You have collected pictures from magazines and screenshots from your device and want to start your own product line, or you have some old handbags that you think can be upcycled into something new, or - you just want to have your dreamhandbag - what you know for sure is that you need a designer. This isn’t going to be the usual DIY project. You want to make something stylish, well-made and ready for the catwalk.

These days, the internet facilitates finding who you need as long as they have an online presence. Otherwise, good old fashioned meet and greets in the right places will bring you closer to finding the best designer for your that handbag you have been sketching out on paper.

Define Needs

Make sure you know exactly what you are looking for. Bags are designed into all different styles. Do you need someone who is flexible and can do glam, sporty or funky? Are you using a particular fabric and need an expert? Define the end product(s) that you want to have produced, followed by the necessary skills you are looking for in a designer. Once you have those elements listed, it is easy to post a job on any platform or to type in your keywords to a search engine and find who you need.  

Tips from a Pro

Liz Strazzella, a freelance handbag designer, describes on Quora some additional considerations to keep in mind when looking for someone to hire. If your goal is to design a bag once-off or for the occasional project, then finding the right one just depends on your search results, you applicants and you deciding who can realize your vision the best. If you are looking to create your own line of handbags, your search can get more refined with the more competencies you add to the list.

Perhaps you need a designer who has contact with good suppliers, or maybe you need a person who is cost-efficient and can reuse the same fabrics in different styles and patterns and increase the discount on a larger fabric order. Do you need a designer for the idealization phase or for the whole process from start to finish? Are you looking for someone who is forward-thinking and can disrupt the market in handbag design? The list goes on and on depending on the long or short-term goals for your project.

Upwork

Upwork is a global freelance platform where businesses and individual professionals can connect and collaborate remotely. The platform takes a percentage of the invoice but provides a system that ensures freelancer payment and product delivery according to the agreed terms between the two parties. Simply go to the website, create an employer profile and search for talent by using keywords. A variety of matching profiles will appear in your results stream. In each profile, users can see what the freelancer has previously earned on the site, references from clients and the freelancer’s portfolio.

Be careful when using Upwork. Cross-reference the freelancers if you can and keep all business on the platform to avoid any mishaps down the line. These days, trust and delivery of goods/service are an issue in the digital business world. Make sure you have read enough information about hiring online and Upwork’s policies and advise.

Linkedin

Linkedin is also a good place to find self-employed individuals looking for some freelance work. Follow groups about fashion, handbags, and design. Eventually, on your newsfeed, you will see different posts that you like from a variety of users. If you like what you see, you can check out their profile and connect with them.

Etsy

Etsy is a great platform for finding crafty individuals and buying handmade, vintage and unique creations.Each item on Etsy is listed and sold by someone who creates their items or curates their shop: an Etsy seller. Etsy does not have a warehouse where it stores different items. When you shop on Etsy, you’re directly supporting independent sellers who manage their own orders and inventory. This is a great place to find a handbag designer.

Fashion Schools & Alteration Companies

Fashion schools and alteration companies are a good source of information and potential designers. Reach out to students who would be interested in working and developing on their portfolio outside of school. Ask alterations companies if they know anyone who would be interested in collaborating with you. Even if both say no, chances are they can make a recommendation which is always a good thing to have when doing business with people you don’t know and you have to rely on your gut.