As a current senior neck deep in work, I’d like to impart some wisdom if I may. The final year of your college career (and yes I mean year, there’s a summer assignment) is going to be a tough one. I don’t say this to scare you, but also … yes, I do. But not to worry, the Godet team and I are here to help you through it. Think of us as your wise, responsible all-knowing big sisters.
We all know senior collection is no small feat, but neither is fundraising. Making a six-look collection isn’t cheap, and this is something you’ll have to consider sooner or later. In an attempt to make your life a bit easier, here are some creative ways and thrifty tricks to fund your senior collection. Trust me, you’re gonna need them.
1. GoFundMe and IndieGoGo
Yes, this is the more traditional route, but it’s tried and true for a reason. You’re gonna wanna squeeze as much cash as you can out of your family members, neighbors and Instagram followers.
2. Monetize a not-so-niche hobby
Get creative. Become a tarot card reader, make weird resin toilet seats, sell feet pics, the world is your oyster. We’re not above exploiting ourselves for art supplies.
3. Competition dollars
Take advantage of those scholarships. We’re talking FSF, CFDA, Gucci Changemakers and the Met Gala one. Tenley is your best friend when it comes to competitions, so check your inbox and sign up when she comes to your classes. Take it from someone who didn’t do this enough.
4. Your dad and / or daddy
If begging your actual parental guardian doesn’t work, Seeking Arrangements offers free memberships with a .edu email address. Pros: Money. Cons: Many.
5. Hire/recruit underclassmen “interns”
Trust me, this is a mutually beneficial relationship. They get insight into the painful, torturous amount of work that goes into senior collection, and you get your fabric and patterns cut out for free.
6. Carry around a tip jar
Anytime anything is asked of you just hold out the jar. Professor asks a question? Jar. Partner asks for the remote control? Jar. You might start losing friends but you’ll be like, $7 richer.
7. TikTok influencing
Become marginally famous for posting collection-related content. Potential downsides may include Dollskill and/or Shein ripping you off almost immediately. And we all know they have quite a large budget for IP theft lawsuits. That and quick production. But hey who doesn’t love internet validation?
8. Sponsorships
Prof. Longshaw will talk about this a lot. Get in touch with fabric and trim companies that might be willing to send you free stuff for your collection. Send your portfolio, advocate for yourself and who knows maybe you’ll get a job out of it.
9. Fraud
Start a fake charity or promote a non-existent pyramid scheme. Morally, fraud is not a great option. But if you make up something ridiculous, when people fall for it is it really on you?
10. Sell your grandma’s stuff
Become a Depop girlie and resell cheap yard sale stuff as trendy kitsch. Grandma-core is in you know.
11. Share resources with classmates
Please, I can’t emphasize this enough, work together. I don’t care what anyone says, you and your classmates are a team, not competition. Share shoot locations, carpool to Fine Fabrics, split shipping costs for online orders, collaboration is everything.
12. Terrorize people
Run around with a camera and a microphone like Billy on the Street, asking people to answer questions. If they get it right you owe them a dollar, but if they get it wrong they owe you.
15. 24-hour live-streamed telethon
Harass people over the phone and through their screens. Turn your roommates into part-time telemarketers.
16. Day trading
Get-rich-quick schemes are always smart right?
Anyways…
We all know, senior collection can be painful, not to mention expensive. But use your resources (like these somewhat serious tips, and the rest of the Godet page) and you’ll survive. You’ve got this <3.
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