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A Passionate Plea to Fashion Designers…. Part 1

A Passionate Plea to Fashion Designers…. Part 1

by | May 25, 2016 | @martwayne, cease and desist, Dealing with Tailors, Designers Connect, Designers Connect Network, Employment, Fashion Beyond Stitches, Fashion Designer

I know this is for a legal document but it also works for this post.
Image from: http://i2.wp.com/thebudgetnistablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/cease-and-desist-stamp.png?w=389

SO we’ve been working on a project for a while now. Of course we know how every designer around here complains about tailors… or a lack of.  So we decided to step in to fill the gap by sourcing machinists and pairing them with designers who need their services.  It seems pretty easy right?!  HA!  If only!  So far, it has been DI-FFI-CULT!  

Yes we have had some success stories but goodness the bulk of it has been  such a nightmare!  Yes we know tailors can be funny and granted some of the machinists’ skills can be pretty questionable.  Which is fine.  We are not here to certify how perfect the person is.  The designer is expected to make a decision based on the sample of work the person has done in our office and is also expected to run their own tests.  But most importantly, the designer is expected to train the tailor to their standards and not just throw them on the job.  After all, bankers will confirm that they all get retrained when they move from one bank to the other, no matter how experienced they are.

But THAT is not even the reason for this post.  To be honest, I never really involve myself in how designers choose to pass across their values and mission statements to their staff.

My MAJOR issue is what I am about to list below which to be honest really breaks my heart whenever I get feedback from the machinists we send out.  It really is unfair the awful things I have heard.  Yes the general idea is that tailors are a nightmare to work it and yes I agree with you.  But this post is not about that either because chances are they probably won’t read this post so why bother.

I am here to please please please PLEAD with you (whether or not you source machinists from us) to remember that your employees are people as well and deserve to be treated as such.   The way you treat others is a reflection of the way your business will turn out at the end of the day and if you are facing challenges, perhaps it could be because of how you treat your staff… which always sometimes comes back to bite you in the face!

Here is JUST a snapshot of the complaints I have been getting from our machinists…



http://www.inspiredwomen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/how-to-complain_328x212_145688424.jpg

1.  Do NOT book an appointment if you know you will not be available!


This is pretty much a standard these days.  You tell us to send the tailor to you at a certain time and then saunter in 4 hours later without an apology.  And rather than attending to them, you keep them waiting for another 2 hours or worse you tell them to come back the next day.   Or worse, the person is sitting staring at you forming all busy and all and you still keep them waiting when you asked them to be there at that time in the first place.  Why?!  How would you feel if this happened to you?!  We all complain about how we are being treated at Embassies and government parastatals and at the slightest opportunity, we turn around and do the exact same thing!

Biko nu!  These people we are sending to you do not have the money to spend going up and down on fruitless journeys.  Yes you may forget sometimes but the least you could do is offer a heart-felt apology and if you want them to return the next day, then give them the transport fare they wasted that day.  How much can that possibly be?!  It really is unfair!

2.  Keep Your End of the Bargain!

If you have agreed to pay the a certain salary, please stick to it!  Don’t change the terms while they are working for you simply because you can.  And if you must change it, give them enough advance notice, warnings and evaluations and let them know the implications of their non-performance before you change the rules. 

I have often heard of designers agreeing to a payment term and when the person starts work, they never keep up their end of the bargain.  They promise all sorts of juicy terms and when the work starts, zilch is done! I mean how unfair is this?!  

In fact, something just happened recently that I am yet to confirm and I am seriously hoping it is not true.  And I say I am yet to confirm this because I have not yet spoken to the designer to understand what exactly is going on.  But from my understanding, a paid position became a non-paying internship which eventually turned into the designer asking to be paid for the internship / apprenticeship.  I have not yet spoken to the designer to confirm the correctness or otherwise but if it is true, all I can think of is:

a)  that was not the basis on which I was contacted to help source for the person; and
b)  what if the person had resigned a perfectly good job for the hope of better things to come and this happened?”  You can’t go back to your job and now you are stuck with searching for a new one. 

Like I said, I have not confirmed how true this but it has happened in the past so I need to address it.

Designers you cannot put up a policy in retrospect except you have given ENOUGH ample warnings.  If the person is still not performing, then please ask her to leave.  You can dissolve the particular contract and ask her to register for a training with you or pay for an apprenticeship.  Then it becomes a separate transaction!  But don’t mix one with the other simply because you think the person does not have a choice!

