What Working with a Pattern Maker Remotely Looks Like
Long gone are the days when brands absolutely needed a dedicated pattern maker on staff to oversee product development and production. This scenario usually was for brands doing big volume where the pattern maker would probably make 3 - 4 patterns a day or filter in some revisions. I had a few jobs just like this where it was just about cranking out as many styles as we could each season to offer a wide selection for buyers to purchase come time for market weeks. Once the orders were placed, maybe just a handful of styles would be bought by a retailer and then produced.
Having a pattern maker on staff can be a huge relief if you are a very hands on designer and need to demonstrate and present visuals to get your vision across. However, this does come with the salary and benefit requirements of a full time employee. Not to mention, you always have to keep them busy. But this does not seem to be the way the industry is going anymore. Now, brands are becoming more thoughtful about making less, working remotely, and having a minimal staff.
If you have the work and budget to maintain a full time employee, then I say go for it! However, for the rest of us, hiring out work that we only need on a part time or freelance basis, it’s best to go the way of remote work with a pattern maker.
Find your groove!
As a pattern maker I’m good at reading what a brand’s vision is. If you have a website and can detail out what you need, then that is a good start. However, I’m the first to admit that communication varies from client to client in the style and volume that they prefer. For the first few projects we do tend to bump around a bit trying to align expectations. I don’t automatically know your needs and you may forget to tell me a key detail, like what kind of digital file you need or your sample size, for instance. Ok, we may lose a few hours or a day because of this, but things like this can easily be smoothed out over time now that we know for next time.
The main thing to keep in mind is to not get frustrated or quit because something went awry because of communication. Just take a step back and think of how it can be better the next time.
Put it all in writing
If there is one lesson I have learned is that everything needs to be in writing. This way we are all clear on the expectations. I do not want the responsibility of documenting your stream of conscious directions over the phone, and then translating them to actionable steps which I then have to bullet point and send to you to confirm that it’s what you want. No thank you ma’am. I’m juggling many projects so if I have your sketch or tech pack and notes in front of me, I know exactly what you want and I can get your project done that much sooner.
Photos and videos are awesome!
You are not responsible for solving any fit issues. If you are able to send me pictures that show the overall look, and any clear photos that detail what you see as a problematic area, this is priceless for both of us.
Occasionally I do remote fittings over Zoom, but these are not always the most productive for either of us. Photos and or videos really are the most helpful to get the point across. It may take you 10 minutes to put it together, which is nothing! A Zoom meeting sounds quick, but it all depends on a mutual availability and oftentimes it takes twice as long as setting up an email. I’m not saying I’m opposed to it, but it’s worth considering.
Delivery services are our best friends
If you have physical garments to reference or you need to send me garments, that is perfect! Just make sure your package is insured if it is a high value piece.
Should you worry about your garment? With me, absolutely not. I have clients that send me high end designer pieces that need to be returned to the store or original vintage couture pieces. I have the utmost respect for these precious items. Your property is in good hands. I know of situations that the original garment came back from a factory in pieces and or dirty. This is completely unacceptable in my books.
When you send me a garment, it is placed in a secure bin. I work from my home studio and visitors are not allowed, so it is completely safe from “sticky” or dirty fingers. When it’s time to return it to you, I will make sure that I run a lint roller over it, maybe iron, and possibly use some Febreeze before I package it in a poly bag, just to ensure that it comes back to you in pristine condition. I take my clients property very seriously.
My only request is that you provide return shipment labels. I just gets a little too dicey on my end when I have to deal with setting up shipments. I want to make sure that you get it delivered to the correct address, with the correct method and price that works for you. When I’m ready to send back to you, I’ll let you know the package size and dimensions and you choose what service works best for you. I’m ok however you want to send it.
Timing
When you are working remotely with a pattern maker, it is the same as working with a freelancer. We are independent contractors who take on multiple jobs at once. My own pet peeve is when I hear someone has to wait weeks to receive an email reply. I get it. This can totally put you off of working this way! This is not the case with Garmenta Apparel. All emails are guaranteed answered within 3 days, but usually it’s within 24 hours.
Taking the step of doing remote work is a big one. The biggest thing is just being organized and clear on what you want and the we will be able to get you a good workflow to keep you on track and on schedule.