Immersive and supportive workshops for small businesses, independent brands and creatives.
About Blossom & Bloom
You may have designed the most gorgeous products, but in this noisy online world simply popping a snap on Instagram and hoping for the best isn’t enough. Your brand deserves to be seen and your message needs to be heard. Introducing Blossom & Bloom…
In collaboration with expert marketing strategist Abi Rose, CAD For Fashion has developed a range of exciting workshops designed to help your business thrive in the digital age. From branding and product development to social media, PR and marketing, we’ll provide you with all the tools you need to inspire your customers, expand your influence and build your community.
Choose your course
Each workshop can be taken separately to develop your skills in a niche area. Alternatively, you can take the workshops as a series to really give your brand a boost. Choose from:
Let’s Get Social – social media training tailored to designers, creatives and small brands
Off to Market – advice on product development and getting the most from events
Blogging & Branding for Business – learn how to become the ‘face’ of your brand
Blossom & Bloom: The Masterclass – marketing your brand beyond social media
If you need advice on which workshops best align with your brand ethos, email info@cadforfashion.co.uk for bespoke guidance and friendly advice.
Meet your teachers
Erica Horne
An experienced fashion lecturer, designer and founder of CAD For Fashion, Erica is perfectly placed to help you take your brand to the next level. She’s super-excited to expand her offering to cover marketing, branding and social media which she believes are essential to any brand’s success. Follow Erica on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Abi Rose
After providing social media and marketing training to household names, government departments and an internationally acclaimed artist or two, Abi is now thrilled to share her expertise with indie brands and small business trailblazers.
Abi’s also written copy and developed marketing strategies for major lifestyle brands such as Lash Unlimited, Urban Apothecary and GB Labels. So naturally, she’s full of ideas on how she can support your brand too. Follow her on Instagram and see her website here.
Register your interest
Ready to ace your marketing, add a little extra flair to your products and generate more sales? Subscribe to our new mailing list or follow us on Instagram to be the first to know about Blossom & Bloom’s launch.
CAD for Fashion is very happy to announce our collaboration with Line + Dot Creative! Creative director Alexandra Hardwick is going to be sharing her skills and expertise to help you develop your concept and execute your text-based, brand logo using Adobe Indesign.
Alex is the driving force behind Line + Dot, with more than ten years’ industry experience working with brands including Adidas x Stella McCartney, Hugo Boss and Disney within a global fashion branding agency. She believes in insight-led concepts, creativity and thoughtful design. Her skills span across, website design, Logo and style guide creation, branding application and market research.
Why Adobe Indesign?
Adobe Indesign is the industry standard for fashion branding. It allows you to create high quality, print ready artwork for your fashion promotional materials. InDesign provides the tools necessary to design pages and create visual layouts that can be used for both print and digital media. It bridges the gap between Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator with some fantastic applications within the world of graphic design and fashion.
Adobe InDesign for Fashion Branding – Beginner 27.04.2019
Would you like the power to realise your own vision? This Adobe InDesign for Fashion Branding Course will give you the skills to create and explore the potential of powerful mood boards and thoughtfully designed text-based logos for your fashion brand.
Whether you are a fashion startup looking to create a logo for your business or an established brand looking to refresh your look. This course will take you through the essential processes needed to produce professional and relevant branding materials. All we ask is that you have a brand name decided upon and that you have some idea of your market positioning. Not sure if you are ready? Or if this course is for you then please get in touch here, we would be happy to advise.
What will I learn?
In the morning Alex will take you through the basics of understanding your brand; defining your target audience and helping you to pick out key messages and aesthetics you want to carry through with your branding. You will then use Adobe InDesign to create moodboards portraying the direction of your brand. In the afternoon Alex will guide you through the software to explore and create a text-based logos inspired by your morning’s work.
By the end of the day, you will have a professional looking logo that represents your brand, that can be used across your print and digital materials such as your website, promotional materials, labels, and of course social media.
