How I Became a Self-Employed Surface Pattern Designer

Design and Shine

#Arts #Graphic Design #Rachelle Holowko #Creativebusiness #Creativeentrepreneur #Creativity #Designbusiness #Patterndesign #Surfacedesign #Surfacepatterndesign #Textiledesign #Podcasting Education #Artists #Design

35:43

Are you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or burned out at work? In this special Unsolicited Advice episode, Anne and Frances are getting ready for summer by tackling the importance of rest and the power of intention. They offer unexpected tips and tricks for recovering from constant stress, owning what you need to feel alive and engaged, and creating an experience of work that unleashes your ambition. Follow Hosts: Anne Morriss ( @annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss ), Frances Frei ( @francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei ) Links https://anneandfrances.com/ Subscribe to TED Instagram: @ted YouTube: @TED TikTok: @tedtoks LinkedIn: @ted-conferences Website: ted.com Podcasts: ted.com/podcasts For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 19:14

MP3•Episode home

If you've ever wondered how to become a successfully self-employed surface pattern designer and course creator, this episode of the Design & Shine podcast is for you!

I share my personal journey on how I got started as an employee to becoming a university teacher, and then on to self-employment as an online course creator.

Listen to this episode to learn:

What it's like to work as a professional employee in the surface pattern design industry
The advantages and disadvantages of employment and why I decided to transition to freelance designer
The pros and cons of putting yourself out there when you are a freelance designer (especially when you're an introvert like me!)
Tips for creating your own surface pattern design course, including how long it took to create my Pattern to Product comprehensive course
key skills you'll need to develop to be successfully self-employed, including tips on business systems and email marketing!

I also share how I experienced many of the same struggles that you might be experiencing if you are aiming to become self-employed, from trying to figure out what I liked to do to knowing where and how to get started!

Don't miss this episode if you dream of becoming a professional surface pattern designer and course creator as I have!

67 episodes

Design and Shine

How I Became a Self-Employed Surface Pattern Designer

Design and Shine

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

If you've ever wondered how to become a successfully self-employed surface pattern designer and course creator, this episode of the Design & Shine podcast is for you!

I share my personal journey on how I got started as an employee to becoming a university teacher, and then on to self-employment as an online course creator.

Listen to this episode to learn:

What it's like to work as a professional employee in the surface pattern design industry
The advantages and disadvantages of employment and why I decided to transition to freelance designer
The pros and cons of putting yourself out there when you are a freelance designer (especially when you're an introvert like me!)
Tips for creating your own surface pattern design course, including how long it took to create my Pattern to Product comprehensive course
key skills you'll need to develop to be successfully self-employed, including tips on business systems and email marketing!

Don't miss this episode if you dream of becoming a professional surface pattern designer and course creator as I have!

67 episodes

All episodes

Design and Shine

1
The Benefits And Challenges of Working From Home as An Artist 16:29

29 weeks ago16:29

16:29

I’ve been working from home for years, and while I absolutely love it, I’ve also had to figure out how to make it work for me. When I first started, I was so motivated—it felt amazing to do what I love! But as my life has changed, so have my routines, and I’ve learned a lot about what it really takes to stay inspired and productive. In this episode, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned about working from home, including how to structure your day around your natural rhythm, ways to stay connected when you start feeling isolated, and why taking breaks can actually boost your creativity. If you work from home (or want to), I hope this episode helps you create a routine that supports both your work and your well-being.…

Design and Shine

1
The Key To Standing Out As A Surface Pattern Designer In a Crowded Market 15:47

33 weeks ago15:47

15:47

It's true that the surface pattern design market may seem oversaturated with many talented designers and that it could make it more difficult to sell your designs... But it's also true that more opportunities are available than ever before because of how crowded the market has become -- and in this episode of the Design and Shine podcast, I share exactly how you can find them! I share tips and strategies that will help you stand out as a professional designer no matter how much competition you encounter. Listen to this episode to find out: The pros and cons of how the surface pattern design market has changed in the time that I've been a professional designer Why I believe there are LOTS of opportunities available and that there's never been a better time to start a surface pattern design business! What it takes to stand out in the current market - and what is no longer going to cut it Why it's important to treat your design work as a business and not a hobby if you want to succeed - and what that mindset shift looks like. Creating beautiful designs is not enough in 2025... Your designs the way that you create and run your business need to be elevated to stand out - and I'm here to show you how to do it! Listen to the full episode to learn how to shift from a hobby designer to a thriving successful surface pattern design business owner!…