3.  Be Fair when Negotiating Wages & Salaries.  

Please do not offer wages, salaries and commissions that do not make sense to anyone including yourself just because it is beneficial to you.  We do not involve ourselves in salary negotiations but please do not offer pittance to someone, especially when you know the person pretty much “travels” to your office.  We try as much as we can to find job opportunities for tailors within their vicinity.  We know things are tough for designers out there so we don’t expect them to pay oil company salaries.  But when you tell us you don’t mind someone who does not live in the area and the tailor also does not mind, then please have a conscience and consider the fact that the person has to take transportation, has to feed, and still have something left over to at least tend to other responsibilities.  

And in the unlikely event that we tell you what a tailor is expecting as a wage or a salary and you say okay, this suggests you are okay with it.  Don’t tell us you are fine with it and ask us to send the person over and then offer them less than half of what the person is asking for like you’re “pricing” fish in the market.  These are people with skills and can be quite insulting.  

I would understand if after you have done a test, the person’s skills are not up to par then you can renegotiate after the person sees and can confirm their work is poor which we even do sometimes after they have done their test with us.  But do not offer peanuts and expect them to deliver outfits fit for royalty because they will be disgruntled – and with good reason!

4.  Be Patient With Them!

Yes I know this is a tough one to do but at some point, you need to be patient.  Most of these machinists learnt with blackhead machines.  The first interaction many of them may have had with electric machines would have been at ours during their test and we give them time to get used to the machines before they start their test.  Please understand this before throwing them on industrial machines to work with.  Chances are they will bungle simply because they are not used to it.  Some of them have potential, you just need to be patient.  

A wise person once told me “the good employees always leave for greener pastures.  The ones with limited skills are the ones who will probably remain with you for a long time”.  And that is very true!  The staff I wanted to fire then turned out to be one of my greatest assets.  It took us a while to get there but each day gets better.

5.  Don’t Try to be Sneaky! We Always Find Out!

YES! This I must say is the worst!  

Offering this service costs money!  We spend a whole lot advertising on various platforms, searching for tailors and running huge telephone bills contacting tailors and designers and you cannot imagine what our petrol bill is like to run these tests.  We sometimes even spend time with the machinists, getting them to familiarise themselves with the machines before they even start their test and we also have a dedicated staff for this service.  So yes we do charge a token fee for our services which is a mere fraction of what we spend to bring you the service.  

So you can imagine how very annoying it is when a designer agrees to our payment terms, calls us to say the tailor we sent her was not good and then goes behind our back to employ the tailor!  Like seriously?!  On top how much?!  I cannot even think of a decent word to call this so I’ll just hold my peace.  You can imagine how shocked I was and how burnt I felt when the tailor we called to “console” and assure we would find somewhere else she can work told us she had already started working there.  The interesting thing was she told us she left because she did not like the lady’s attitude and was planning to call us to give us feedback on how she could no longer work there.  Can you just imagine?!

All I can say is please please please do not contact us if you lack integrity!  I like to think I am dealing with professionals and things like this just makes my stomach turn.  

I can go on and on but I will stop here.  


https://noordkaapskaak.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/pleasenote.jpg

This is pre-employment.  Please please please if you are guilty of any of these, please cease and desist. You are making our work incredibly difficult and these unnecessary issues are costing us a whole lot of money!  If we want to make this work and you need the extra hands, then we both need to work together to make life easier for all th parties involved!

My next post will be directed at designers after they have employed the machinists, regardless of whether they were sourced from us or not. 

Thank you for your patience.  And apologies for my rant!  

———

Meanwhile, I might as well use this opportunity to market these services.  If you know anyone, who knows anyone, who knows anyone who loves to sew and needs a job, please contact us.  You can also call our office lines.  The details are on the left side of this page.

Many thanks.
New YouTube Video: “How to Leave Paid Employment to Start Your Clothing Line – Lessons from David Wej” [A MUST-WATCH for Every Aspiring Fashion Designer!]

New YouTube Video: “How to Leave Paid Employment to Start Your Clothing Line – Lessons from David Wej” [A MUST-WATCH for Every Aspiring Fashion Designer!]

by | Feb 15, 2016 | @martwayne, David Wej, Fashion, Fashion Beyond Stitches, How to Start a Fashion Business, Lesson from David Wej, Power Through Fashion, Start a Fashion Business

 

 

Hello good people!!!!!!!  I BET you all had a fabulous Valentine’s Day!!!!! Please don’t ask me what I did yesterday.  I can safely tell you that I did absolutely ZILCH for no reason at all!  Sometimes, the best gift of all is the gift of sleep lol! 😀
 

SO!  Today… the post title says it all!  It has been a while since I posted anything relating to “Fashion Beyond Stitches”.  I have been too busy hustling lol!  But I thought today would be as good a time as any to post this looooong overdue video… and by long overdue, I mean this interview was done even before fashion talk!  But since too many people have been resigning recently (Congratulations if you fall into those shoes :-D), I guess there’s no better time than now to post this video!  

