You’re working on a fashion design project. What are the biggest challenges you’ll face?

When I've got an inspiration for a new project, I will draw it out first. Add details and write my thoughts down, such as fabric, embellishments, stitching, etc. Than I contemplate how it's going to be put together. Such as pocket ideas, leg openings, and etc. Than I go to work. I am a seamstress by trade, but am also very accomplished in knitting/crocheting, and etc. I will use this process with anything I do. Sometimes, though, when working on the project, something unforeseen will arise. You might have to rip something out to do it right. Oh, well. These are challenges that we must face and it teaches us for the next time.

Inspiration comes first before designing really anything. My first project was my junior collection of ensembles. I was inspired by red carpet dresses and wedding dresses. I first sketched potential garments to soon creating a mood board to present to my peers. I included fabric swatches, color palettes and on-trend garments.

I find inspiration in various places, from the delicate details of a flower to the grandeur of architecture. I don't confine myself to specific sources; I believe great ideas can be found everywhere. In a world full of creativity, inspiration hides around every corner.

In any creative field, a project with a strict deadline (Which is the case almost all the time), often results in working late hours, skipped meals, Sleep deprivation. Talk about resources, Budget is a driving factor for most of the other resources, it can make or break a project. Ideally, you should consider your available resouces when you're building your moodboard, have an idea of the upcoming expenses and inculcate your ideas accordingly. However, as an artist you would want complete artistic freedom, which can be easily hindered through the unavailability of resources. The essence of the a project lies in systematic management of all the resources, scarce or abundant, while also keeping the objective and quality of the project alive.

Fashion design is not only a competitive and fast-paced industry but also one deeply rooted in creativity and personal expression. As a small business owner and creator, one of the significant challenges I face is the risk of larger companies drawing inspiration from independent artists’ work, only to mass-produce similar items at a lower cost due to offshore manufacturing. This reality can be frustrating and disheartening, making it crucial to strategically time product launches to safeguard our unique designs from being prematurely replicated.

Developing your skills and style indeed comes from practice. By actively putting your ideas into practice, you gain a deeper understanding of them and learn how to effectively implement them in real-life situations. This practical experience not only enhances your abilities but also refines your creative process, helping you to continually improve and innovate in your craft.

Financial ability to create what you know you’re capable of. It’s hard to create art or a clothing line when you have 0 money to invest.