There’s much more to being a fashion designer than having an eye for style and a flair for design. In an increasingly digital world a good working knowledge of CAD software is crucial but, unfortunately, it’s something that’s often overlooked on design courses.That’s why experienced designer, Erica Horne, has created an innovative new studio and training academy, CAD for Fashion, in Derby. Training can be hugely beneficial to fashion designers from students, to freelancers, to corporate teams and while specific computer aided design courses are popular in London there’s previously been little available in the Midlands.
Erica explains: “I studied fashion at Derby University and always particularly enjoyed using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. It wasn’t really covered in depth on the course computer-aided but I got on well with the software and began helping friends with it. When I graduated 6 years ago and began working as a childrenswear designer in Nottingham I continued to teach people how to use the software. Eventually, this led to teaching short courses at Nottingham Trent University, visiting lectures at Derby, Birmingham City Universities, and offering tuition to people at home. The demand was clearly there – this software can play a huge part in a fashion designer’s role nowadays and knowing how to use it properly, understanding the shortcuts, and using it in the same way as colleagues so that you can collaborate effectively makes life so much easier – so that’s why I set up the Academy.”
Erica Horne – Owner CAD for Fashion Studio & Academy
One of CAD for Fashion Academy’s resident experts – each one highly skilled and still practising as a designer in the Fashion industry.
As well as running the academy, through the studio side of the business Erica still works as a freelance designer and product development manager with award-winning Nottingham designer Fazane Fox amongst other brands. It’s this continued hands-on, industry experience that qualifies Erica to teach CAD in the most current and relevant way.
“I’m up-to-date with the latest versions of the software; I know how it works and what fashion designers need from it. It’s not bespoke software and most generic courses cover Illustrator and Photoshop for graphic design. The fashion industry has specific uses and requirements, so that’s what I focus on.”
Erica Horne – Owner CAD for Fashion Studio & Academy
Erica Horne – At the CAD for Fashion academy Launch Event helping some guests with the Adobe Illustrator challenge.
For businesses, Erica can work with whole teams to ensure that they’re all using the software efficiently and in the same way, leading to slicker processes and easier collaboration, as she did recently with Nottingham based MotoDirect. Courses cover all levels, ranging from complete beginner to intermediate or refresher, with corporate courses adapted specifically to a team’s needs.
If you would like to find out more about how CAD for Fashion Studio & Academy can support you and your needs please get in touch!
We were delighted to welcome the incredible talent that is Jessica Priest to the CAD for Fashion Academy recently.Jess is a well-known and very successful artist and printed textile designer, whose stunningly effortless floral designs have been sold to Anthropologie, Vera Wang, Toast and Calvin Klein as well as numerous high street brands.Having graduated from Winchester School of Art in 2000 Jess began working at a top London print design studio, and now works from her home studio in Buckinghamshire.As well as designing, Jess teaches all over the UK so we were thrilled when she agreed to come and deliver a guest workshop at the CAD for Fashion Academy.
Needless to say, the session was a sell-out success, and those who were lucky enough to attend were certainly not disappointed!Jess spent the morning teaching the group about watercolour floral painting as they created their own work, honing their individual style and technique under Jess’s expert guidance.She was inspiring and knowledgeable, sharing her tips, artistic flair and industry experience with the group who all came away buzzing and eager to put their newly refined skills to good use.
Jess’s freehand teaching was later complemented by an afternoon digital session run by our resident print expert, Stephen Rose, during which delegates were able to work in our Mac suit to clean up and translate their morning’s work into seamless repeat pattern designs using Adobe Photoshop.From watercolour painting to professional textile design, all in a day!
This afternoon session was so popular we are running another in January for those who missed out on the day; Book Here if you are still unsure get in touch, we even have someone from another of Jess’s workshops joining us to learn how to work with their artwork in Adobe Photoshop.
The course suited everyone from complete beginners with an interest in floral art, to those already working as professional fashion designers wanting to expand their skill set.Feedback from all attendees was wonderfully positive… which is exactly what makes it all worthwhile!
“…can’t find words to tell you how much I enjoyed yesterday’s workshop! For your enthusiasm, patience and hospitality thank you so much!”