Screenshot from www.davidwej.com
 

I know quite a few people watched my last FBS video on “How I Made My Move from Accounting to Fashion”.  If you did not watch it, you can watch it here:


BUT perhaps you were thinking, oh well, it was easy for you, you had no commitments!  Now here is a man who also had a GREAT job, with a great salary who had a pregnant wife!  If anyone had any reason whatsoever to hesitate, it was him!  BUT that did not stop him!

Those who attended Fashion Talk, can tell you this man is brilliant!  If you did attend, here is an extra freebie for you?!  If you did not, then you need to get that CD if you have not already done so!  He is simply amazing and extremely humble despite all the money he is raking in!

 
SO if you have also been considering taking the plunge and leaving your 9-5, hopefully his figures will give you that push you need!  We are halfway through the 1st quarter of 2016 already so you need to get cracking on that list of 2016 Resolutions if you are really serious about breaking those boundaries!

A wise person told me just last week that the best time to start a new business is when there is a downturn in the economy.  We all know how our economy is so now is a better time than ever to make this move! 😀
 
So without further ado, simply click on the link to access the video!  Don’t forget to subscribe to the Martwayne Channel and follow us on Instagram (@martwayne) and Facebook, Google Plus & Twitter (@martwaynedotcom).
 
 
Do leave your comments at the bottom of the video!
Cheers!
What Happened @ Fashion Talk on “Starting a Ready to Wear Line” on Saturday the 17th of October, 2015… :-D

What Happened @ Fashion Talk on “Starting a Ready to Wear Line” on Saturday the 17th of October, 2015… :-D

by | Oct 20, 2015 | @martwayne, David Wej, Fashion Business, Fashion Courses, Fashion Retail, Fashion School in Lagos, Fashion Talk, Power Through Fashion, Ready to Wear, Seye Amusa, Sola Babatunde, Tope Williams Adewunmi

 
Yes we had A BLAST at Fashion Talk on Saturday!!!  Wow-wee!!!  Honestly I could not have asked for a better turn out and event.  The speakers were on point!  We started on time!  And we finished just as planned!  In fact it was SUCH a good day people refused to take a lunch break!  And I would say from the testimonials it was worth it!
 
So why did we decide to organise “Fashion Talk”?

Well… to be honest it was the first speaker, David Wej, who initiated it.  We were having a chat a while back and he suggested coming to speak to Martwayne students about starting a ready to wear line.  And naturally I jumped at the idea!

Not long after that, I started getting enquiries from people who were tired of the “made-to-measure” business model they were currently running and wanted to veer into ready to wear.  So we decided to throw it open to others rather than just Martwayne students.  And we got a whole lot of registrations.
 
And of course, it posed the opportunity to invite even more speakers and we had 3 speakers in total + me making 4 (though to be honest I did not do much speaking at all).
 
And in true Martwayne style, we started at 1 pm PROMPT like the sms stated (ok… I got on the stage like 1.05pm) but the 1st speaker started at 1.15 sharp as planned and he is a stickler for time.
 
This was taken around 1.15 pm and I really am thankful enough people came early.  I’m sure they were as well! 😀
 
Meet the Speakers:
 
Here they are in the order in which they spoke.
 
😀  Need I introduce myself again… 😀  I did the hosting and the introductions
 
David Wej, fashion retailer extraordinaire… 
Goodness!  After listening to him speak, I tell you, retail is the way to go!  He spoke on:
 “Starting a Fashion Retail Business”
 
Seye Amusa… a very trusted trainer who KNOWS his stuff.  
I tell you… if you want to move your business forward, you need this man!
He spoke about “Understanding Your Business Model”  
(are you an ant, an elephant, a butterfly or a bumble bee…? :-D)
 
Mrs Sola Babatunde who definitely knows her stuff.  A seasoned trainer who also runs a proper clothing production line as it should be run with the stages properly broken down into steps!  
She spoke about “Running a Garment Production Unit” 
 
Of course I already have a short YouTube clip on the event but let me make those who did not attend GREEN with envy with a few pictures of the testimonials!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Told you you’d be green!  It really was a good one!
 
And of course, we launched the Martwayne advert on that day!  
 
 
The response was awesome and I really thank EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO CAME!
Enjoy the video clip of the event!  Just click on the link below the picture.
 
With my Martwayne Students!  You guys rock!  Love you all to BITS! 😀 😀 😀 
Thank you so much for representing!
 