Design and Shine

1
The Importance of Diversifying Your Income as a Surface Pattern Designer 18:13

35 weeks ago18:13

18:13

Are you relying on just ONE source of income? If so, it's fair to say you're taking a risk - the past few years with all that's happened in the world have definitely taught us that! Things like: The unpredictable nature of industry trends, especially with the shift in technology and the introduction of AI Uncertainty in the world (with things like the 2020 global pandemic!) Economic downturns and the rising cost of living So in this week's episode of Design & Shine , I explore why diversifying your income as a surface pattern designer is a good idea for creating a sustainable and thriving creative business. I help you explore how diversifying can safeguard your business and provide greater financial stability, creative freedom, and growth opportunities - and I share some ideas on how you can do it! I cover: Why diversification reduces risk and future-proofs your design career. A variety of income streams to explore, including licensing, direct-to-consumer sales, digital products, teaching, and collaborations. How to get started with small, manageable steps toward diversifying your income right away. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring ideas to help you build a more resilient and rewarding career in surface pattern design!…

Design and Shine

1
What Can Help You Become a Successful Surface Pattern Designer in 2025 10:13

37 weeks ago10:13

10:13

Happy New Year! In case you did not achieve your goals last year or are not feeling as confident about your ability to become successful this New Year, I've created a new Design & Shine podcast episode to help you get into a more empowered and positive mindset. In this episode, I share my beliefs about what it REALLY takes to become a successful surface pattern designer and artist: What successful people have in common that helps them become and stay successful despite setbacks and hardship What people who fail have in common Questions to ask yourself that can help you continue working even when things go wrong in every way possible The number one trait that you need to have in order to become successful How to deal with failure, pick yourself back up from it, and keep going! (and details or exactly what I do when I fail at something!) Listen to this episode if you want to make this New Year a better year for your surface pattern design business as well as your mental health as an aspiring artist!…

Design and Shine

1
Will AI Replace Surface Pattern Designers? 13:11

39 weeks ago13:11

13:11

If you're like many surface pattern designers I know, you may be worried about the impact of AI - will it replace us? Is there any way to compete with it? Will we lose business because of it? You're not alone if you're worried - this is a super hot topic at the moment, so I wanted to come in this week on the Design & Shine podcast to share my views on it. I'm hoping I can reassure you with a fresh perspective on: The impact of AI on the surface pattern design industry - how will it change how designs are made and sold - or not! How we can use AI to our advantage and why I believe we should be using it. How some designers I know personally are changing how they create their artwork because of AI And the one priceless element and advantage humans have that AI will never have! If you feel worried about the impact of AI on your surface pattern design business dreams and goals, this episode is for you!…

Design and Shine

1
How To Pitch Your Surface Pattern Design To Companies 15:57

41 weeks ago15:57

15:57

I'll be honest—pitching your surface pattern designs to companies can feel downright terrifying. I’ve been there and I know how difficult it can be to hit send on an email! It’s intimidating to put your work out into the world and face the possibility of rejection. But every designer feels that way, and you’re not alone! In this episode of the Design & Shine podcast, I’m sharing tips and actionable steps to help you pitch your surface pattern designs with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your process, I’ve got you covered. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✨ Why you shouldn’t limit your pitching to companies in your own country (think global!) ✨ Key things to consider when preparing your portfolio to make it irresistible. ✨ How to find the right companies to pitch to—because not every company is your perfect match. ✨ The importance of creating a repeatable system for pitching (and tips to build one that works). ✨ The mindset shifts you need to pitch successfully and keep going, even if you hear “no.” If you’ve been holding back from sharing your surface pattern design portfolio with the world, this episode is for you! And if you’re ready to take things a step further, don’t miss my FREE workshop: My Simple Process to Turn Your Art from a Hobby into Profit. In it, I’ll teach you the secrets to creating successful surface pattern designs and building a thriving creative business. Let’s get your work seen—and sold!…

