Put a label on yourself.
Make labels for your clothes. Notice how most of what you own is easily identified by the label sewn into the neckline? Clothing with visible labels strikes a nerve in customers those unlabeled products do not. It’s important to create recognition and familiarity with your work, even subtly.
I’m not preaching logomania, just encouraging labels. Everything is judged by its appearance, and what people don’t see doesn’t count. Create a logo out of your name or brand name, and get it printed. If you do not yet have a logo, don’t sweat it. It takes less effort than you think. For some inspiration, here’s a highly informative article on the redesign of an iconic logo: Helmut Lang Logotype.
A label draws attention to your work. Even for those reclusive types that hate attention, a label is still important. It can be as discreet or obscure as you want. Signing your name inside somewhere is enough, but make it visible. Speaking of a recluse, Martin Margiela is famous for his labels, which originally were blank white woven rectangles with hand-stitched corners. A detail like this is all it takes for your work to be unmistakable.
Some great resources include Cruz Label and Wunderlabel. These companies allow you to create custom woven labels, heat transfer labels, embroidered labels, printed ribbon, and more. Start simple and get started.
The big brands use companies like Label Kings and EU Design, but they are expensive. In my experience, you don’t need these services unless you are creating a fully branded and packaged assortment that includes boxes, stationery, business cards, garment bags, hangers, buttons, etc.
For now, just make labels and get noticed.