Don’t forget to like and share it with your friends and please SUBSCRIBE to the Martwayne Channel! Mucho gracias! 😀
BN Article 3: 5 Myths About Starting a Fashion Business

BN Article 3: 5 Myths About Starting a Fashion Business

by | Jul 27, 2015 | @martwayne, Become a Fashion Designer, Bella Naija, BN Article, Design and Illustration Course, Fashion, Fashion Course, Martwayne Training Center, Power Through Fashion, Tope Williams Adewunmi

Screenshot from http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/07/24/tope-williams-adewunmi-5-myths-about-starting-a-fashion-business/
Good morning good people!!!!!  I am sure you had a GREAT weekend!  I did…even attended a wedding yesterday despite being a bit under the weather.  Y’all know how we Lagos people like to par-ty!!! Will share some pictures at the end of the post 😀
 
Anywayz, I am starting this week on a good note!  Realised I had not posted my last BN Article up here so I decided to do this first thing this morning before my day gets all hectic on me!  

A few years ago, I wrote about certain myths people had about starting a fashion business.  That was more targeted towards people who felt running a fashion business was more about the glitz and glamour.  Here is the link to that post:
 
 
But lately, I had started hearing about certain mindsets people had based on their fears which was preventing them from starting off and I felt the need to address those.  Please note that these myths I have written below by no means suggests that starting a fashion business is a joke.  The knowledge is still key if you want to succeed.  That is what I always preach – you need a thorough knowledge to guide your production team!  
 
I have, however, stated these so you understand that you should not be limited by these fears and should make a move no matter how little and then get the knowledge or partner with people in the areas where you are lacking.
 
Here is the Bella Naija article:
 
__________
5 Myths About Starting a Fashion Business
 
Or perhaps I should call them “myths” or misconceptions.  I have heard all sorts of reasons from people on why they are a bit hesitant about starting their fashion business.  Some even feel they will crash even before their businesses take off, based on assumptions they have made or discussions they have had with people.  The following are just a few examples of real concerns people have expressed to me in the past and here I am debunking some of these myths and allaying these fears.
1.  You Must Be Able to Sew to be a Successful Fashion Designer
 
This is always top of the list. The general idea around here is that to be taken seriously as a fashion designer you must be able to sew, you must run a production unit, you must sew for people, you must sew the clothes yourself, you must feature in fashion show… and the list goes on and on! NO YOU DO NOT!
 
Fashion Designers develop the concept and put a team together to bring their creative ideas to reality! They do not have to physically sew or even have a production unit! I remember Folake Folarin-Coker of Tiffany Amber disclosing at a seminar a while back that she cannot sew. But does she have a successful label?! Yes she sure does!
 
So please don’t listen to anyone who tells you this. It is just the mindset around here. Being able to sew does not guarantee that you will run a successful fashion business. Same way being able to sketch fabulous designs does not guarantee that as well. There are soooo many other things involved in running a fashion business and sewing is just an aspect of it. If you choose to learn, that’s great! The knowledge is useful to understand the process and guide your production team.
 
2.  You Must Be a “Fashionista” To Be A Good Designer
 
I heard this recently from a lady who had concerns about starting off. She did not think she would be a good designer since she did not consider herself to be a “fashionista” …whatever that means. Apparently a good designer must be dressed to the hilt all the time in the latest trends and fashions OR must dress a certain way with some crazy hair and the most outrageous clothes. If anyone told you that, that’s bull!
Designing great clothes doesn’t mean you have to wear them. Ever noticed what fashion designers wear when taking a bow on the runway?! Many are dressed in a t-shirt and a pair of jeans…obviously because many of them are too busy even to think! Yes, you have to dress well to gain the confidence of your customer but you don’t have to be in the latest clothes or dress all crazy to prove a point. Your product will speak for you.
That said, if you choose to be a fashionista, that’s great! But if you are a simple person by nature, that should not deter you from becoming a fashion designer. After all, Alexander Mcqueen looked like a simple person and dressed in a simple manner but we all know how amazing he was as a designer.
 
3.  You Must Be “Creative” to Run a Fashion Business
 
HA! Someone who was about to take the plunge a while back spoke to me about this particular fear. She was worried she might not do well because she did not consider herself a creative person… neither could she draw very well… and her designs were very simple. I told her not to even give it a second thought.
 
To me, creativity is relative and everyone has their own design philosophy.  As far as I am concerned everyone has some form of creative ability. As long as you can put pencil to paper or explain what you want to your tailor and she churns it out, then you have what it takes.  I know people only tend to consider those who design “never before seen, over-the-top” high fashion clothing as fashion designers. But guess what?  Everyone has at least one pair of jeans in their wardrobe and a t-shirt and those were created by designers! And they are making a lot of money from it as well!
 
Besides, if you feel you are not creative, you can either learn how to be creative or hire someone to be creative for you. There are illustrators out there who can work with you to build on your seemingly “simple” ideas.  That is why fashion companies have design teams. The burden should not only be on the owner to churn out the designs, market the designs, search for customers, buy the fabric, deliver to the customer…and all the other tasks we take up over here. There is a whole lot more to a successful fashion business that being creative and being able to draw. You are now an entrepreneur so you need to step into those shoes. Don’t consume yourself with only the creative sides of running a fashion business.
 
