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Fashion Freelance Lifestyle
By admins | May 22, 2009
image via sireniadecastellis
As everyone is aware by now, we are in the midst of a recession and a very grim job market for fashion professionals. Many of you have been laid off and are searching for new opportunities; others are just graduating and unable to find that first position. One option that we’ve mentioned before is working as a freelancer. Today we are lucky to have Jennifer Gregory, who has worked as a freelancer and is now the co-founder of the fabulous website workchic.com. Enjoy!
Whether you are considering changing your career path and opting for a freelance job opportunity or were recently laid off and looking to make the best of things; freelancing can be a great new venture. About two years ago I decided to take the plunge, leave the security of a full time position, and step into a new lifestyle. Of course it’s not all fun and games but for me it was a perfect fit.
The first thing I did, and would recommend to anyone choosing this path, is set up a safety net. This includes getting your finances in order, stashing away a way a few months worth of expenses for those quiet weeks, and securing health insurance. Then make sure all your friends and business associates know this is what you are doing. Your best gigs will come from personal referrals. Register with an agency to make sure all your bases are covered. FIT just started a new series of courses dedicated to freelance. I would check out those classes and get signed up for the next series. You never know what kind of valuable information you will learn.
Personally, I love freelancing and it was a great decision for me. It’s not for everyone and you can always go back to full time work down the road. I love it for the flexibility it offers and the creativity it inspires. When I worked fulltime I was primarily a menswear designer in the New York garment district. Over the last two years I have had opportunities to also work in women’s, children’s and even home design. The change in projects keeps everything fresh and often when a freelancer is brought in they want to see that fresh perspective being infused into the line.
Now, this is not always the case; sometimes the work just needs to get done and your there to do it. Whether it’s sketching new designs or creating boards from someone else’s designs your primary job is to get it done. Stay positive, you never know what these jobs will lead to. Once you go in for a position and the manager or team is happy with you they will call you back again and again instead of starting over with someone else. So cut and paste today, tomorrow you will be designing the line.
Another thing to be aware of is- you never know what you will be walking into. I have been pretty fortunate on my jobs but have heard some crazy stories. For instance, don’t assume you will have a work station or even a computer. Always ask what the set up is and find out if you’re expected to bring your own laptop. Of course you will negotiate your rate up front, but don’t forget to find out who will sign your time sheet and when you will get paid. Also decide how you want to handle overtime and make sure you discuss it, time and a half is not a given. Preparing in advance will make the entire assignment go more smoothly.
Freelancing can be a lot of fun. You will meet new people, work a variety of projects, and constantly be improving your skill set. Make sure you keep your resume updated as you go from job to job and utilize your Linked In account to stay connected with your new business associates.
You will have more control over your schedule and flexibility in your life. Just remember this is still a job. Keep a consistent schedule and request time off in advance whenever possible. When you get a new gig be ready to hit the ground running. Always stay up to date on what’s happening in the market and so some initial research before your first meeting. Think about why you want to freelance and make your commitments around that. I love to travel and take extended vacations. I have to look for jobs that will allow for that. Generally that means I take on shorter engagements and bounce around a little more.
Whatever your reason for considering Freelance, I hope this helped give you a little more insight to the road ahead. Expect the unexpected and be prepared. Good Luck!
For those of you currently on the job hunt for freelance opportunities Jennifer has recommended the following online job boards and resources: stylecareers.com, guru.com, indeed.com, simplyhired.com, and linkedin.com. We’d also like to add a recommendation for 24seveninc.com who are great for freelance recruiting. Big thank you to Jennifer and don’t forget to check out her website workchic.com.
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Topics: designer, jobs | 3 Comments » 
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May 22nd, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Thanks for this info. I have been fantasizing about leaving the constant corporate grind for a while and becoming a freelancer. (gulp) Its just so scary to leave the security of a regular paycheck. This advice is really very useful, thank you Jennifer!
May 24th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I love this post, but i am sitll apprehensive about taking the risk in this job market. i have an okay job right now and getting into freelancing as a graphic designer is something that i have been really thinking about. thanks for the great info, one of these days i will take the leap , hopefully sooner than later.
May 28th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Yes, Jennifer did an excellent job shedding the light on the life of a freelancer. Thanks again to both Melissa and Jennifer from workchic.com