Pitching your surface pattern design portfolio to potential clients can feel daunting. But it really comes down to what you're telling yourself. Here are 7 reasons you're not pitching your portfolio and why they are BS.
Trends have always been a HUGE source of inspiration for me and a big part of my brand as an artist. Today I’m sharing my thoughts and tips on surface pattern trends from the Spoonflower panel discussion: The Latest Trends in Surface Design and How to Spot Trends in Your Own Research.
Karen Chimene is a talented and experienced surface pattern designer in the children's paper and apparel markets. Today Karen shares her wise advice for beginner surface pattern designers and her experience in the Start Your Surface Pattern Business course.
As a creative business owner, if you feel overwhelmed and stressed about getting through your to-do list, you are not alone. One way to reduce stress is to set up some simple systems to make things easier for yourself. Today I'm sharing with you three low-cost ideas to create ease and calm in your b
Thinking about licensing your artwork with an agency but not sure if it’s the right path for you? Brenda Manley, founder of Brenda Manley Designs, shares what she looks for in new artists to represent and inside info on her agency for illustrators and surface designers looking to license their work.
Today I'm sharing my 2021 surface pattern business income from both artwork and teaching, some interesting data points, and the insights I'm taking away from the year overall.
Emiko Rainbow is a seasoned creative entrepreneur with lots of useful advice and wisdom. I’ve been Instagram friends with Emiko for a long time because we both do a lot in the freelance world. This is the first chance we’ve had to meet one on one, so I’m super excited to share this interview with yo
Interested in creating art for products like wrapping paper, bedding, fabrics, notebooks, rugs and even greeting cards, also known as surface pattern design - and looking to find companies to pay you for your surface pattern design skills? Today I break down a few ways to find paying surface pattern
Stacie Dale is a talented painter who creates her own line of products using her art. She licenses her work and runs the industry resource Surface Design News. In this interview, Stacie shares the scoop on how she’s developed her creative business!
Pitching your surface pattern design portfolio to potential clients can feel daunting. But it really comes down to what you're telling yourself. Here are 7 reasons you're not pitching your portfolio and why they are BS.
Should you sell your surface pattern designs outright for use on products versus licensing your art? Both sides are valid options, but it's important to be aware of the pros and cons of both so you can make the best decision for your work.
Pricing your surface pattern designs can be tricky. Today I dive into what information you often need to consider, how to adjust your mindset when it comes to pricing and one thing you can do to uplevel your income NOW.
Jess Miller is an illustrator who began her career as a graphic designer working in toy packaging and in 2020 shifted to illustration and lettering art as she launched her own business. She now works with brands like American Greetings and Casetify and partners with companies including Adobe and Mic
Want to create art and don’t want to produce your own products? Here's a break down the five surface pattern design jobs, what type of duties to expect when working those jobs, and how you know which is right for you.
Pricing your surface pattern designs can be tricky. Today I dive into what information you often need to consider, how to adjust your mindset when it comes to pricing and one thing you can do to uplevel your income NOW.
Four of my wicked talented students from my Start Your Surface Pattern Business course recently joined me to share some of their lessons in getting started in their surface pattern design careers. One of those students is Siena Baldi - check out my interview with Siena where she shares some sage adv
Caitlin Betsy Bell creates designs for a creative childhood. Today Caitlin shares her advice for those just getting started in surface pattern design and her experience in the Start Your Surface Pattern Business course.
I recently interviewed three of my Start Your Surface Pattern Business students and talk about where they were when they first started, lessons they've learned, and what advice they have for new designers. Today I’m sharing my interview with the amazing Christie Adams.
I recently interviewed three of my Start Your Surface Pattern Business students and talk about where they were when they first started, lessons they've learned, and what advice they have for new designers. Today I’m sharing my interview with the amazing Christie Adams.