4.  You Must Mingle with the “Right” People
 
I know for many people, the typical definitions of the “right” people are the celebrities and socialites. I have heard that a lot! Well… if that is your target market, then by all means, please go for it! But it is not mandatory you mix with them if you do not plan to design for them. If your target market is the average Joe, then please those are the “right” people for you. Concern yourself with trying to find these people.
 
PLUS! I notice many also focus on just making the money and often neglect to watch their costs. The “right people” must include the fabric suppliers, those who supply and fix our machines, those who provide our zips, etc. These are the people who can make or break our businesses. Why pay N10,000 for a yard of fabric when you can pay N4,500 for the exact same fabric? And no matter how good you are as a designer, if the zips you use keep breaking, then your reputation can go down the drain at the snap of your fingers. So please, concern yourself with not only increasing sales but also reducing your costs!
 
5.  You Need a Lot of Money to Start Your Fashion Business!
 
NOT TRUE! It all depends on the type of fashion business you want to run.  Besides, when you ask those dishing out advice why they feel you need a lot of money, they often focus on stuff like PR, getting a fab website, coming up with fancy logos and business cards….and all what not. If you do not have a lot of money to start off, then start small!  
 
A fashion business is, in fact, one of the easiest to start off with zero naira!   All you have to do is be the middleman between your customer and your tailor. Sketch your designs, take a deposit from the customer (which should be way more than your costs of production), get a tailor to churn out the clothes, deliver it to the customer and get your balance. It is as simple as that!
 
Well to be honest, we know it’s not thaaaat simple… but it’s not that difficult when you have a process in place.  I bet many are already doing this.  All you need to do is continue and save up till you have the funds to start your own production unit.  So really, lack of funds should not be a deterrent.  I can safely tell you that as long as there are weddings…and there always will be weddings…, or birthdays and even funerals, you will be in business!
 
Great!  These are just some of the ones I have heard. What else have they told you that is giving you cold feet about starting off?! Share these myths with us and let’s discuss them.  Or better still… tell us which advice or myth you ignored and how ignoring it was the best decision you ever made!
___________________
 
That’s it!  Hope this helped!  Have a great week everyone!
 
And remember to appreciate your fashion designer today! That’s my theme for this week!  I think we are not appreciated enough for the work we do and I thought to make it my first Instagram post for the day.  Handle is @martwayne.
Cheers!
How Do I Start My Fashion Business?

How Do I Start My Fashion Business?

by | Jul 21, 2015 | @martwayne, Become a Fashion Designer, Bella Naija, BN Article, Fashion Beyond Stitches, How to Start a Fashion Business, Power Through Fashion, T.Williams, T.Williams-A, Tope Williams Adewunmi

Hello good people!!!!!  I’m sure you all had a GREAT holiday!  I know I did!  I am already looking forward to the next one… (who knows when the next one is coming up?!)  Anywayz!  I had a pretty restful one – totally thankful!  
Haha…. I thought this was hilarious!  I just could not resist!
Image from:  http://trulteskogen.com/onewebstatic/04cb45fd25-24.gif
Ok!  So here is my BN post!  I have actually had this question thrown at me so many times, I knew writing about it was only a matter of time.  Seeing I managed not to lift a finger over the holiday, here is the article which was actually posted on Bella Naija on Thursday.  I made minimal changes to it since I realised it was edited and some portions of my thought process (re: punctuations and brackets) were lost in the editing AND I also added more pictures… 

Tope Williams-Adewunmi:  How Exactly Do I Start My Fashion Business?
Image from: http://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dreamstime_xl_29485026.jpg
Great!  Glad you’ve taken the first step and decided to take your love for fashion more seriously. But you have no clue how to go about it.  So, we’ll start from the very beginning… hopefully these steps will help shape that vision and move you from concept to reality.
 
Oh…P.S… It will not happen in one day, or a week, or even a month!  If you want to do it properly, it will take a while. So remember these words… baby steps.
 
First Step? Making the decision!

Image from: http://davidduke.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Decision-Making.jpg
You need to decide what exactly what you want to do in the industry and stick to it! This really is the hardest part because you might not even have a clue. And even if you do, people will advise you to go down a different route. So please make that decision before you start off or else you will be miserable – or worse, act on that advice and end up wasting a lot of money in the process. 
 
But the money isn’t really the issue here. The issue is you waking up one morning 10 years from now wondering how exactly you got there.
 
