How to Find Clients as a Freelance Textile Designer

Published by Shikha Kumari on May 23, 2025

In 2025, the freelance textile design market in India is expanding rapidly, so automatically finding clients has become both a challenge and an opportunity. Many new designers ask, “How to find clients online?” or “How to get clients for a new business?”  In this blog, we are going to discuss practical, targeted strategies to find and secure textile freelance jobs.

How to Find Clients Online

For freelance textile designers, an online presence is very important. Most clients now search for creatives via search engines or social media platforms. That is why your digital visibility matters a lot. You can create a simple, mobile-friendly site with 3 to 5 strong projects, an About section, a contact form, and social links to build trust. SEO-optimise using phrases like “freelance textile designer India” or “custom textile print services.”
Platforms like Behance & Dribbble are search tools for clients. Upload your full project breakdowns, not just final images. Use relevant keywords in titles and tags. Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer are popular platforms. 

How to Find Clients for Free

If you are not able to invest a large sum in promotion, you can practice multiple ways to avoid spending. Not every designer can spend on ads or promotions. Fortunately, many client-finding methods cost nothing. Always keep searching for small fashion labels or decor shops using hashtags like #slowfashionindia, #homegrownbrand, or #printdesigner. Comment on fellow creators’ content genuinely. You may also proceed to DM artists with a brief intro and portfolio link. Groups like “Indian Fashion Designers” or “Textile Printing Business Owners” often post freelance design needs. 

Being active builds visibility and trust. You can always ask past college friends, mentors, or even ex-clients for introductions. One strong referral can lead to multiple projects.  Short, well-written emails to boutique brand owners can still work. Attach a mini-portfolio (under 5MB) or link to an online one.

Where to Find Clients as a Freelancer

Knowing where to look saves time and energy. On Etsy, for example, Small-scale sellers often need new pattern designs. Filter by “India” or “handmade fabric” sellers, then pitch customised design ideas via their contact form. Websites like Redbubble or Society6 showcase independent fabric sellers. As a designer, you can collaborate or offer services as a custom design creator. Local exhibitions or craft fairs may seem overrated, but they offer very powerful networking spots. Freelancers can connect with brands directly, understand design preferences, and pitch services. In LinkedIn search, try using filters like “Founder + clothing” or “Co-founder + sustainable brand” to find decision-makers and message them professionally.

How to Get Clients for a New Business

If you are starting from scratch, collaborate with other freelancers like fashion stylists or photographers. Offer patterns in exchange for tagged credits in posts or lookbooks. Instead of posting only final designs, share sketches, swatch trials, and repeat pattern previews. It builds credibility and shows skill. A one-time deal like “First 2 designs at 20 per cent off” encourages early adopters. If someone once liked a post or asked for a price but didn’t buy, message them again after a month. Follow-ups convert.

How to Find Clients on Instagram

Instagram is the modern-day portfolio for many textile designers. Use specific hashtags but avoid generic ones. Try #textiledesignerindia, #printdesignservices, #customfabricprint, or #freelancedesignerindia. Always aim for 3 to 4 posts per week; you can mix final designs, close-up textures, and also post behind-the-scenes. Group stories into Highlights titled “Services,” “Rates,” “Client Work,” and “Process.” It answers common queries quickly. If inspired by a brand’s style, tag them in a relevant post and comment thoughtfully on their feed.

How to Get Clients on Facebook

Facebook may seem outdated, but it’s still relevant, especially in regional markets. Offer textile design services as a “Listing” in the services section. It shows up in local searches. A well-managed page with testimonials, pricing guides, and project albums can act like a mini website. Focus on industry-specific communities like “Indian Fabric Suppliers” or “Freelance Designers in Fashion India.”