in stories when something they are working on resonates with you.
2. Make yourself known
It’s time to put yourself out there. Besides, making connections and telling people what you do, you need to take the next step. Let it be known publicly that you are a freelance patternmaker/grader.
Start by changing your bios on your Instagram and LinkedIn to include “Freelance Patternmaker - Open to Work”
Create a 1 page sheet that lists your services, and price range, or your rates, and post it on your stories.
Make an Instagram post announcing that you are open to work, and sharing about your qualifications.
It is scary to put yourself out there, but if no one knows what you do, then no one's going to reach out. You have to put yourself out there in order to make yourself known.
3. … Ok But Where?
Both myself and Jess have found our freelance jobs all through word of mouth - in person or digital connections. Instagram has been the primary place that we have found our connections that have led to freelance jobs.
But Instagram is not the only place. LinkedIn in, Upwork/Freelance Job Boards, Facebook groups, and CPMG Connect are all places that are potential places for freelance jobs.
CPMG Connect is a new service that we offer to alumni of CPMG. We connect people looking for freelancers to our skilled alumni. If you are looking for a freelancer - reach out to us!
4. Pitch it
Just being present in those digital spaces is sometimes not enough. You might have to go the extra mile, and reach out directly to brands to ask if they would be interested in working together.
“Pitching” or “cold-calling”, might feel awkward, but it doesn't have to be. Try to make it more natural, by taking advantage of situations that present themselves.
For example, say you randomly stumble across a small clothing brand on Instagram. The vibe is really cool, and similar to your style. It's run by one woman, and she mentions in her stories that she wants to offer more sizes, but she doesn’t know how to grade beyond a size Large. Take this as an opportunity to reach out in dms, introduce yourself and mention that you are a size-inclusive grader. Ask her if she would be interested in having a conversation about what it would look like to work together, and help her reach her goals!
Even if someone doesn’t mention they are looking for your services, you can reach out. Be respectful, make sure you let them know what you like about their brand, and where you see an opportunity for them to use your services. This might be widening their size chart, starting to offer sewing patterns (if they only do RTW or custom clothes currently), or streamlining the process, by offloading some of the process to you.
The first time you pitch, it might feel really weird, but it gets easier, and even if someone says no, you are still making progress on Tip #2 - Make yourself known. Who knows! Maybe the person you reached out doesn't need your services, but they have a friend who might. Don’t take a no as failure. It’s just one more step toward securing the job.
5. Act promptly/professionally
Once you get an inquiry - it's so important to act promptly and professionally. Make sure you respond within 1 business day. It's a good idea to set up a call and let them know what it would look like to work together. Be upfront about your rates, and expectations surrounding communications. Ask about their timeline, and expectations. Make sure it is a good fit before responding “Yes of course I can do that for you”. Clients will understand if you have to turn down the position if it's not a good fit for you.
Next Steps:
Have you read our “Freelance Patternmaking Guide to Success” Blog post? Check it out to get some ideas about how to set yourself up for your first job in the freelancing field.
Ready to put yourself out there? If you need the extra boost - use this blog post as a launching board. Post to your IG story, and tag @confidentpatternmaking - and tell us about what freelance services you offer. We would love to repost and help you start to get some clients!