So if, for example, all you always wanted to do was design wedding gowns, find a way to make this work even if there is a lot of money to be made from sewing uniforms – EXCEPT you are doing it just to gather enough funds to start off. In which case, give yourself a time limit and stick to it as best as you can.
Next Thing?! 
 
Writing a life plan for your fashion idea! 
Image from: http://i2.wp.com/homeschoolinghelp.com/wp-content/uploads/smiley-2.JPG?resize=244%2C258
 

No no… don’t roll your eyes yet… I am not talking about a business plan here. Yes many of us tune off when we hear the term “business plan” (including me).  Don’t worry, the business plan will come later and you can always outsource that.  For now, get a notepad and a pen and begin to write – in clear terms what you want to do. If 5 years you have deviated from this plan, you can find your way back.
 
For example, you can start off with… (let’s pretend you’re in italics and I’m the voice in your head [in brackets] guiding you along OR you can do this with a friend):
 
•    I know I like fashion:  [Ok… yes we have established that. What aspect of fashion do you
like?]

 
•   Ladies wear:   [Oh nice! Why ladies wear?]
 
•    I don’t know… I just love clothes and dressing ladies up:  [Ok… so why do you need to 
become a fashion designer to do this?  You don’t have to be fashion designer to dress
people up. Perhaps all you really want to be is a stylist. Or do you want to do this because
being a fashion designer sounds cool?]
 
Well… At this point, you need to know who a fashion designer really is. So conduct some research and be sure this is what you really want to do. Convince yourself of why you want to be the person designing the clothes the ladies will wear… while I move on from this point…
 
[Ok great! So ladieswear! What aspect of ladies wear?]
 
•    Everything! I would like to design everything a woman can wear!  [Errrr… Seriously?  How is that even possible? Even if you can, let’s take one idea at a time.]
 
[Let’s get down to specifics. What do you want to start off with?]
 
•    I think I’d like to design ladies casual wear:  [You think? You’re not sure?! Let’s try
again. What is the first thing you sketch when you put pencil to paper?] 
 
Now would be a good time to quickly sketch something.  Even if you are not great at sketching.  You can also explain your design in words.  That will determine who exactly you are as a fashion designer. You might think you want to design casual wear but find yourself designing  evening wear.
 
•    Okay…. Done! I know I want to design casual wear:   [Oh-kay! Nice! What type of casual
wear?]
 
•    Maybe t-shirts:  [Maybe? Or certainly?!  Try your hand at another sketch]
 
•    Actually I’ve always wanted to have my own T-Shirt line:   [Ok great! T-Shirts then!
What type of T-Shirts?]
 
•    Printed Tees with an interesting twist:  [Ok… now I’m rolling my eyes. Please narrow it
down.]
 
•    Okay, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to draw faces on t-shirts with safety pins and sea shells for example:   [This is the point where I tell you it does sound bizarre but hey… stranger things have happened in fashion. So who knows… it can work.]
 
And that’s it! You go on and on until you begin to narrow it down or till you hit a road block. If you do hit a block… take a breather and start over from where you left off.
 
When you are done with soul-searching…
 
It’s time for Research! Research!! Research!!!

Image from: http://s3.amazonaws.com/libapps/accounts/12722/images/ResearchIcon-300×300.jpg
 
Oh this part is vital! Many of us hate doing research but it is key! Obviously, the Internet Institute is your first point of call! Many consume themselves with just the production aspect of design but I believe it is important to start from scratch.
 
Find out everything you need to know about making T-Shirts, right down to the history of t-shirts, how they evolved over time, who buys t-shirts, who wears the most t-shirts, how much do T-shirts costs, where are t-shirts produced e.t.c. Why? You might think ladies wear t-shirts but find out during your research that the type of t-shirts you want to design might actually appeal to teenagers. The question is, do you want to design for teenagers? It’s all up to you. Talk to people, ask questions, meet with t-shirt designers, etc. The research never ends – even when you start off.  And whatever decision you make based on that research goes into that notepad as well.
 
After research (which is on-going by the way), the next step is to:
 
Get the Relevant Knowledge to Excel in That Field
.
 
Love both pictures so decided to use both 😀
Image 1 (left) from:  http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/269/study-girl-smiley-emoticon-clipart-royalty-free-public-domain-269958.png
Image 2 (right) from:  http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAZ-NIHKUVI/USO3tx45tZI/AAAAAAAADDM/XI1FfKf84rQ/s1600/Smiley+Book.jpg
Now is the time to get the skills – either through some form of formal education or through work experience.  If you cannot sketch, learn how to sketch. If you feel you want to learn how to sew, then learn how to sew – though it is not mandatory for fashion designers to know how to sew. However, with the horror stories I have heard from fashion designers about their tailors and machinists, you might be better off learning – no matter how little if you want to live longer.
 
