Patrick McDowells Secrets

Tips I learned from Patrick McDowell who is the designer of his own sustainability focused brand. As well as deigning for Pinko. The Former sustainability ambassador for JCA, had a few tips to share on entering the working world of fashion.

Here are a few that I’ll share with you.

Reputation & Financial

- The more you can partner when designing the better. He says it gives both parties reputation, boosting the people who see you. It's also cost effective if it’s the materials that you would otherwise need to source.

- Make the most of someone else's reputation.

- For cutting expenses and increasing profits. He spoke about taking clothing items and making them better by adding his own spin and then reselling them, Therefore bringing in a higher level of profit due to the lack of material expenses.

Internships & Contacting the uncontactable

- When applying for internships, don’t skimp on information saying its available if needed. Also tell them when you're available along with your CV. Don't leave information out that they are going to need to know, because they won't bother emailing to ask.

- If you’re trying to get a hold of people’s personal emails to send them your CV, and you can’t find them. Usually, their personal email is the email you have found just try other other endings that aren't @info.

Aesthetics

- When taking photos of your garments remember that sleek is a better background and that the focus should remain your clothes. Especially if your sending these digitals to clients.

General

- Don’t get too caught up in replying to emails remember that you’re here to design and create, it’s the focus.

Tips on design development

- Take a photo of your toile on your mannequin and print it multiple times so that you can draw over it and develop your designs.

- Take a photo of a real person and draw on them as your figure so you know what your designs will look like on a realistic body rather than a mannequin.

- Use only white pins otherwise it's distracting.

- If there a tear in the paper that's in your portfolio it better be there on purpose and for a reason.