I have spent the past several days reading Shannon Okey’s new book – The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design and it has been nothing if not enjoyable.
The first half of the book gives a comprehensive overview of what you need to know in order to write, test, publish and market patterns. And as most designers know; there are a whole host of issues that come with being self employed, and the book does not gloss over that aspect at all. As a professional designer, you cannot spend all your time knitting and designing, but there is a fair amount of marketing, accounting, book keeping and “other” miscellaneous items that demand your attention. Shannon’s book is full of practical advice, including tips on accounting software, copyright issues, publishing, distribution, marketing and how to make sales.
The second half of the book contains a number of interviews with established designers. I really like the fact that not all the interviewees are asked the same questions, but they have an opportunity to muse on what is important to them. Everyone has their own take on what is important, and everyone has different goals they are trying to achieve, and I think the interviews reflect that. There is something there for everyone.
I can definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in becoming a knitwear designer, or anyone who is interested in what goes on “behind the scenes”.
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