SO!  You can choose to go to a fashion school, be self taught (there are enough resources online if you do the research) or get some form of work experience – either paid or unpaid.  That knowledge is necessary to guide your production team – regardless of whether you are producing the T-shirts in-house or outsourcing production. I tell you, it will save you a lot of headache in the long run!
 
Next up?!
 
Testing the Market!

Image from: http://smallbusinessbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/CustomerSatisfaction.jpg
You need to know if people will buy your designs before you take off!  Ask people what they don’t like about your work – that way they give you proper constructive criticism. It helps you improve your product and also builds you a thick skin.
 
Image from: http://www.netsolutionsindia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Test-Market.jpg
 
Testing the market also helps you know if what you believe was the greatest invention since… errr… cellphones is really that fab.  You just might find out that the “oh-so-brilliant” idea you had of designing t-shirts with seashells and safety pins was a pretty dumb idea after all.  Should you dump that idea?! Nope. You might choose to go ahead and take the chance or go back to the drawing board and restrategize by replacing the safety pins with bugle beads.
 
And just when you are about to launch out:
 
Pray! Pray!! And PRAY!!!
Image from: http://media3.popsugar-assets.com/files/2015/03/23/783/n/1922398/652a1c95_prayer-hands-.xxxlarge.jpg


You really need that divine intervention. Only that inner peace can trump the fear that you are bound to feel deep down.  And you will feel that initial fear but just go ahead and launch – no matter how small.
 
Launching does not necessarily mean having a fashion show. It could mean uploading your items or sketches on your site or online platforms, selling to your friends and colleagues, or just simply showing people your designs and taking their orders whilst working with your tailor.  In my opinion, as long as you are ready to start accepting cash for your creative ideas, you have launched out.
 
Truth be told, it really is not that hard to become a fashion designer. The difficulty lies in being a successful one and I doubt anyone has the perfect recipe for success. But what I always say is what’s the worst that could happen right?  You fall flat on your face or get some mean comments from people who hate your work. What do you do? You pick yourself up after crying for days and try again! Someone out there is bound to like your work and you will eventually carve out your own niche market! ?
 
Great! Those are my tips. I do have more but I’ll stop here.  I’m sure there are a whole lot more out there as well so if you also have tips and pointers for us, do share them as well so we can learn from you!
___________
 
This Article originally appeared on www.bellanaija.com… 
 
…(with only the first picture and the italics and the missing brackets here and there.  I honestly cannot do without pictures.  Makes for a more pleasant read methinks… :-D)
 
Anywayz… hope this helped.
Don’t forget to share your tips in the comments section so we can all learn from you and your experiences as well.  I hear some people have had issues with posting comments.  Apologies…hopefully it will become easier.
 
Have a great and productive week ahead!  And watch out for my next BN post! 😀
 
Cheers!
Why Haven’t You Pursued Your Dream of Becoming a Fashion Designer? Bella Naija Article 1

Why Haven’t You Pursued Your Dream of Becoming a Fashion Designer? Bella Naija Article 1

by | Jul 2, 2015 | @martwayne, Become a Fashion Designer, Bella Naija, First Article, Lagos, Martwayne Training Center, Surulere, T.Williams, T.Williams-A

http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/07/02/temitope-williams-adewunmi-why-havent-you-pursued-your-dream-of-becoming-a-fashion-designer/

Haha!  I told you I was on a role this July! 😀  I had been putting this off FOR AGES!  Yes I know… I really am bad at procrastinating!  But lately the nudging got so bad that I just decided one night to just go for it!  And I did! 😀

And I already have comments :-D… which are always the best part of writing an article! Just check them out! 😀




Amazing right?!  This is the BEST feeling right?!  The best part about people leaving comments on your article is the fact that the feedback you get makes you know that what you are doing is actually making an impact on people.  Nothing better than knowing you are speaking to people and they are responding to you!  

I hardly ever get comments on my articles on this blog so sometimes I’m never really inspired to write because I don’t even know if people are reading what I am writing about.  So when I even feel like writing, I’m just like “argh… what’s the point… I’m not even sure if people are reading this”.

So please people!  Encourage a sister by actually posting your responses on the blog not buzzing me up privately on Blackberry or WhatsApp.  Let people out there also know that they are not the only ones out there with the issue and let me feel encouraged so I can write more!  I always have lots to share and would love to share them with you! 😀  I tell you, this is what I love most about what I do – helping people out and adding value!

