Working with a designer... where do I start?

[hunkydory]

I'm thinking about working in collaboration with a textile designer to produce unique designs for my lampshades & cushions.

At the moment I source existing fabric prints so moving towards getting my own fabric produced is a completely different kettle of fish and I'm not sure where to start.

Can anyone advise me how you 'employ' a designer? I would want maybe up to 5 fabric designs. I'm guessing they would work on a self employed basis, but would I pay them per design I accept or give them commission on each item produced in their design that sells? I would envisage selling my 'designer range' at a much higher price than my existing range.

I don't know where to start with this really so any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Jayne]

Most textile print firms have there own in house textile designer or designers on there books. Why not ring a few of those firms up, as you are better getting a designer trained in textiles, as they will know about layering inks etc on the fabric. Are you looking for woven fabric or screen printed?

Jayne :D

[hunkydory]

I have actually had a couple of textile designers approach me and before I respond to them, I want to be able to suggest a way forward, so it's not so much an issue of finding a designer but what to do once i've found one!
It's screen printing that I'm interested in btw.

[Jayne]

I'd ask them for a quote, if I was you.

Jayne :D

[WakingDragon]

A good way to start is to find out what the designers who approached you expect to get out of it, and what they expect to input.

You might want to start on a licence basis before actually employing someone. Agree a fee for every one of their designs made or sold (sold is obviously better). If they don't sell then you don't waste money.

Next step would be to buy a design. If it is a successful one already licenced then you need to carefully negotiate a one-off price for it. Otherwise you can commission work and pay a negotiated price. In either case you need to be aware of the limits of protecting the design from copies and also whether the designer is selling you exclusive rights. Usually the copyright for commissioned work rests with the buyer, but always best to be clear.

If you find a designer is particularly good or has a great portfolio then maybe it is worth employing them directly. But I can't see how it would be.