“…Jessica Priest shared her beautiful talent for painting florals, Stephen Rose gave a brilliant photoshop workshop and Erica Horne hosted the event and was so warm and welcoming.If you get the chance do check out this place; these people really know their stuff.I promise you’ll leave feeling inspired!”
“Saturday well spent at CAD for Fashion with the incredibly talented Jessica Priest… it’s so good to learn new skills in the workplace both freehand and on Adobe to help enhance your role!”
Due to the success of this session, another one is planned for May 2019 – in fact, there’s already a waiting list for those who are interested so, if you’d like to attend the next one sign up to ourmailing listto make sure you don’t miss out on a place.We’d love to see you there!
CAD for Fashion is a warm and inviting space making it easy to learn. Erica is a dream of a teacher- She is so patient... and knowledgeable, I didn't want to leave at the end of the day! I would highly recommend any of the classes- you'll come away feeling inspired and confident with your new (or refreshed) abilities, just like me :)read more
I did a 2 day course with Erica at CAD for Fashion, it was super informative and enjoyable; and I learnt more tips,... tricks and techniques using Illustrator over those 2 days than I did during my entire 3 years at university!
It's really great that the class sizes are so small too, it means you can really get some one-on-one guidance tailored towards what you need from the course.
I would 100% recommend CAD for Fashion to all industry professionals, from beginners to those looking to hone their skills - Erica is a welcoming and patient tutor with so much helpful knowledge.
Totally worth it for the memory stick full of handouts, templates and illustrator brushes alone! ;)
Thanks again Erica - hoping to come back again soon!read more
I had the great pleasure of attending one of CAD for Fashion Illustrator workshops to update my skills and style when... creating technical drawings. Erica's skills and experience in teaching clients of all levels is second to none leaving you wanting to learn even more. By the end of the workshop you are equipped with great notes and confidence to apply new techniques in your work. Happy to recommend CAD 4 Fashion!!read more
Erica is one of the most talented designers, illustrators and trainers I have ever come across in my career. Her... attention to detail, knowledge of the subject, patience and work ethic is admirable. I would highly recommend Erica/CAD for Fashion to anyone wanting to learn Illustrator or Photoshop at any level.read more
I would highly recommend Erica & CAD for Fashion with help in improving or developing your current skills throughout... Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop. I attended one of her short course's and i was thoroughly impressed with what was covered in the couple of days. Her knowledge is amazing and i came away with a lot more confidence and an ever-growing set of skills needed for a career in the Fashion Industry. Her studio is modern, fresh & a very peaceful environment to learn. I will definitely be attending more short courses in the near future :)read more
CAD for fashion is a perfect place to learn new skills! Erica has set up a studio in a funky but very historical... building- which goes perfectly with her creative business. Recently, I went to a workshop that Erica had put on with Jess Priest. The hospitality, support and attentiveness that Erica had shown with her team was lovely and I am now looking forward to book future workshops. Definitely a place to further/refresh your skills.read more
Cad for fashion taught me loads of cheeky techniques to speed up my designing, I’ve been designing 8 years now and... it’s great to have access to Erica who is so up to date with the latest developments in both illustrator and photoshop for myself. My team really benefitted from this and already use these techniques daily.
Additionally I’ve been on the watercolour paint and photoshop manipulation course and found these highly enjoyable and inspirational. It’s great to add more to the portfolio that can open doors in the future.read more
Erica has helped me develop the skills I need to design using CAD. It is a brilliant and useful skillset, highly valued... by the industry. Erica's classes are great, the tuition is of a very high standard and her demonstrations are very clear. If you have questions, Erica will always make sure they are answered. I highly recommend her courses!read more
Although I’m not a designer, I have to use Illustrator & Photoshop most days at work to amend CAD designs &... promotional offers. Erica tailored a half day course to suit my needs & specific requirements. She was so helpful in demonstrating every step & explaining each of my queries. I have picked up so many useful tools & skills which has been amazing in aiding my work. Erica has also kindly assisted with any queries I’ve had since the course over email. I would definitely recommend her to anyone needing assistance with Illustrator/Photoshop. I’m amazed at what I’m now able to do compared to before with just a few hours tuition!!read more
Erica gave me lots of tips and tricks to make me so much more efficient on Illustrator. It was such a great day on the... course and I can’t wait to do another!read more
Erica helped me build my CAD for fashion work for my portfolio. She helped me grow in confidence using adobe... illustrator. I learn loads of new skills which helped me hugely build my portfolio to a higher level.