Great!  So here is the article below.  I copied and pasted it from the original post!  Looking forward to reading your comments too. 😀  

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http://i3.cpcache.com/product/267072913/when_i_grow_up_i_want_to_be_a_fashion_designer_pos.jpg?height=630&width=630&qv=90
Ok… so you have always wanted to become a fashion designer…for any of the following reasons:
  • You have always loved sketching clothes as soon as you were able to hold a pencil;
  • You used to make clothes for your dolls;
  • You know you have the talent and everyone knows that – they even come to you when they need styles for their aso-ebi; … or the one I get often…
  • You were just tired of your tailor and you knew you could do better. It’s the classic tale of ‘I tell her one thing and she churns out something else and we keep going back and forth!’ (This was my story…)

You know it. Everyone knows it. You just have to become a fashion designer! You have the gift, you have the talent and you know you will make a lot of money from it. And you keep promising yourself that next year you will definitely take this up!
December comes and you write your goals for the coming year, and top of of the list?! “Finally pursue this dream of mine!” The new year hits and you are all fired up! Google becomes your best friend. You start your research “How to Become a Fashion Designer”, you start making calls and you even visit some fashion schools because you want to learn how to sew.
And then the holidays are over and reality hits. Work or school begins and the momentum you built over the holidays starts slowing down. Before you know it, the excuses start pouring in. You begin to convince yourself that “now is not the right time”. Why? You tell yourself…
• I have an extremely busy schedule and simply cannot create the time!
• Won’t people think I’m crazy?! Leaving a good job for fashion?!
• I have a family to feed, how much money can I possibly make from fashion;
• I think I am too old and don’t even know how or where to start from;
• I don’t have the money so let me work some more to gather more funds;
• The good fashion schools are too far and I cannot give up my weekends;
• I cannot get distracted now, I am at a crucial point in my life;
• I’m about to get that promotion so now is not a good time to leave.
• I cannot do this, what if I fail?!
And the excuses keep piling up. And yes, these are good and valid points which make all the sense in the world… or are they?! Maybe… just maybe these excuses are just a cover for the real reason you have refused to make that move – FEAR! And worse, you have refused to admit it to yourself!
Yes we all face these fears.
• Fear of failure;
• Fear of the unknown;
• Fear that people will laugh at you;
• Fear that people won’t like your work;
• Fear that you are too old;… I can go on and on…
I can, however, assure you that there is one thing wayyyyyy worse than fear and that is the regret you feel years down the line when the world has moved on and you are still stuck in the same space. You think you have missed that opportunity (emphasis on the word “think”) and bitterness sets in. You blame everything and everyone around you, including yourself (if you have the guts to blame yourself), for missing that opportunity.
But guess what? It is never too late to make the move. So what if you fail? Big deal. You try again or worse, you backtrack and go back to your job or get another job – you will not be the first to do so. But at least there is that satisfaction you get knowing that you scratched that itch and bled in the process; knowing that you discovered after trying it out that it was not for you. At least, now you know.
But then again, you really do not need to dive into the ocean and give everything up in a flash! Baby steps they call it. Test the waters first. Use your spare time (and yes everyone has some spare time no matter how busy they are) and start something on the side no matter how little. Could be selling your sketches to designers or even your colleagues who need fabulous styles for Asoebi Bella, working with your tailor to bring your sketches to life and selling them to colleagues or even learning how to sew. The best thing is your market is all around you! Everyone loves a fashion designer because everyone must wear clothes! Do that until you build that confidence to take the full plunge!
Oh… and one more thing… try not to give in to procrastination! Yes it is difficult and I, for one, am extremely guilty of it! Take this article for example. I have been meaning to write about this for ages and this is what?! July already! I just kept postponing until I said to myself just now “Argh! You know what?! Just do this now!” And it is exactly 2.18am!
And that is literally all it takes! For you to say to yourself “Argh! I’m doing this now!” Not tomorrow, not when I get home, NOW!
So there you have it! I’ve made my move! How about you?! Tell us why you have not yet made that move into the fashion industry!
_____

OH!  P.S!!!

Don’t forget our fashion courses coming up soon!  I will keep hammering on these till the start dates!  Just click on the home page to see more and I am working on the other posts for the other Courses but here is a list of the Courses 😀

–  Beginners Course (a sewing course) – registration on-going

–  Bodices & Dressmaking Course (a sewing course for those who can already sew) – registration on-going

–  Short Course in Corsetry – 17 June

–  Pattern-Making & Grading with Computer-Aided Design – 27 June

–  Design, Fashion Illustration with Computer-Aided Design – 15th & 18th July – both weekend and weekday options available

– Basic Fashion Course for Juniors (ages 9-16) – 1st – 25th August

–  Short Course in Childrenswear – 22nd August

Yes we have great courses coming up.  Watch out for the posts or contact us on 0818 395 8856, WhatsApp: 0809 787 6075 or on Blackberry D8E9802C or email updates@martwayne.com for more details.
Great!  Enjoy the article and see you on these dates!

Cheers!