Hi, Reader, Most fashion entrepreneurs fear that systems will kill their creativity. I hear it all the time:“I don’t want to feel boxed in.”“I just want to focus on design.” But here’s the truth: creativity actually thrives on structure. The most creative designers I’ve met are also the most systemized. Why? Because systems give your brain freedom: No second-guessing manufacturers No drowning in administrative tasks No losing track of costs When your business has structure, you have the...

Reader Here’s the truth none of us really like to admit: fashion software and technology absolutely can transform your business—but not overnight. I’ve seen designers go from completely overwhelmed to confidently using digital tools to create, plan, and grow their brands. But it didn’t happen instantly: it took practice, commitment, and support. That’s why at 383 Digital Fashion School, we make sure you’re never figuring things out alone. Between office hours, community message boards, and...

Happy Labor Day, Reader! Today we celebrate the contributions of workers everywhere. And if you're a fashion designer (or aspiring to be one), you're part of a tradition of craftspeople who create beautiful, functional things with their hands and minds. But here's the thing about labor: The right tools make all the difference. A carpenter with quality tools works faster and creates better results. A chef with sharp knives and proper equipment delivers better meals. A designer with technical...

Quick question, Reader: What's the #1 thing holding back your fashion design career right now? Is it: Not knowing how to create professional flat sketches? Struggling to communicate with manufacturers? Feeling overwhelmed by tech packs? Missing the digital skills that modern designers need? Well, guess what? You don't have to figure this out alone. This weekend only, you can get the exact training you need at 10% off. ✅ Tech Pack Essentials — Master the "instruction manual" that turns your...

Hi, Reader, Can you believe it's back to school season, already? Today is my first class at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and I just started teaching my flats and specs class, again. Every first day, I see the same thing: students walk in thinking design is all about creativity and artistic vision. By the end of class, they realize there's so much more to building a successful fashion brand. Don't get me wrong—creativity matters. But if that's all it took, wouldn't we see a lot more...

So I'm scrolling through LinkedIn a few days ago, and I came across this video where this guy drew a 2D illustration and then used a new Illustrator feature called "Turntable" that created 3D views of his sketch! 🤯 Say what?!?! Could this be an option for those who aren't using 3D software to still get a "3D" sketch? Using their existing Illustrator sketch? I had so many questions, and I knew instantly I needed to try it! This week's video is the result of me testing "Turntable", and the...

Every few months, Reader, there's a new "revolutionary" tool that's going to "change everything" in fashion design. New AI platforms, updated 3D software, AR fitting tools, blockchain design platforms. The list goes on. And often, I get asked: "Should I learn this new tool, too?" My answer is always the same: What's your foundation? Here's what I've learned after 20+ years of watching design tools evolve: The designers who thrive aren't those chasing every new technology. They're the ones...

“With all the new design tools and AI options, is Illustrator still worth learning?” Absolutely, Reader. Here’s why: No matter which direction your fashion career takes, you’ll encounter Illustrator. It’s not just useful: it’s essential. Heading into corporate? Illustrator is still THE standard for flat sketching in corporate environments. From fast fashion to luxury brands, design teams rely on Illustrator for consistent, professional flats. It’s often the first skill listed in fashion...

I recently got a comment that made me pause, Reader. Someone called Illustrator "antiquated" and asked if AI hasn't mastered flat sketch creation yet. It's a fair question in 2025, right? With all these AI photo-to-sketch tools popping up everywhere. So I decided to test it out and share what I discovered in this week's video. The short answer? AI can create sketches, but they're often unusable for actual design work. The longer answer involves: File structures that make you want to cry...

I've been experimenting with a lot of AI fashion tools in the last few months, Reader, and I'll be honest, they're impressive. I can generate sophisticated flats, technical drawings, even design variations. The quality is genuinely good. But here's what I've noticed after a few months of testing: When I know exactly what I want, Illustrator is often faster. Let me give you a real example: Say you needed to adjust the angle of a sleeve on a jacket flat a few degrees and the pocket ~1/4 inch to...