Starting a fashion line can be scary; the fashion industry in general is incredibly intimidating.
Thoughts of constant all-nighters, a steep learning curve, and failure can be discouraging for those considering entry into this tough business.
But the truth is, starting a fashion line doesn't have to be scary.
You don't need a degree from fashion school.
Or business school.
You don't need to be a great artist, or creative genius.
You don't even need a lot of money.
You just need to know how to begin.
First, pick your season.
Most new designers launch their first line in Fall.
Why? Because the selling season lasts longer than any other, and the holiday season can give your sales a boost.
Second, mark the calendar.
Starting a fashion line means organization and deadlines.
Create your to-do list, and organize your deadlines on a calendar.
If, for example, you want to launch your line for Fall, you're going to have to have your samples ready six months in advance.
This way, you can take your samples to the appropriate trade shows to gain feedback on your line, and boost immediate and future sales.
Fall trade shows begin in Spring, prior to the Fall season.
Allow yourself at least a few months to create your designs, build your website, and have patterns and samples made by professionals.
And third, rough sketch your designs.
Before you get into the nitty-gritty of your business plans, technical sketches, line planning, color schemes, web building, and sales strategies, you've got to have the base of your business: Designs.
For now, just a pen and paper and rough sketches will do, whether you're an artist or not.
Part two of this series on starting a clothing line details the next steps: technical sketches and research.
If you're looking for a more complete guide about starting a fashion line, check out Starting a Clothing Line for more advice, tips, and info.