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Connie B

From Idea to Sketch - How to Capture Your Fashion Vision on Paper

Welcome to the the Blog Series: The No-Fashion-Experience Guide to Developing Your Fashion Line, where we will walk you through how to take your design idea from your head to a polished design, ready to move into the sampling phase! This is part 1 of 4, so be sure to subscribe to stay tuned!


So, you've got a killer idea for a fashion product, and a solid customer base that you know would line up to buy it! But here's the thing—you don't have a fashion background, and you're not exactly Edith Head. No worries! The first step to turning your idea into a real, touchable product is sketching it out. Before you start Googling “how to draw a dress,” let’s break it down.


In this blog, we'll talk about sketching initial concepts without needing to be an artist, and how you can capture the essence of your vision. Trust me, it’s easier than you think.


Step 1: Brainstorm Baby!

Visualize Your End Product: Think of what you want your product to do, not just look like. Are you designing the next must-have luxury hoodie or the go-to summer dress? Start with how you want it to feel and function before worrying about details.


Mood Boards Are Life: Not a drawer? No biggie. Use mood boards to get your creative juices flowing. Pinterest, magazine clippings, and even color swatches can help you shape your vision. Think vibes more than specifics here.


A fashion design mood board to guide the design process




Step 2: The (Sorta) Art of Sketching

Simple is Better: You don’t need to sketch like a fashion school grad. Basic lines and shapes will get the job done. Keep your sketches clear enough to communicate your ideas—nothing more. If you can draw a stick figure, you’re good.


KEY TIP: Use tracing paper and put it over the top of similar

styles to get the basic shape!


Include Key Details: Be sure to add a few notes like what type of fabric you imagine or where certain features (like pockets!) should go. This will save you time when you refine your designs later.


Fashion sketch iterations of a draped dress


Step 3: Early Fabric and Trim Considerations

Think of Fabrics Now: Even at the sketch stage, consider fabric types. Is your item meant to be flowy, stretchy, or structured? A little fabric research now can save you headaches later. Look at how similar garments are shaped, look how the fabric moves on the body. Is it pulled tight and smooth? Does it wrinkle and gather in places? These are typically characteristics of garments that are dictated by the fabric choice.


Trims Matter: Zippers, buttons, and other trims should start creeping into your thoughts here. Trust me, it’ll make all the difference when you refine your sketches. Plus, trims can take a basic design from 'meh' to 'wow' in a snap. Literally.



Branded shank buttons on a cashmere coat

Congrats, you've survived the sketching phase! Up next, we’re diving into refining your designs so they look less like your kid’s doodles and more like actual fashion pieces. Stay tuned for tips on balancing proportions, picking practical fabrics, and fine-tuning your vision. And if you’re already feeling overwhelmed with this process already, reach out to our team! We can take your ideas and turn them into polished designs, ready to present to any investors, partners, social media content, or just so you can see your OWN idea on paper!



Co-founder and CEO, Connie Bourgeois

Connie Bourgeois

Connie Bourgeois is a fashion industry expert based in St. Louis, MO, serving as the CEO of Conjetta Designs and an adjunct fashion professor at Washington University. With extensive experience in design, product development, sourcing, logistics, brand building, and sales, she offers valuable insights to brands seeking innovative solutions.


Her holistic approach to brand launch focuses on establishing a strong foundation for profitable business growth by intertwining story, customer connection, production models, costs, and marketing strategies. She guides emerging designers and brand owners through these critical elements to thrive in the fashion industry.


In her freetime, she enjoys long walks with her husband and toddler son, weight-lifting, drinking coffee, and listening to fashion industry podcasts.


 

Are you ready to take the next step in your fashion journey but feel overwhelmed by the complexities of getting your product developed?


Click below to schedule your call and let’s turn your dream into a reality.




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