Marketing Your Fabric Designs

                                         Fabric Design by Andy Mars

I was recently contacted by Andy (Andrea) Mars, a photograher searching for information

re how to break into the fabric/textile design market. Not having a clue

but being curious, I did a little research and was able to provide her

with some leads. It then occurred to me that with all of the recent interest

in being able to get your own fabric designs printed for personal use,

others may also want this information..

                               Fabric Design by Andy Mars

How to Start a Fabric Design Business
http://www.ehow.com/how_5452969_start-fabric-design-business.html

Useful info about the field of textile design:
http://www.infomat.com/research/infre0000250.html
 
Handbook of Textile Design: Principles, Processes and Practice - Jacquie Wilson - "...there has been a need for some sort of text that covered the textile design process from initial ideas through briefing, research and design development, to finished fabrics being sold to garment designers and to retail. What follows is an attempt to provide such a text. This book is based on my experiences as a textile designer in industry..." Can be downloaded for free.

It includes two chapters on The Professional Practice of Design which includes information about "Getting Design Jobs"
http://dc121.4shared.com/download/185516987/53e943ba/Handbook_of_Textile_Design.pdf?tsid=20100508-231913-9cd91b5 

The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing - (No affiliation) - "...is often described as the garment industry 'blue book'”. - The "Newcomer's Guide to the Trade" chapter appears to be very informative, particularly the Free-Lance Design section. It and some other interesting sections can be read online. Check it out to see if you think the book is worth ordering (it's $60) or request a copy from your local library.
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/products_services/table-of-contents/

Directory of Print and Textile Design Studios Suppliers - May be helpful in locating a fabric agent
http://www.fashiondex.com/silver/services/prs0.php

International Textile and Apparel Association - The 2010 Design Comptetion is open for submission - Deadline is June 1.
http://www.itaaonline.org/www/default/index.cfm

10 Tips on Contracts and Clients
http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2010/01/08/10-tips-on-working-with-clients/

Art Rep 101 - Tips for Creative Professionals - "Whether you’re thinking about working with an art rep, wondering how to find one, or curious about how your relationship with your agent compares that of other artists, you’ll find answers to many of your questions in the articles below." - Articles include: Should you work with an Art Rep?; How to find an Art Rep; How to be attractive to an Art Rep; and several others.
http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2010/01/16/art-rep-101-tips-for-creative-professionals/

7 Elements of an Effective Portfolio Website - "...when an Art Director or other type of potential client visits your site, they get a clear sense of who you are, what you do, and why you are the right person for their project...a winning portfolio will lead to more contracts, more referrals, and more work doing the types of projects you really want to do."
http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2009/11/05/escapee-speaks-7-elements-of-an-effective-online-portfolio/

Printsource: The World of Textile and Surface Design Database - "The Printsource New York Global Design Database (G.D.D.) is the first and only global online tool that allows buyers of surface and textile designs to search for information on creative talent worldwide." - It has a link where a textile or surface design professional can add company information to the database.
http://www.printsourcenewyork.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=GlobalDesignDB.GDDHome
 
Textile Republic - "Textile Republic was founded by Kimberley Osborne-Milstein and Brian Osborne in the spring of 2007 to promote the work of aspiring textile designers across the globe...[It is] an online platform that would easily allow emerging artists and designers the chance to showcase their work..."
http://www.textilerepublic.com/terms.php  

I don't know how effective registering with textile design sites would be, but it can't hurt (especially since being listed is free):

Fibre2Fashion - search engine - a search for "textile design jobs" lists 2,908 current postions all over the world from fulltime employment to freelancers work (including the USA)
http://search.fibre2fashion.com/search/jobs/searchResult.aspx?q=textile+design+jobs¤tSection=jobs  


PeoplePerHour - Can post your services here (category is home textile agent)
http://www.peopleperhour.com/find/home_textile_agent/2

DesignerSearch.com
http://www.designersearch.com/Browse.asp?cid=29

Some current job postings for textile designer in California: - there may be similar sites for other states
http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-textile+designer/l-los+angeles,+ca