Staying involved in the production process lets you be in control. What better way to make bags the way you want them to be made than to do it yourself? Keep expanding your skill set as you continue designing. If you’re designing cloth bags, you may want to learn how to weave. You’ll also almost certainly need to know how to sew zippers into your bags.

These programs will teach you basic design, production, and art techniques. Some schools may also have courses in business and marketing that could be useful for you. [1] X Research source While you’re in the learning phase, you can also apply for internships with big-name handbag designers or other companies in the fashion industry. [2] X Research source Eventually, it would be helpful to find a mentor that can hopefully help guide you along your career path. A fashion degree doesn’t guarantee success, and it’s not necessary if it’s out of your budget. It’s even more important to be passionate about your creative and unique designs!

Ask your friends and family what they look for in a bag. See if they use multiple bags for different occasions.

Maybe the whole reason you got into handbag design was because you couldn’t find the exact bag you wanted. If you’re struggling to find that perfect purse, you can bet other people are too.

Don’t underestimate the value of starting with pencil. Because pencil marks can be easily erased, this low-pressure tool will give you the freedom to draw and create without worrying about messing up. [6] X Research source

This may mean using synthetic leather instead of real leather. If you’ll be sewing on jeweled or fine-metal embellishments for the final product, use fake embellishments for the prototype.

Is this a fancier bag that will get scuffed up or damaged with lots of use? Is there a way to make it sturdier? Is it comfortable to carry? Does it fit all the essentials, including a phone, a wallet, and some makeup?

Prototypes help you revise and fix your design, while samples get products ready for mass production. The samples allow you and the manufacturer to estimate the costs of production and pricing, to provide an example bag to give to marketers and buyers, and to have something to photograph. [9] X Research source Find a manufacturer by looking online. Start by searching for producers in your area, and expand your search depending on what you need from your manufacturer.

Start with local retailers. Since you’ll be selling in your community, this lets you receive detailed feedback from customers and store owners. [12] X Research source Send pictures of your samples to popular online fashion blogs to drum up some excitement for your bags. Retailers want products that customers want to buy. [13] X Research source

Make a website or write a blog documenting your entire process. People will love seeing how you’re getting started and watching your bags move from nonexistent to finished and beautiful! Start an online store through a website like Etsy. This already-established platform is easy to use and reliable. It can also give you some good exposure. Use Instagram to share great photos of finished products or the production process. Use Twitter and Facebook to send out fun messages to give your brand personality along with the products. Use LinkedIn to develop the professional side of your business. People may use LinkedIn to see if they can work with or even for you.

Starting small allows you to keep your initial costs low, since you can probably make the first several batches of bags on your own. This will let you avoid working with a manufacturer until you’re ready. [14] X Research source Ask people what they think about your bags when they visit your spot. Even if no one buys your stuff, craft shows are perfect for getting good, honest feedback.

If good photos are really out of your budget, ask your friends and family if anyone owns a nice camera. Lots of people do photography as a hobby, and close buddies may be willing to lend a hand for a free (or heavily discounted) bag. This goes for your website, too. Nothing makes a website look unprofessional like bad pictures.

While some fashion shows may ask emerging designers to present their work, you can also pay venues to allow you to exhibit your bags. [15] X Research source