214: How CLO3D "Saved" This Fashion Designer

Are unsustainable practices in the fashion industry leaving you fed up and ready to jump ship? You're not alone but leaving the industry isn't the only option!  A talented fashion designer, Jade Wei, felt the same way in her fashion career. Feeling stuck in traditional, wasteful practices, Jade embraced new technology, starting with Adobe Illustrator and eventually mastering CLO 3D. This journey reignited her passion, showing how stepping out of your comfort zone and adopting innovative tools can lead to more sustainable and exciting opportunities in the industry.This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck or resistant to the evolving technologies in fashion design. Jade’s story offers hope, practical advice, and a renewed sense of purpose that can energize your own fashion design journey.About Jade Wei:Jade is a freelance designer based in London, specializing in 3D pattern-making, garment and product development for brands with similar creative ethos. Born in Taiwan, she moved to the UK at 18 to pursue a career in fashion. With 17+ years of experience in the industry, she has worked for luxury brands including Alexander McQueen, Theory, and ClothSurgeon. She also designs for independent designers and launched her own brand, ATELIER WCMF. Recently, she has been merging the digital and physical fashion worlds using emerging technology to create advanced technical services for fashion brands.Connect with Jade:Visit their websiteEmail at: j.w@atelier-wcmf.comFollow on InstagramConnect on Linkedin 🎟️ Register for my training on April 24th: The Secret to Remote Clients and a Steady Paycheck in Fashion — now updated for 2025! Sign up  at www.sewheidi.com/live

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This is a show for burnt-out fashion designers (and TDs, PDs, patternmakers and beyond) who want more flexibility while still doing work they love. As a freelance fashion designer, you can build your fashion career on your own terms. Freelancing in fashion is the only way to get freedom in your day (instead of being tied to a desk). Whether you want to earn extra money on the side, fund your fashion brand, or replace your salary, the FDGP podcast will help you get there. Listen in for actionable tips and strategies to kickstart or grow your career as a freelance fashion designer, build your confidence, and create the life you want. Hosted by $100k+ fashion freelancer Sew Heidi, the show features interviews and strategy sessions with successful freelance fashion designers from around the world who've ditched toxic fashion jobs and taken control of their own destinies. This is the only place to get REAL insights from REAL freelancers who have built REAL careers on their own terms. (Formerly the Successful Fashion Freelancer podcast.)