Design and Shine

1
Why Your 'Why' is the Key to Thriving in Business 7:36

43 weeks ago7:36

7:36

There's one thing that successful surface pattern design business owners have that unsuccessful ones who give up trying to succeed almost ALWAYS have: a 'WHY.'' In this episode of the Design & Shine podcast, I talk about why having a 'why' you choose to have a business at all is so critical to your ability to succeed. I share my personal 'why' and a habit that I have that helps me keep going despite disappointment or setbacks in my business. I also give you some critical questions to ask yourself to help you gain some clarity on your 'why' if you're not sure about what it may be! Ready to get started on your surface pattern design business? Sign up to my FREE WORKSHOP to learn my simple process to turn your art from a hobby into a profit here! 👇 https://my.patternanddesign.com/passion-profit-org…

Design and Shine

1
How I Became a Self-Employed Surface Pattern Designer 19:14

45 weeks ago19:14

19:14

If you've ever wondered how to become a successfully self-employed surface pattern designer and course creator, this episode of the Design & Shine podcast is for you! I share my personal journey on how I got started as an employee to becoming a university teacher, and then on to self-employment as an online course creator. Listen to this episode to learn: What it's like to work as a professional employee in the surface pattern design industry The advantages and disadvantages of employment and why I decided to transition to freelance designer The pros and cons of putting yourself out there when you are a freelance designer (especially when you're an introvert like me!) Tips for creating your own surface pattern design course, including how long it took to create my Pattern to Product comprehensive course key skills you'll need to develop to be successfully self-employed, including tips on business systems and email marketing! I also share how I experienced many of the same struggles that you might be experiencing if you are aiming to become self-employed, from trying to figure out what I liked to do to knowing where and how to get started! Don't miss this episode if you dream of becoming a professional surface pattern designer and course creator as I have!…

Design and Shine

1
How to Choose Colours That Will Help Your Surface Pattern Designs Sell 14:14

47 weeks ago14:14

14:14

If you're struggling to make your color palettes work, this episode is for YOU! In this episode of the Design & Shine Podcast, I’m breaking down the BIGGEST mistakes designers make with color and sharing my top tips to help you create stunning, cohesive palettes that POP! Listen to this episode to learn: The importance of colour in design and the primary reasons consumers are drawn to or repelled by the colours in a design. The 3 most common mistakes new designers make in creating a cohesive colour palette How to improve your use of colour including how to experiment with tone, balance saturation, and design with the end consumer in mind I'll also share some practical exercises that you can use to improve your use of colour right away! Don't miss this episode if you're ready to uplevel your use of colour in your designs to improve your sales today!…

Design and Shine

1
How I Avoided Burnout And Renewed Joy In My Business 11:57

49 weeks ago11:57

11:57

Last year I came very close to experiencing burnout in my surface pattern design business... I'd got to the point where things had begun to feel too heavy, hard, and demanding. Everything seemed to be taking me further and further away from the things that mattered the most to me, from my daily art practice to time with my family. When I started to become resentful of my business, that is when I knew I had to take a step back. And so I did - and what an amazing decision that was! I'm excited to be back now for Season 3 of the podcast and am kicking things off by sharing what I've been experiencing over the past year. Just a few things I cover in this all-new episode are: The biggest lessons I learned over the past year, including low points and highlights Finding healthy boundaries between business and life, and what that can look like Why working 'seasonally' in business is better than a non-stop grind Finding space for more time to do what you love most - your art! How I not only avoided burnout, I renewed the joy and MAGIC in my business! Join me for this brand-new season of the Design & Shine podcast if you want to learn how to grow and thrive in your surface pattern design business!…

Design and Shine

1
End of The Year Reflections 14:05

2 years ago14:05

14:05

As 2023 comes to a close, I reflect back on the huge changes that I made in my business this year in this final podcast episode before I take an extended summer break at the beach with my family and new puppy. I share my process of looking back to assess my goals, how I question my progress, and why I believe it's so important to take time to do this reflection work when you run a creative business. A few questions that I ask myself that may be as important to you as they are to me are: Did I create more space in my life for practicing my art? Did I streamline and simplify my business to remove overcomplicated processes? Does my business align with my creative and lifestyle goals? How did this year's goals compare to the previous year's goals? Did I create less or more hustle in my life this past year? What will next year's goals be and how will I go about achieving them? Listen to this episode of the Design & Shine podcast to hear my personal answers to these questions and more! And I'd love to hear how you went with your 2023 goals too! Did you achieve your goals? Why or why not? What are your 2024 goals? Come let me know on my Facebook or Instagram accounts where I'll be checking in over the holidays before Season 3 of the podcast begins next year! Until then, have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!…

