About
Twenty years,
and everything
that comes with them.
I’m Lisa Houghton, a fashion design consultant with two decades of experience across the British retail industry. Buying, design, trend forecasting, and a lot of time on the shop floor at brands you’ve heard of.
Over the years I’ve reviewed hundreds of graduate portfolios, sat on the other side of the interview table, and watched talented designers struggle to communicate work they should be proud of. Most of the gaps I see have nothing to do with talent. They’re about presentation, framing, and understanding how the industry actually makes decisions.
That’s what I work on with the designers I mentor. Not what to make, but how to show it, talk about it, and get somewhere with it.
What I believe
Talent isn’t the problem.
Most graduates I work with have the creative ability. What they lack is the industry knowledge to position it correctly.
Honesty is more useful than encouragement.
I give direct feedback. Not to be harsh, but because vague praise doesn’t help you get better or get hired.
Process matters less than outcome.
Recruiters spend seconds on a portfolio. The work has to lead with the strongest finished result, not how you got there.
Careers are built deliberately.
The designers who break in fastest are the ones who understand what they want and present themselves accordingly.
Work with me
I offer mentoring, portfolio evaluations, CV reviews, and freelance design work. If you’re not sure which is right for you, get in touch and we’ll figure it out.