Last updated on Nov 3, 2023
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Freelance benefits
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Freelance challenges
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In-house benefits
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In-house challenges
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How to decide
Textile design is a creative and versatile field that involves creating patterns, prints, fabrics, and other materials for various applications, such as fashion, interiors, art, and industrial products. If you are passionate about textile design, you might be wondering whether to pursue a freelance or an in-house career path. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your goals, preferences, and circ*mstances. In this article, we will explore some of the pros and cons of working as a freelance textile designer versus an in-house one.
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- Maggie Hollinshead Mixed Media Artist, Garden Designer, Tutor, Mentor, Writer - all things positive - Create, Inspire, Encourage 13
- Faran Khan Marketing Assistant at Nottingham CityCare Partnership 9
- Cindy Shapiro Passionate Design Orchestrater/ Implementer Product Manager/Textile Designer seeking new opportunity 9
1 Freelance benefits
One of the main benefits of working as a freelance textile designer is the flexibility and autonomy that you have over your projects, schedule, and clients. You can choose what kind of work you want to do, when and where you want to do it, and how much you want to charge. You can also explore different styles, techniques, and markets, and develop your own portfolio and brand identity. Freelancing can also be rewarding and fulfilling, as you can express your creativity and vision, and see your designs come to life.
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- Maggie Hollinshead Mixed Media Artist, Garden Designer, Tutor, Mentor, Writer - all things positive - Create, Inspire, Encourage
I’ve been self-employed in the creative industries for over thirty years, sometimes it’s tough, but I love being able to work on the projects that excite me and also a wide variety of projects.
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- Melissa Hyatt Surface Pattern Designer and Licensed Watercolor Artist
I've been freeelancing in the textile design market for over 25 years. I love the diversity of clients and projects, and the flexibility in my schedule. I was able to raise my 2 children and stay creative as a freelancer. While focusing on growing my own brand in recent years, Freelance has provided the perfect balance to that.
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2 Freelance challenges
However, freelancing also comes with some challenges and risks that you need to be aware of and prepared for. As a freelance textile designer, you are responsible for finding and managing your own clients, contracts, invoices, and payments. You also need to handle your own taxes, insurance, and expenses, and deal with the uncertainty and inconsistency of income and work opportunities. Freelancing can also be lonely and stressful, as you might have to work long hours, meet tight deadlines, and cope with feedback and competition.
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- Maggie Hollinshead Mixed Media Artist, Garden Designer, Tutor, Mentor, Writer - all things positive - Create, Inspire, Encourage
Totally agree, it’s important to educate yourself on the business side, read, take any free classes going, possibly invest in a business mentor and, always, always, know your figures. The biggest difficulty is cash flow drying up.
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- Georgina Mockett Freelance Print Designer and Trend Consult at GM Print Design
You always need to be looking ahead of what you are doing, whilst working on project you need to be thinking about where the next project is coming from so you need to get used to juggling clients and briefs.
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See AlsoHow to Become a Textile Designer
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3 In-house benefits
Working as an in-house textile designer means that you are employed by a company or organization that produces or uses textiles, such as a fashion brand, a textile manufacturer, or a museum. One of the main benefits of working in-house is the stability and security that you get from having a regular salary, benefits, and contracts. You also get to work with a team of colleagues, managers, and other professionals, who can provide you with support, guidance, and feedback. Working in-house can also help you gain more experience, skills, and recognition in the industry.
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4 In-house challenges
On the other hand, working in-house also has some drawbacks and limitations that you need to consider. As an in-house textile designer, you have to follow the rules, policies, and expectations of your employer, which might restrict your creativity and autonomy. You also have to work on specific projects, themes, and styles that fit the company's vision, brand, and market. Working in-house can also be demanding and competitive, as you have to meet high standards, deadlines, and quotas, and deal with pressure and politics.
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- Faran Khan Marketing Assistant at Nottingham CityCare Partnership
For any beginner, I would highly suggest to start as an in-house designer. Working in a professional environment teaches you the differences in what we have learned in an institution and how drastically the commercial design works. Understanding and implementing those will prove to be stepping stones into your future endeavours.
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5 How to decide
Ultimately, the decision between freelancing and working in-house depends on your personal and professional goals, preferences, and circ*mstances. There is no right or wrong answer, as both options have their pros and cons. You might also want to try both options at different stages of your career, or combine them in a hybrid or flexible way. The most important thing is to do your research, weigh your options, and choose what works best for you and your textile design aspirations.
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- Cindy Shapiro Passionate Design Orchestrater/ Implementer Product Manager/Textile Designer seeking new opportunity
Depending on the area of textile design you are interested, ie: upholstery, visit every furniture store near you. Ask a salesperson when they are free if they are willing to show you covers that are selling well. Most likely they will only show you the furniture as the fabric is married to the furniture frame. So they can only tell you which pieces are selling well. If you are visiting anyone in another area, visit local furniture stores in their area. If you are interested in apparel, stay on the cutting edge of trends by seeking websites that show couture influence. If you are interested in craft fabrics, visit over the counter retail stores snd notice style and color combination trends. There is tons of trend information online now.
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- Denise Newton Textile Designer / Freelance
I agree that starting your career in as an in-house designer is extremely helpful. You get to learn about the machinery you are designing for and see your designs go to production a lot more often. It is important to design within the parameters of the machine to enable the product to be made successfully. And when trying to create new products understanding how the process works helps to push the boundaries successfully.
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