THE FUNDAMENTALS

Designer work seven days a week, 12 or more hours per day, and have little time for friends, "It has to become a lifestyle." A designer needs physical and mental stamina, and must be absolutely, passionately in love with what he or she is doing. The hardest part is the endless hours you put into it. you are always tired and every morning you have to get up, and not be tired, and do you work." Mailing look books, It demands self - discipline. You need to be tough and assertive. This is business and a designer can't be timid, or take it personally. When running your business you have to be hard, but the creative mind has to remain emotional and sensitive." You are on your own. Being independent means facing the daily stress of not having a steady income, benefits, or any guarantees. Despite how nice it sounds to not have a boss, working alone can be lonely, Independent designers spend hours by themselves unfortunately, this part of the business. Favors are a limited resource that you don't want to use up too soon. Putting yourself out there too early, building debt, and making, mistakes will slow you down rather than get you there faster. Designers do take time off and come back stronger. "Young" designers generally refers more to the age of the company, not the person exceptions to this rule, are few and far between. Knowledge. enjoy the business and have fun with it. Even a bad experience is a great education and shows you what not to do. Money, Connections lead you to important resources, "Spend ten years working in the industry to get to know exactly who and what you are, and to find a backer." Still too young to start his own business and he should keep working for someone else and find a manufacturer with the dollars to support him. Reputation. No one knew who she was when she started, but the fact that she had worked this leads us to a few more important observation about the fashion industry. It's all about relationships. It's best to be nice. Listen to everyone take every opportunity to learn. Keep the door open learn to say no politely. If you have a dispute, or end a relationship, do it as professionally as possible be prudent on your own behalf. Friend or foe? Obviously there is competition in the emerging designer community. But you are all struggling with the same issues, and no one will understand your highs and lows better than another designer. It's not a fair game. The success of others does not determine your failure. Insecurity is distracting and bitterness is unproductive. Advantages you have, stay focused, and realize that in the end you make your own luck. The ego. Designers too often mistake people loving or disliking their for loving or disliking them. "At the end of the day it is extremely gratifying to do exactly what you set out to do despite the odds." It defines short - term and long - term goals along with the actionable steps to achieve them. It provides insight into the market opportunity, determines which resources you need, and proves the legitimacy of your business. "There are more highs than lows, and no matter the problem, there's always an answer." A plan keeps you focused in the face of fashion fantasy. "You really have to have passion and a plan. Think about what you are bringing to the game, and how to get from point A to B, then to K and Z." In exchange for a few thousands dollars, there are people who will write your business plan for you. While it is extremely tempting to hand off what appears to be an overwhelming task - don't. No one can make a plan for your company better than you will learn much in the process. Thinking through each element of the business is invaluable. The process is even more important than the final document. It will point out your strengths and weakness, helping you anticipate and avoid problems. It is important to think of a corporation as having its own identity. Using your own name for your business is a common and viable option, but you need to protect yourself.