If you’re a passionate knitter, crocheter, or digital pattern creator, you know that managing your fiber business efficiently is the key to running a successful small business. This week we’re sitting down with an expert in our industry Beth Henderson! Along with being the creator behind Fig and Filament, Beth is also the co-founder of inTandem and a valued alpha tester for the gosadi platform. We were lucky enough to sit down with her to get her thoughts on effective content management tools that make her design process and social media presence look effortlessly curated and how you can incorporate her ideas into your own process.
Take it away Beth!
time-saving tips from a seasoned pattern designer
I’m Beth, Fig & Filament, an avid pattern designer and a gosadi alpha tester. Today, I’m excited to share some valuable insights on how to work smarter in your fiber business. From batch-creating content to using time-saving tools like (cough cough) gosadi, these easy tips will revolutionize the way you manage your designs. So, let’s dive in!
create and stick to a routine:
Reinventing the wheel with every pattern launch can be exhausting and unnecessary. Set up a routine or process that works for you, whether it’s planning, designing, or promoting. Having a template for pattern releases can save you time and reduce stress. With a consistent approach, you’ll be able to focus more on the creative aspect of your work.
Create a pattern launch checklist for yourself to follow. You can even dial it in per type of pattern you are launching be it a garment, accessory, home decore pattern, or more. You can check out our handy list here and customize one for yourself. As Michele (gosadi co-founder) always says “Process leads to Profit”.
repurpose content to maximize efficiency:
As fiber artists, we often create various types of content to showcase our patterns. A smart approach is to plan ahead for repurposing. For example, when making stop-motion tutorials, film yourself creating them to create a behind-the-scenes b-roll reel. This way, you can generate two pieces of engaging content in a single session, saving time while entertaining your audience and giving them a glimpse of your process
organize your files effectively:
Keeping your files organized is a lifesaver for any pattern designer. Incorporate dates into file names to avoid confusion and maintain a consistent file structure as well as quickly locate the latest version. This also helps your customers know what date and version they have.
automate tasks to save energy:
Enter gosadi, a game-changer in the world of pattern design management! Automating repetitive tasks allows you to reclaim valuable time and energy. With gosadi, you can streamline your pattern listings, updates, and sales across multiple platforms effortlessly and in a fraction of the time.
Say goodbye to multiple manual uploads and focus more on your creativity!
focus on enjoyment to boost creativity:
We all hit creative roadblocks from time to time. To overcome them, focus on activities you genuinely enjoy. For example, stop-motion stitches can inject fun into your content creation. The joy you derive from these endeavors will ultimately reflect in your work and resonate with your audience. Remember, genuine passion shines through!
There you have it, my dear fiber friends—my advice and top tips to work smarter in your fiber business! I hope these insights help you streamline your processes, enhance creativity, and boost your overall efficiency as a pattern designer.
And remember, at the end of the day there are only so many hours in the day. The goal is to stretch (not double) your resources while continuing to protect your love of making! If you can do this you’re sure to create a strong foundation for a fiber business that will last!