She tailored the course to our own needs and what each client wanted to develop and benefit from. Erica was clear and accurate demonstrating technical skills which was very easy to follow.
I would highly recommend Erica if you are trying to build your CAD portfolio, she is extremely approachable and friendly.read more
Started with the lessons for my final year fashion collection project with the lovely Erika and gosh! I could not... believe what I can do and developed. I have definitely changed my portfolio game to the next level, I start from knowing the basics but now a lot more confident. Moving from relying on PowerPoint is definitely a game changer.
Hoping to do more lessons with her to keep my CAD skills up to date sometime in the future.
I would recommend CAD for Fashion to anyone at any level of CAD as Erika was very supportive even after each lessons!read more
Erica helped me to enhance my CAD skills. I would recommend her to students of all abilities as she provides the level... of tuition you require; whether you are at a novice or intermediate level.read more
So patient, and such an amazing teacher. I learned so much in a hour. Worth every penny. Made a massive difference when... creating my portfolio.
Your amazing ERICA wish I met you sooner x 😊read more
If you are seeking step by step guidance in CAD Erica is the person to go for. Easy to talk to, friendly and with lots... of great tips. Being a fashion student she helped me out in various aspects of fashion design but certainly the most on how to build an amazing portfolio based on proper industry standards.read more
I recently had two sessions with Erica focusing on both illustrator and photoshop. Erica went at a pace I could follow... and I came away feeling much more confident. I couldn't recommend Erica enough and will be back to do more sessions in the future!!read more
I am a first year student studying fashion I'm going into my second year. I really struggle using Illustrator or any... type of software for that matter as, I'm very dyslexic and struggle to take in information. Erica was extremely helpful and Understanding and has managed to build up my confidence with using the software I couldn't recommend her enough and look forward to my next session.read more
I recently met Erica for a two hour Photoshop cad fashion training session. Having never used Photoshop software... before (and also being slightly scared of it!) I came away with complete clarity and a thorough step by step guide (and good notes) for the areas I needed to know.
I have now been able to use that knowledge and notes to sit down and create my first collection, something I had no idea of being able to do before the training.
Erica is an excellent teacher, quickly picking up how fast/slow to go and when to go over things if it hasn't quite sunk it. I will certainly be booking Erica again for the next time. A thoroughly enjoyable morning. Anna. The Little Style House.read more
I booked a series of sessions with Erica for portfolio work. She demonstrated different techniques to enhance my work... and made layout suggestions, sparking ideas and enabling me to develop my portfolio between each session. Her tips on scale, alignment and the positioning of text and images enabled me to create a comprehensive portfolio that I am really pleased with. Erica has the ability to take on board my needs and tailor each session to specific tasks. Her suggestions enabled me to think about how I could approach tasks in different ways, using a variety of techniques. Sessions with Erica built on my existing knowledge and increased my confidence when using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.read more
As a final year fashion student it was great working with CAD for fashion, recapping illustrator and photoshop and... improving my boards and technical drawings! :)read more
I'm currently studying Fashion at university and had a sound understanding of both Illustrator and Photoshop. However,... my work was fairly standard and I wasn't exactly sure where to progress. During the time I spent with Erica, I found this was no longer an issue. I saw a huge improvement in my CAD work through her tutoring, where she was able to give me guidance on both programs. She was gave me tips on different tools within the programs and advice on how to improve aspects of my work. I've found not only is my work a better standard, but I'm able to produce things a lot faster due to more efficient methods.
I'd wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking to advance their CAD work, especially given her friendly nature, patience and willingness to teach others.read more
We are using a brand new booking system! We hope to give you a pleasant booking experience but if you do encounter any issues contact info@cadforfashion.co.uk Dismiss
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Please click ok to confirm you are happy with this, or click read more for more information.OkRead more