Design and Shine

1
Surviving To Thriving As An Independent Creative 10:32

2 years ago10:32

10:32

When I left full-time employment as a surface pattern designer, I could not understand why I found it so incredibly difficult to design with the same confidence and ease as I did for my clients... Despite years of design experience and confidence working to a design brief, when I decided to work for myself I immediately fell into a ''surviving creative'' mentality, and everything began to feel so. much. harder! It took a massive shift in how I thought about myself and my ability to design before I was able to grow a successful surface pattern design business. ⚡️ But once I did the deeper work of changing my ''surviving identity'' beliefs, I was able to quickly grow my business to my first $100k and have not looked back since! 💃 So in this week's episode of the Design & Shine podcast, I share my story of how I overcame my lack of confidence and fears about my design abilities to finally get momentum in my creative business. It's an important step that I believe every creative person needs to make to shift out of a ''surviving identity'' into a ''thriving identity.'' I hope you enjoy it!…

Design and Shine

1
How Your Hidden Limiting Beliefs May Be Sabotaging Your Creative Success 11:10

2 years ago11:10

11:10

Recently, my family and I invited a new member into the family - a PUPPY!!! His name is Juno. And while it's been a LOT of fun these last few weeks getting to know him, it hasn't been as much fun training him not to wee in the house! 😅 But it has been interesting to watch him learn. It's made me reflect on how - with anything new we learn - our brains need to be 'trained' just like my Juno's. I know mine did when I first started my creative business years ago... I had to 'train' my brain to overcome my self-doubt about whether or not I could reach success as a surface pattern designer and artist. That self-doubt, self-sabotage, and lack of confidence come from hidden, subconscious beliefs that we're often not even aware of until we do the deeper work of looking for them and examining them. These are our limiting beliefs, and if you've ever felt stuck, frustrated with your lack of progress, or filled with doubt that you could ever make it as a creative (which ALL of us have, of course!) then you know exactly what it feels like to have them! So in this week's episode of the Design & Shine podcast, I explore what limiting beliefs are and how they might be holding you back from the creative success you desire - and how to get started overcoming them!🎤🎧…

Design and Shine

1
How Nurturing Self-Compassion Inspires Creativity 10:22

2 years ago10:22

10:22

While our creativity is a beautiful expression of our own personal unique gifts and ideas, it can also carry with it a lot of things that can end up hindering our progress... Things like criticism, self-doubt, and perfectionism. So in this week's Design & Shine podcast episode, I explore why it's important to cultivate and nurture self-compassion. I share my thoughts on: What having self-compassion as a creative means Why it can help us progress in our creative practice How not having it can hurt us and keep us stuck What having self-compassion requires and how to nurture it! So listen to this episode and start nurturing your self-compassion so that you can continue to grow and thrive as an artist today! 🎤🎧…

Design and Shine

1
Staying Persistent Despite Failure And Rejection 11:27

2 years ago11:27

11:27

If you love what you're creating but you're facing a lot of failures, rejections, resistance, and you're hearing ''no thank-you'' so often, you may start to wonder how you're going to keep going... How are you going to stay persistent if you're constantly facing obstacles? This is what I want to explore with you in this episode: The power of staying persistent and how you can learn some practical strategies that will help you keep at it! I'll share tips on: How to maintain a positive mindset about failure and rejection How to turn a ''no'' into an opportunity to improve and grow When to seek feedback or help from others How to stay committed to your goal yet also stay adaptable to change How to keep moving forward when you're feeling defeated! So listen to this episode to get your mind back on track if you've been feeling like giving up on your art recently!…

Design and Shine

1
How Gratitude Can Help You Thrive As A Creative 9:51

2 years ago9:51

9:51

I believe many creatives underestimate how helpful gratitude can be toward helping them reach success... It's a simple mindset shift that can make a BIG difference - if you know how to use it in how you approach your creative work. I share several ways you can start practicing gratitude in your creative business in this week's Design & Shine podcast episode, including: How to use gratitude to increase your daily inspiration, creative ideas, and new possibilities Ways that gratitude can help you overcome setbacks and failures in your business Why gratitude can help you grow into a thriving, successful creative artist with an authentic voice and style How it can also help you better connect with your audience and respond to their interest and feedback in a way that helps you, rather than letting it get you down! Listen to this episode and start practicing more gratitude in your creative business today!…

