While writing, communications, and possibly IT are great options for freelance work abroad, whether it be clothing designer or mason, other skills are in demand for the freelance artist, designer, or craftsperson.
With an eye toward significant change in my life, and a little money in the bank, I put everything in storage and came to Europe, not sure exactly what I would do but I knew I wanted a break to redevelop artistic skills I’d let lapse while I pursued a career in Retail and Apparel Manufacturing. With degrees in Art History and Clothing Design, I landed with a fresh outlook toward studying, drawing and getting back to doing what I loved and ended up staying and developing a freelance business which I began on the side for a little spending money and a connection to the culture.
European women love made-to-measure clothing. There are a few reasons beyond simply the European tradition of having your clothes made. First, there are no Macy’s here. Whereas, in the States, there is no end to the variety of stores and selection, in Europe, outside the large cities, shopping means small, intimate boutiques, where you get to know the owner/salesperson, he or she comes to know your taste and together you come up with a limited, though often excellent quality, wardrobe. Secondly, styles are limited and last, sizes are a particular challenge to the Boutique shopper.
Bulletin boards, whether in the local grocery store or on the Internet are an excellent means of exchanging information. I sublet an apartment in Montreux, Switzerland., which I found advertised on a bulletin board in the local supermarket. Apartment leases in much of Europe are for a minimum of a year and you will find ads for those wanting to sublet for the duration of their lease. I, in turn, posted a notice for made-to-measure women’s clothing.
With a fair degree of French and a borrowed sewing machine, I started with alterations for those first few clients who responded to my notices. Thereafter, my business developed through word of mouth. Often women would bring their own fabric, frequently excellent quality, and we would develop a style through either a photo or description. I continued until I was creating a whole wardrobe for a client and then going on to the next.
One client, after I had done everything she needed, went to India and brought back several bolts of a beautiful multi-ply silk crepe and commissioned me to create ensembles for all of her close family and friends as gifts.
I had invested in a new sewing machine by then and many of the other tools and equipment I needed. I also met someone and married. We were in the process of renovating an old farmhouse in Italy at the time and on our trips back and forth I bought gorgeous Italian silks for co-ordinated blouse fabrics.
I created an ivory duchess silk satin and chiffon wedding dress, with fabric from Lucca, Italy, in Montreux that was worn in Rio de Janeiro.
We moved to Italy and I continue to do as much work as I can , starting with friends and neighbors and then developing, as before, word of mouth. There are a number of women who will sew for you here but I have experience in all stages of the design process, from sketch to the finish work, and I keep up with contemporary styles. I’ve become an expert at bias cut and the lettuce leaf hem on silk.
One of my favorite “jobs” is creating costumes for our, 8 year old and friends, for the delightful annual festivities of Carnevale. I spend hours recreating the latest superheros
There are many advantages to working this way. I have developed my language skills, and gotten to know local people and resources. This is freelance work which I do on my own schedule. We also have apartments that we rent by the week which keep us busy, but even with this, I have enjoyed doing several pieces for our guests. Within the week I can put together a lovely little something for that special occasion.I maintain an emphasis on quality which the European customer appreciates and continue to develop a skill in demand while doing something I love. My husband, a career Maitre d’Hotel, “freelances” as a mason.
Kerry Bell © All Rights Reserved Transitions Abroad Magazine 2006
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