CUSTOM JACKETS:

Hey there everyone! It’s been a minute since my last post! Things around our household have been sort of crazy here lately! I wanted to talk a bit more about a project of mine that just took off in ways I didn’t expect: Custom Jackets!

I had a friend come to me requesting a custom jacket for her daughter to wear to her dad’s games. This was something I hadn’t done before, but I was optimistic that I could create what she was asking for and make it pretty darn cute. Spoiler: it turned out ADORABLE and I got so much feedback on it that I decided to offer Custom Jackets to my lineup of services! Image of first jacket below:

I’ve had a ton of people reach out with lots of questions about ordering and the process, so I thought I would answer those questions here and take you through my process on cranking these babies out!

THE PROCESS:

1. The client reaches out to me and tells me they are interested in a kid’s denim jacket with a girly/unicorn theme. I make sure to ask them if there are things that MUST be on the jacket (i.e. a first name at the top, a unicorn and initials) I also ask that they send me a picture of the back of their jacket or the link to the jacket they will be buying. I also ask if there is a price range the client would like to stay in if they have not already mentioned that.
2. I take all the information the client gives me initially and I do a digital mockup on my iPad.
3. Once the digital mockup is finished, I send it to the client. Here they can make any edits they want. That includes removing patches, changing colors of vinyl details, adding more details…really anything at this point! See below the digital mockup this client would receive.

4. If there were any edits needed, I make the edits and resend the mockup to the client (I actually don’t charge for revisions). Once the jacket is exactly what they client wants I send them an invoice. I accept PayPal and Venmo for convenience but can send an invoice that can be paid with a card upon request.
5. Once the invoice is paid, I order all the patches and any vinyl I might need for the project. I also finalize any of my files for print. Also, at this time, the client will send me their jacket or order their jacket and have it sent to me (address on invoice).
6. After all the patches and materials come in and I receive the client’s jacket I start work on their custom jacket! After it’s complete it’s sent back to them! (see final jacket below) as you can see, there are some differences between the mockup and final jacket. That’s because my digital mockup is an assumption of colors/sizes of patches relative to the size of the jacket. But I try to get it is close to the mockup as possible. If there are any big changes (like if the patch comes in WAY bigger than anticipated) I will message the client to make sure they are still ok with the look of the jacket.

FAQ:

Q1. What’s the typical price range for these Custom Jackets?

A1. Prices vary, as each jacket is completely custom. The total cost depends on the amount of detailing on your jacket, this allows you to really control the cost you pay. Kid’s jackets start at $80 and Adult jackets start at $120. They go up from there based on the details. For example, the kid’s jacket show above (girly/unicorn) comes in at $125 because it has several patches and vinyl designs. A typical price range for kid’s is $80-$150 and a typical price range for adult’s is $120-$200 dependent on details.

Q2. What is the turn around time for these jackets?

A2. Once the mockup is approved and your jacket is received it could take between 3-4 weeks to get your jacket back. The patches take about 2 weeks to get to me and then I create your jacket after that and send it back to you. Getting me your jacket as quickly as possible will help me stay within that time frame.

Q3. Does the client provide their own jacket?

A3. Yes. I ask that the client provides their own jacket because I think this is a pretty personal thing. I want to ensure the clients loves the fit and feel of their jacket from the beginning. With kid’s this is a little less important and I’m happy to source kid’s jackets for the client. The cost of the jacket is added to the final invoice. I also recommend a few jackets to clients that have worked well in the past. See those links below:

Dark Wash Toddler Jacket – Girls (newborn – 24 months)

Light Wash or Dark Wash Toddler Jacket – Girl (12M – 5T)

Multiple Washes (4M – 4T)

Q4. Does the client tell you what they want on their jacket or just what they like?

A4. Either! The client tells me the things they MUST have on there (like a name or a heart). You can also tell me things you like or other things in your life that you would like incorporated in some way. I take everything you tell me and create the digital mockup that you can make edits to. That way you KNOW you’re gonna love it before you pay for it.

WHAT YOU GET WITH A CUSTOM JACKET:

These jackets are really a labor of love for me. I take it very seriously to get to know each client, so their specific jacket is 100% custom to them. I encourage edits to the mockups if there is ever anything that the client wants changed, I want to ensure each client has fallen in love with their jacket before they pay for it. I also understand that not everyone has a huge budget for a custom jacket but may really want one. That is why I ask for a budget up front so that when I am designing your jacket I can stay within your budget. I never want to create something that you fall in love with and then realize it’s out of your price range. When edits are made, I will check back in with you on any cost changes, so you always know where you are at.

These jackets are wonderful for showing off your personal style, and you can guarantee that no one else is going to have the exact same jacket as you. Here is a bit more about what you get when you purchase your custom jacket from me:

1. Custom hand lettering! That’s right! I hand letter all the elements on your jacket! That’s not a font! This makes them one-of-a-kind!
2. Personalized drawings. Yup, I do those too! Want a sparkly mushroom in the center of your jacket? I can do it! The sky is the limit!
3. Individually sourced patches. After talking with you about what exactly you want on your jacket, I work tirelessly on sourcing the PERFECT patches!
4. All the love and care in the world! I am a real person who puts so much time and effort into creating your perfect jacket, because I know these are pieces you will wear and cherish for years to come!

HOW TO GET YOUR HANDS ON YOUR OWN:

If you are interested in your very own Custom Jacket you can reach out to me by email at hello@akelaclarkdesigns.com or you can fill out the form at www.akelaclarkdesigns.com/custom-jacket-order-form

I will be in touch within the week after you reach out!

Akela