Design and Shine

1
The 3 Different Learning Styles 13:21

2 years ago13:21

13:21

Are you a Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic learner? Not sure what those are? Listen to this episode of The Design & Shine podcast to find out! I dive into what these 3 different learning styles mean and share how to tell which one you may be. Knowing which one is your predominant learning style may help you get better outcomes with your creative work, including how you absorb, process, and understand what you are learning. You'll finally understand why some people can't read maps, listen to directions, or need to DO something before they can understand it!…

Design and Shine

1
How Understanding Your Subconscious Mind Can Help You Become a Successful Creative 10:51

2 years ago10:51

10:51

I used to struggle to show up online in the way that I knew I needed to for my business... I consciously knew I needed to create videos, take selfies, and be visible to my audience... But subconsciously , the idea of showing up online made me feel vulnerable, exposed, and unsafe. And I wasn't even aware that this was the case until I started to address the hidden subconscious beliefs that were holding me back! So in this episode of Design & Shine podcast, I share how powerful it can be to address the underlying subconscious beliefs that may be hiding from your conscious awareness, keeping you safe by playing small. I also share how it's possible to reprogram these beliefs so that you can do the things that you consciously have always wanted to do - but couldn't! And why doing that can be one of the keys to helping become a thriving creative! ️…

Design and Shine

1
What To Do If You Worry Your Creative Work Isn't Unique Enough 12:35

2 years ago12:35

12:35

Do you worry that your creative work is just not all that unique? And do you worry that it'll never stand out and allow you to have the thriving creative career that you dream about?😣 It's a challenging belief, but what I've noticed lately is that it's the most common limiting belief among creative entrepreneurs. So in this episode of the Design & Shine Podcast, I share some strategies you can use that may help you SHIFT this belief. Get my FREE quiz to help you identify your #1 limiting belief here: https://patternanddesign.com/quiz…

Design and Shine

1
The Importance of Embracing Imperfection 11:20

2 years ago11:20

11:20

Are you putting a lot of pressure on yourself to make things PERFECT? Many creatives I know get stuck on trying to make even the smallest design details perfect. It slows down their progress as a creative designer and as a business owner. So in this Design & Shine podcast episode, I share a few tips on how to overcome perfectionism including: Launching a new website Making mistakes and flaws in the creative process Overcoming fear of judgment Taking faster and more frequent action in your work and in your creative business Plus many more tips and strategies to help you have a better way of thinking about your work and your creative business so that you can get closer to your goals with realistic expectations you can work toward. 🌟…

Design and Shine

1
How to Overcome Procrastination 10:07

2 years ago10:07

10:07

In this episode, we unravel what procrastination really is, revealing its surprising connection to fear. I'll explain how procrastination might be rooted in your apprehensions about failure, judgment, or even success. I share practical strategies to conquer procrastination: break tasks into bite-sized chunks to tackle overwhelm and embrace imperfection as a stepping stone to growth. And I'll explain why my mantra, "Done is better than perfect," can help you challenge the pursuit of flawlessness and help you take action! This episode will guide you to recognize fear-driven procrastination, shift your perspective on what it means, and help your creative growth. Tune in to this episode of the Design and Shine podcast to transform your creative process and build the thriving creative business you've been dreaming of!…

Design and Shine

1
Compassion and Resilience 12:23

2 years ago12:23

12:23

If you'd like to unlock your true creative potential and build a thriving creative business, you may be surprised to learn just how important it is to develop compassion and resilience. As creatives, we're often quite sensitive people, so expressing ourselves through our art can be quite a vulnerable thing to do when we begin to put ourselves out into the world with our creative businesses. So in this episode of The Design & Shine podcast, I cover the importance of self-compassion and resilience in your creative journey. Key takeaways you'll learn from this episode include how to: Embrace imperfection and let go of the pressure for everything to be perfect. Overcome self-criticism and negative thought patterns that hinder your creative flow. Build a strong sense of self-worth independent of external validation. Develop a growth mindset to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Cultivate perseverance and inner strength on your creative path. Tune in to the full episode for invaluable insights and tips to transform your creative life!…

