Design Collection Lists

I having researching and creating a kind of standard list to help with planning a design collection.  The information out there is usually geared toward the student or a large production company.  I am an indie designer and do most of the work myself, so this has really helped me keep up with my business and have all the creative freedom I love.

1.Choose your inspiration and narrow your focus.  I have hundred of design ideas, plus all the inspiration available on line, magazines, etc.  I have made the point of limiting the number of pieces, types of fabric, and techniques I use.

2.  Draw the designs. Include the details for each idea. I decided to make mine basic ideas on large index cards.  

3.Select your fabrics(or other materials) plan your color palette.  I is so much easier at the fabric store(you know how all those beautiful fabric prints and colors will be begging you to touch and buy them).

4. Make your patterns.  Most of my designs are based on a block type shape.  I have made a system of random pieces that can be put together to make garments as well as home accessories.

5.  Create Samples.  I sew 2 or 3 of each silhouette to help work out any design problems with the patterns, and/or embellishment techniques.

  These are the basics for me, and I will expand on these in some coming posts.

                                                    

Comments

[camille]

Thank you for the inspiration on sharing your design process... :-) see you in BYW.

[Christy]

What you said about focus - it is so easy to NOT get anything done when there are too many directions to go, isn't it? Do you take the index cards into the fabric store with you to help stay on track? I'm thinking this is a good idea that can be applied to other creative projects - for instance, the next time I go to the art supply store :)

[Jacqueline]

This is such a wonderful tips! Thank you so much for sharing this. Hope you are having a wonderful cozy weekend and love to you!