In today's lecture Chris Slesser touched upon various aspects of fashion industry, like lack of career awareness, the role of AI and Creative Technologies, funding and investment. However, one topic that caught my attention was his discussion about public perception about fashion field. Personally, I could relate to this discussin. Coming from the background where parents expect their child to be a doctor & engineer, choice of fashion was not something that people accepted easily. People back then never used to think of fashion as choice of profession. This also comes from the place of lack of career awareness in fashion field and lying stereotypes about fashion field in the society. Nevertheless, over the period of time I believe there has been improvement and there has been step towards acceptance of fashion as a career option.
Another thing that caught my attention during discussion panel was freelancing. Where some people may be fearful towards it, I have different believes about it. During my journey as a freelance fashion designer in India, I discovered a newfound sense of empowerment. The ability to choose projects and control work hours provided a level of flexibility that perfectly integrated work with life. Beyond this, freelancing broke free from the limitation of traditionally low pay scales for designers in India, opening doors to a diverse global clients.
An intriguing aspect that surfaced was the currency advantage. Collaborating with international clients, particularly those from Canada or UK, meant earning in a stronger currency. Even with clients offering minimum wages in the UK or Canada, the favorable currency exchange rates resulted in elevated income compared to local standards.
However, freelancing extends beyond the allure of flexibility and financial gains. It demands adept networking skills and a commitment to client retention. Building enduring relationships takes precedence, emphasizing the significance of retaining existing clients over acquiring new ones.
As I navigate the fashion landscape in the UK, my perspective on freelancing evolves. The current plan involves immersing myself in the industry for a minimum of five years, gaining insights into cultural and industry dynamics. Establishing meaningful connections becomes a long-term goal, setting the stage for a potential transition into freelance fashion design.
In conclusion, freelancing isn't merely a career option; it's a lifestyle marked by freedom, financial growth, and global reach.
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