Design and Shine

1
Why It's Not Enough To Just Know Your Limiting Beliefs 11:43

2 years ago11:43

11:43

If you want true and lasting change in your life, it's not enough just to know what your limiting beliefs are... You also need to how to change them so that you make the changes in your life that you want to see! So in this episode of The Design & Shine Podcast, I share: What limiting beliefs are and how they hold us back, influence us, and shape our realities Where limiting beliefs reside in our minds and why you may not even know you have them One crazy thing about limiting beliefs that will help you change them into new and empowering beliefs Listen to this episode to find out what it takes to begin to change your limiting beliefs and learn how to make true and lasting changes in your life!…

Design and Shine

1
How To Get Into Creative Flow When You're Feeling Uninspired 9:21

2 years ago9:21

9:21

Recently a student of mine came to me and said she was feeling uninspired and having a hard time knowing how to get started designing. It wasn't that she didn't want to do the work, but that when she sat down to do it, nothing would come from it. I've felt this way many times myself, and if you're a creative artist of any kind, you've probably felt uninspired from time to time as well. So in this episode of The Design & Shine podcast, I share my best tips on how to get inspired to get into a creative flow when you're just not feeling it happening for you. I talk about why it's so important to calm your parasympathetic nervous system down and how to do that through specific techniques that I've personally practiced and find extremely helpful when I'm feeling stuck. And how sometimes, there's a strange paradox in that the more you may want to do creative work, the less creative you may be feeling!…

Design and Shine

1
The Amazing Advantages of Being In a Creative Flow State 11:36

2 years ago11:36

11:36

Imagine if you could STOP overthinking your creative design work... No more being critical of your work... No more stopping and starting over... Just intuitive creativity that makes time feel like it has stopped and your artistic output flow... Sounds good, right? This is what's known as a creative flow state , and in creative work like surface pattern design, getting into it comes with some amazing advantages for your design work and business. So in this episode, I focus on what happens when we get into a creative flow state and why it feels so good! Plus, I share some of the rituals and tips that I personally use to help myself get into a creative flow state so that you can try them out yourself.…

Design and Shine

1
Life-Changing Beliefs Successful Designers Have - And How To Learn Them! 12:45

2 years ago12:45

12:45

There's a specific difference in thinking between surface pattern designers who get stuck and those who thrive... One way of thinking will keep you playing small, while the other will help you to grow as an artist, elevate your design process, and earn more from your business in the long term. Find out what that difference is in this episode of the Design & Shine podcast and learn how you can start to shift your thinking to help you begin to thrive as a surface pattern designer. And if you're ready to make this shift and elevate your creative process, come and join my new Elevation Program!…

Design and Shine

1
How to Charge What Your Worth as a Surface Pattern Designer 11:43

2 years ago11:43

11:43

If you struggle with pricing your surface pattern design work you are not alone! It can be one of the hardest things to do when you are just getting started as a surface pattern designer, which is why pricing is one of the most common topics my students ask me about. So in this episode of The Design & Shine Podcast, I give you some guidelines for how to price your work based on my personal experience including how to price: Design work Artwork Digital products Custom design work Your time as a service provider, consultant, or mentor I also bust some common myths around pricing and value that many people mistakenly believe. ⚡️…

Design and Shine

1
Is The Surface Pattern Design Market Oversaturated? 12:55

2 years ago12:55

12:55

Are you worried that the surface pattern design market may be too oversaturated? This is a common concern that many of my surface pattern design students have, so I've shared my thoughts about it on this episode of The Design & Shine Podcast. I cover: How not to be taken advantage of in a crowded market Ensuring your work will stand out in an authentic way Having the right business mindset to build a successful surface pattern design business And the one personal quality that distinguishes those designers who make it and those who give up!…

Design and Shine

1
Creating a Surface Pattern Design Business With Your Own Rules 12:33

2 years ago12:33

12:33

No matter what kind of creative business owner you are, whether you are a surface pattern design business owner or not, you're often told there are certain ways you need to do things... And though you want to be successful and this external advice can be quite convincing - it's not always the right thing for YOU to do. This is what happened to me with my surface pattern design business last year... So in this episode of The Design & Shine podcast, I wanted to share my story with you and why I am changing the direction of my business going forward.…

