A: In order to get a model for a discounted cost or for pure trade, i.e. in exchange for product, you should:
1. Contact the agency in a time they’re not busy i.e. fashion weeks
2. Ask them who are the “fresh faces” that can use some great portfolio shoots
3. Play up the artistic qualities of your shoot, having a great photographer or stylist helps
4. Downplay any commercial uses of the shoot – never mention advertising
Note that even if an agency allows you to book a model for trade, you still might have to pay the agency itself a fee, so make sure to discuss this on the phone.
Q: I’m designing a non-profit scarf line made in Afghanistan, and wanted to ask what are the standard sizes for fall scarves?
A: There are no standard sizes. So what we recommend you do, is shop a few of the stores you would want to sell to, look at the sizes of the scarves they carry, and then you either match the shapes and sizes OR see what’s missing. Both are good strategies!
Q: I have a really amazing idea for an accessory, and I made a prototype, but I’m afraid to show it to anyone, especially stores, because I’m afraid I’ll get knocked off. How can I protect myself?
A: Well, first of all there are not a lot of ways for you to protect your designs. There is no way to trademark or patent a design, and the overall sense in the industry is that as long as you change three things, you are safe from lawsuit, i.e. color, and two small design details are enough to protect the copier from any kind of lawsuit.
Important note: you can and should trademark / copyright your logo and name.
That being said, any kind of success you have as a designer will bring on copy cats. Your true test as a creative person, a designer and a business owner, would be not to come up with one great design, but to come up with multiple ones, season after season, always staying one step ahead of your competition.
Read the full interview at Sense Of Fashion.
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