Here’s my latest update on project Inspi.re Design.. (yes I settled with that as my brand name..) Just in case you guys were wondering if there was any actual meaning to the period in the middle of the word, no there is no meaning. I simply added it because I wanted it to be different yet simple at the same time (might be a little lame.. but I like it and that’s all that matters… right ?)
Anyways, after jumping on this to try to create something of my own, I realized there was just too much I needed to learn before starting upon this venture. Over the weeks, I did tons of research trying to pick up Photoshop and Illustrator by myself with some help from YouTube and from my boyfriend who just recently enrolled in Graphic Design so that really helps a lot. I still have a lot to do and it is a lot harder than it looks. If I could, I would enroll myself in Graphic Design too however at this point I need to continue working to save up for our condo since only one of us works. Thus, the only thing I could really do is to continue teaching myself how to use Photoshop CS. But the upside is at least one of us is in school for it.
I had set my deadline to create my designs and find my supplier by the first day of spring, Mar. 20. However, that never happened and I wasn’t able to meet it. It was an unrealistic goal anyway unless I put all of my time working on it which I did not. Especially while trying to maintain my work/life balance, juggling between work, my boyfriend, the upcoming wedding (I was bridesmaid) and at the same time, losing lots of sleep.. though that’s something I have had a bad habit with since college. Though I am going to try to take serious measures to force myself to sleep early and get up early to have time to myself in the mornings instead of constantly rushing. We will see how well that goes.
As for my progress so far, I was able to come up with my logo design. It is pretty much finalized and I am quite proud of myself for it. Honestly I am also surprised at how much I’ve learned in such a short period of time. I learned to create some T-shirt mockups off YouTube and also got some free vector samples off the web that I was able to replace with my own designs. I also learned a lot just speaking to some old friends who have started their own clothing brand or are currently in the fashion industry as well. At first, i was a little hesitant about asking them for advice but I quickly came to the realization that people are willing to help. All I had to do was ask and by doing so, I was able to get loads of valuable information. My friend was able to provide me with some of his contacts as well which I found was very sweet of him. So guys, when in doubt, just ask! You’ve got nothing to lose!
I also came up with two or three other designs and started playing around with Photoshop to achieve different effects. I am still slowly exploring the program.. I am making slow progress because at the moment I only have the program at my boyfriend’s place and I only go there on the weekends mainly. During the week, I try to do some research and brainstorm some potential designs. My goal for this weekend is to try to come up with at least 5 finalized vector designs.
In terms of suppliers, I managed to come up with a short list of potential canadian wholesale suppliers. Some local and some online. I also researched the types of material I would like to use for the shirts as well as the weight, type of neckline, length of the shirt and style.
It’s slowly coming together guys.. these things take a while. Honestly, I wanted to start this project to make money fast so that I can make even more money to save for my downpayment. However, I realized businesses start slow and if you rush it success is unlikely. A lot of unexpected things came up and that also slowed my progress.
Take your time, focus and be patient. You want an end product that was carefully thought out and delivered to your audience. This is just one of the obstacles throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Embrace it, you will slip, you will fall but if you keep getting back up on your feet and keep going, you will eventually succeed.
“You never fail until you stop trying.” – Albert Einstein
X.O.X.O.
- Fifster
