The way product development teams are structured can vary massively from brand to brand. The team make-up usually depends on how established businesses are, and their priorities.
Poppy showing us there's only one way to correctly wear a beanie...
The Innovation Focus
Innovation focused brands tend to put more value in the their design, sourcing and fit roles - hiring a larger team where each staff member focuses on one specific area of the development process. They will strive to produce the best in market, with original product ideas, newly sourced materials and perfectly fitting, functional garments. Typical roles may include:
Designer
Product Developer
Garment Technician
Fabric Technician
Merchandiser
Sourcing / Logistics
I worked at Rapha for a number of years, and they were a prime example of a āInnovation Teamā at the time - it was the only time I'veĀ felt likeĀ PD ruled, even over margins. Great for innovation, not always great for the finances!
The Seasonal Lead
Seasonal brands often combine roles, considering margins and timelines a priority. Team members may foster multiple roles, where broad experience across different departments is a huge strength. They will strive to find workable solutions to problems their customers face within seasonal launch dates and to budget.
They usually also focus on more carry over styles, using data from Merchandising to influence future ranges. Typical roles may include:
Merchandiser
Designer
Product Developer x Garment Technician
Start-Ups
If you are one youāll know - you guys wear all the hats!
Using skills already in their arsenal, or ones they learn as they go, entrepreneurs building something new often donāt have the budget to grow development teams for a number of years. They are likely to have clear designs in mind - the reason for wanting to launch their own brand in the first place - and spend their days working out every other element of the product development process as they go.
Straight out of University I ran a sportswear brand called Blue Heron. We sold high performance kit for rowers (regardless of my height, rowing was my life at DeMontfort). Juggling product development, sourcing, finances, marketing, customer services, picking & packing, planning & attending events and clubhouses was full on!
I look back at it fondly, but it was certainly a wild time!
Hereās a young Demi, wearing her favourite Blue Heron kit, ready to jump onto the river!
Why flexible staff are the best
As a freelancer - Iāve worked for businesses of all sizes, across different roles, often slotting into established teams to help where their current staff are struggling.
Whether itās:
a time problem:
years ago I worked on a project to build 80+ CC/CN tech packs for the new season to a very tight timeline. It goes without saying there were a BIG established brand.an experience problem:
if teams have been running without garment techs, the finer details of sizing and body measurements can go awry.a relationship problem:
I often introduce brands to my trusted network of suppliers, working together to establish communication, brief out new designs and order first samples.
a start-up problem:
Lack of time means lack of progress! Bringing me on as your product developer / garment tech, even part-time, leaves you with the time to focus on everything else that comes with launching a brand.
There are so many ways a freelancer can integrate into your team - our expertise is here to be gleaned from, and if theyāre like me, theyāll be happy to answer any silly question you can think of. We take out the stress, and can be bad cop if required!
At the end of the day, everyones after the same thing and itās okay to have help getting there š§”
Hey, Iām Demi š
Want to start your own clothing brand?
Already an established brand struggling with workloads? I can help šāāļø
Working with a freelance Garment Tech means you get the expertise, patience and supplier connections, without the infamous stress that comes with developing apparel and accessories.
Get services tailored to you, whether you need an introduction on how the sampling and manufacture process works, fresh Tech Packs, or perhaps support reviewing and fitting samples from factories - I can help!
Or maybe you want ongoing support, handing me the reins to get your stuff made š
What would you love to launch next? š½šššš§„š
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