When you are first starting out, it daunting to think of all the things to write and publish a polished and professional looking design. In the beginning, it’s hard to decide on what to invest in. In this post, Simple tools to write and self-publish your patterns, I talk about practical tools to write and publish your next pattern. There are so many different points along the writing and publishing process that you can invest in professional help. But should you and how do you know which services you need? How do you know which service to pay for and how much?
As mentioned above, there are many aspects to the designing and publishing process. When you are just starting out, you will doubt that you can do any of it and well. There are many professionals you can invest in to help you along the way. There are technical editors to help smooth out the pattern so it clear to understand, as well as check for errors. There are layout designers to format your pattern template. This is helpful to have a highly stylized and professional template that can help you stand out. There are photographers to take beautiful and professional looking photos of your sample piece to showcase it to its best. You might wonder about getting help with making the samples in the form of a paid sample knitter/crocheter. Then once the pattern is published, there is the marketing and promotion aspect. How do you get the word out about your design? Do you advertise? Where? How much to spend?
So here is the list (which is by no means complete, but a good start):
· Technical editor
· Layout designer
· Photographer
· Sample knitter/crocheter
· Advertising
The truth is, many times these questions are delay tactics. If you are worried about hiring a professional without having published a single pattern, you need to take a good look at what is really holding you back, because it’s not the investing. You are scared to hit publish and using these questions to delay moving forward. We all get scared to try new things; to put ourselves out there. It’s hard to know if you will knock it out of the park with that design or if it will flop. But you will never know, you will always wonder, if you don’t give it a try. And even if it’s not received 100%, that’s okay, you will have gain valuable information for the next time. The key is to feel the fear, but do it anyways!
If you are just starting out, there is very little you need to invest in up front. In the beginning, you are in the test and change process. In this phase you are testing the waters to get a feel for your style and the process. This early stage is important because it’s where you are testing to see what you like, what works and what does works, to determine what to change and what to do more of.
When you are just starting out, all those professionals might sound like must-haves, but the truth is, you are not ready. You need to go through the test and change process to really hone in on what you like and dislike to develop your voice. At this phase, all you need is a good technical editor. And this is a must-have because she will help you find your writing voice, check your pattern for errors, pattern grading , and ensure it’s clearly written. Looking for a tech editor for your next project? Get more information here.
Who you don’t need when you are starting out?
- You don’t need a layout designer. Unless you have a clear idea of what your brand should look like (and if I’ve confused you by talking about your brand), you’re not ready yet. Use a simple and clean format in Word (MS) or Pages (Mac), with standard fonts in black and white (please, no crazy colors or curly fonts, they are hard to read and print).
- A photographer could be helpful, but many well-loved designs available are done by the designer. Maybe your teenage daughter loves to take photos and post them on Instagram. Have her give you some pointers on the how-to's. Maybe even use her as model.
- A sample knitter/crocheter is definitely not needed at this stage. Instead, you can look into getting testers to work through the pattern to make sure everything makes sense. Get a friend who knits to help you out and/or post in the free tester groups on Ravelry.
- Paid advertising when you are just starting out isn’t very effective. You won’t know where your audience is and what language to use to best reach them. If this talk about audience is confusing, then you are not ready. Check out my e-course, Get noticed on Ravelry. To be honest, there are plenty of free options to get the word about your designs in which out to test the waters before paying. Build you base with social media, blog posts, etc. When it comes to marketing and promotion, there is a lot of trial and error. Start small, create a strategy, see what works, then add money behind those that are effective instead of paying money to test.
When it comes to deciding what to invest in in your design business, the answer is always YOU. Find your unique style to standout. Create the best product you can. You don’t need a bunch of fancy stuff, that will come later. Develop a solid foundation, which is you.
I woke up this morning with this message in my heart. I hope it reach the person it was meant for.
Keep designing, keep sharing.
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