Jess Miller is an illustrator who began her career as a graphic designer working in toy packaging and in 2020 shifted to illustration and lettering art as she launched her own business. She now works with brands like American Greetings and Casetify and partners with companies including Adobe and Mic
Emiko Rainbow is a seasoned creative entrepreneur with lots of useful advice and wisdom. I’ve been Instagram friends with Emiko for a long time because we both do a lot in the freelance world. This is the first chance we’ve had to meet one on one, so I’m super excited to share this interview with yo
Arrolynn Weiderhold is a talented surface pattern designer who joined me for an interview to talk about her experience working with an art licensing agency, how to stay up on trends, and her advice for surface pattern designers who are just getting started. As a bonus, she also shares the details ab
Today I'm sharing my 2021 surface pattern business income from both artwork and teaching, some interesting data points, and the insights I'm taking away from the year overall.
Caitlin Betsy Bell creates designs for a creative childhood. Today Caitlin shares her advice for those just getting started in surface pattern design and her experience in the Start Your Surface Pattern Business course.
Jess Miller is an illustrator who began her career as a graphic designer working in toy packaging and in 2020 shifted to illustration and lettering art as she launched her own business. She now works with brands like American Greetings and Casetify and partners with companies including Adobe and Mic
Have you been sending your surface pattern design portfolio out to art directors hoping to score licensing deals and freelance clients but hearing nothing back? In this blog I'm sharing some tips and reminders to keep you on track.
Tammie Bennett is a licensed artist and former owner of a stationery line called Tigerpocket Press who now works as a life coach helping women show up for themselves each day. In this interview Tammie shares takeaways from her art career, her best mindset lessons for creative entrepreneurs, and how
Karen Chimene is a talented and experienced surface pattern designer in the children's paper and apparel markets. Today Karen shares her wise advice for beginner surface pattern designers and her experience in the Start Your Surface Pattern Business course.
Emiko Rainbow is a seasoned creative entrepreneur with lots of useful advice and wisdom. I’ve been Instagram friends with Emiko for a long time because we both do a lot in the freelance world. This is the first chance we’ve had to meet one on one, so I’m super excited to share this interview with yo
Four of my wicked talented students from my Start Your Surface Pattern Business course recently joined me to share some of their lessons in getting started in their surface pattern design careers. One of those students is Siena Baldi - check out my interview with Siena where she shares some sage adv
Emiko Rainbow is a seasoned creative entrepreneur with lots of useful advice and wisdom. I’ve been Instagram friends with Emiko for a long time because we both do a lot in the freelance world. This is the first chance we’ve had to meet one on one, so I’m super excited to share this interview with yo
Today I’m sharing some suggestions to help you revive your inner surface pattern boss: refresh your goals, polish up that IG account, be a little more efficient, and generally get you fired up.
Libby Hampel is the founder of Masu, a beautiful line of sustainable wrapping paper. She joined me for an interview to share her journey in creating her brand and product company from scratch, and some of the valuable lessons and advice she's learned along the way.
10 tips to make your surface pattern designs look good
I’ve been interviewing artists, art licensing agents, and creative business owners for the last two years. Each person I interview has taken a different path to get where they are and it’s that diversity that’s so interesting and useful to learn about. Today I’m highlighting some of the top lessons
When you first start out as a surface pattern designer, pricing your artwork is one of the biggest challenges. Today I'm sharing three foundational concepts you need to know about pricing as a surface pattern designer before you even enter to a conversation with a potential client.
Jess Miller is an illustrator who began her career as a graphic designer working in toy packaging and in 2020 shifted to illustration and lettering art as she launched her own business. She now works with brands like American Greetings and Casetify and partners with companies including Adobe and Mic
Recently the super cool Emma Isaacs from the Creative Ways Podcast invited me to join her for an interview and share my path to becoming a surface pattern designer and course creator.
Here are the top three reasons why you should put aside your fears and start pitching your surface pattern design work to art buyers and potential clients today.
Looking to kick-off your surface pattern design career? Here's one step you can take to move past all the overwhelm and second-guessing and get started today.
