First shoe and cap samples!!

This is the first range of samples that I have developed of my designs with multiple factories. The purpose of this was to see how difficult it was to deal with 3-4 different factories , producing different products, but with the same design features, colours, processes, materials and logo's to produce matching sets.

This process set out to be extremely difficult at first, with 13 samples coming back completely wrong or some right and then the other products not matching. This was a very good project for me to set out on as it really helped me learn where the language barrier and communication was breaking down between the factories, my translators and of course ME, and what systems and processes I had to put in place to ensure quality assurance and control while dealing with multiple factories and multiple projects. This eventually turned out to be an extremely beneficial project. Even though some hard times were endured , I really established a strong respect and understanding with the factories that I was working with of the level of quality that I and the Australian market demand.

The samples range that I had designed consisted of Hats, T-shirts, Hoodies, & shoes, all with a common artwork and  fabrics. So as you can see all the products came from my raw design and eventually into product and then into catalogue form.

So far so good!!

So far so good!! I have met a lot of great new people and contacts. Seeing how the Chinese do things is a real eye opener, Like their management of staff and work ethics are ....... lets just say different!!

But the funny thing that I have seen here is , we as Australians have a bad image of China because of the reputation of workers conditions and wages and so fourth. But after being there , it is very different.

 The un-employment and poverty in China is so high because of there massive population that all these workers that I see and meet in the factories are actually very very happy with a smile on their face, 1- to be employed , 2-to have food to eat everyday , 3-to have a roof over there families head ( most factories provide accommodation for there staff & families. )
4-they don't know any different, so the conditions may be poor to us but great to them.

Just a bit of info for you!!

Hope the polution does not kill me!!

One thing that is difficult to get used to is the AIR!!

This picture was actually about midday on a clear sunny day!!

Cough cough!!

Back again

Heading back to China to further develop my skills and abilities over there. On this trip I really hope to increase my number of contacts with factories and products. I will also start developing some more complicated products from my own designs, like shoes and baseball caps. I would also like to really start sourcing some good contacts in shipping and air cargo.