Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn taking a bag course?
You will learn the basics of designing a handbag collection, from initial ideas to a creating a technical spec. This involves in depth work on materials, hardware and construction techniques – all vital to developing a successful design. The two week course has a more intensive approach and includes modules on sourcing, manufacturing and branding.
I would like to take your online course. Does it include a syllabus/booklet as well some Pdf guidance and meetings?
The online course includes numerous pdf documents supporting the topics I cover and there is also email support throughout the course. In addition to the scheduled online meetings, I also make time for question and answer sessions.
What do I need to take the on line course ?
Technical requirements include a microphone, headphones, a webcam, and a reliable internet connection via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or 4G/5G mobile signal. Basic course materials include paper and pen
to take notes during live sessions, pencils, a sketch book, a layout pad, a cutting-board, a steel ruler, a craft knife and thin card. I will provide more detailed guidance for you before the course begins.
Do I need to know how to design and sketch
No, this is covered during the course and there are drawing exercises to help you to express your design ideas.
I have work and home commitments, is it possible to arrange to a one to one course to accommodate my schedule and how long does a course run?
Yes, that’s no problem. I you need to rearrange a session because of other commitments I would need 24 hours prior notice. I will then do my best to accommodate you.The course runs until all the sessions are completed. This can be dependent on you availability but to get real benefit extended gaps between sessions can be detrimental and should be avoided.
I am looking for someone to mentor me on bag design and production.
I’m happy to mentor entrepreneurs but it has to start withan introductory conversation where I can familiarise myself with you situation and aims. Then if I believe I can help you we can work out a mutually convenient schedule.
I would like to launch my own label backpacks but have no experience. What do you advise
me to do ?
First of all, work out a strategy that includes researching your target market and the type of bags you want to produce. If you have no experience in these areas take a course to help.
We our a handbag company and want to focus the styles in our range. Could you advise us how to refine our range on a one day consultation?
Yes, but to advise you I would need to familiarise myself with your company and that research would require at least a day before I could reasonably make a meaningful contribution. Following the consultation day I would produce a feedback report, with my initial suggestions. Any subsequent days obviously benefit from a deepening understanding of the brand and are often used by my clients for course corrections in their design and marketing.
Do you accept online students/ entrepreneurs for courses, mentoring and consultancy, who aren’t based in the UK and in a different time zone?
Yes, I have students /entrepreneurs from all around the world and we always manage to find a mutually convenient time for the course.