Design and Shine

1
Social Media Captions For Pattern Designers 26:09

3 years ago26:09

26:09

In this episode of the Design and Shine podcast, I welcome back Christine Rice, who is a social media manager for online businesses and she also runs a fantastic small Facebook group called marketing for creative and unconventional women. Christine and I talk all about a hot topic that I know a lot of surface pattern designers have trouble with and that is writing captions for your social media posts. We cover: branding and why it's much more than just the fonts and colours you use how to get write engaging captions using content pillars with your copywriting tips for structuring successful captions creating something relatable and interesting that also connects with the audience you're writing for using storytelling to engage with your audience Plus much more! Click here if you would like to join Christine’s free Facebook group community…

Design and Shine

1
The importance of an email list for surface pattern designers 8:51

3 years ago8:51

8:51

In this episode of Design and Shine, we are going to be talking about something that is important to think about doing as you’re growing your surface pattern design business and that is creating an email list. Learn what one is, why you need one and whether it’s something you should consider creating.…

Design and Shine

1
Questions to ask yourself if your pattern designs aren't selling 9:06

3 years ago9:06

9:06

On this episode of the Design and Shine podcast, we are going to be talking about some things to think about if you are not selling your designs. So if you’ve been working hard, you’ve been creating lots of designs and then you hear crickets then I want to give you a few things for you to ask yourself and consider.…

Design and Shine

1
How to use Instagram for surface pattern designers 18:01

3 years ago18:01

18:01

In this episode of the Design and Shine podcast, I talk to Christine Rice, who is a social media manager for online businesses and she also runs a fantastic small Facebook group called marketing for creative and unconventional women. Christine and I talk all about Instagram for surface pattern designers and dive into: how to grow your audience how to get more engagement best ways to use Instagram to promote your designs and your pattern design business tips for creating video content how many times to post and which types of posts Plus much more! Click here if you would like to join Christine’s free Facebook group community…

Design and Shine

1
Creating work life balance for surface pattern designers 8:28

3 years ago8:28

8:28

In this episode of Design and Shine, we are going to talk about something a little different and that is trying to create work-life balance. Something I get asked a lot is how I manage to juggle work with family life and everything else in between so I'm going to give you a few tips that help me stay balanced and on track.…

Design and Shine

1
Setting Goals for Surface Pattern Designers 11:37

3 years ago11:37

11:37

In this episode of Design and Shine, we talk about setting goals because it’s a really great way of keeping you on track and moving forwards so you achieve the results you want. We'll look at setting goals in 2 major areas so you can take the right steps towards your success.

Design and Shine

1
Working as a surface pattern designer 27:26

3 years ago27:26

27:26

In this episode of the Design and Shine podcast, I talk to Australian textile designer and Illustrator Brook Gossen. And she creates really beautiful and colourful artwork and has a really fun and gorgeous brand. Brook didn't start her career as an artist but after working in a different area and having her family she felt was missing and that something was a creative outlet. She won a course where she learnt about colour and started her creative journey. It wasn't until she participated in a 100-day challenge where she aimed to create a new piece of art every day that her gorgeous style began to evolve. Brook and I dive into: how she developed her signature style her beautiful studio space how she stays motivated her experience in licensing her designs tips for those that are starting out and wanting to sell their work some exciting upcoming projects Plus much more! Here's where you can find out more about Brook https://brookgossen.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brookgossen/…

Design and Shine

1
Developing your critical design eye 9:02

3 years ago9:02

9:02

If you want to be a successful designer then one of the most important skills you need to develop is your critical design eye. In this podcast episode, we talk about your critical design eye, why it's so important and some tips for developing yours.

Design and Shine

1
Social Media Strategies 20:32

3 years ago20:32

20:32

In this episode of the Design and Shine podcast, I talk to Christine Rice, who is a social media manager for online businesses and she also runs a fantastic small Facebook group called marketing for creative and unconventional women. Christine and I dive into: what a funnel is and how it relates to social media for surface pattern designers a four-step funnel strategy using your funnel to sell your products and designs time-saving tips for posting beautiful images on Instagram recommended tools to make posting more efficient rescheduling popular content Plus much more! Click here if you would like to join Christine's free Facebook group community…

Design and Shine

1
Investing in your surface pattern design business 11:18

3 years ago11:18

11:18

In this podcast episode, I talk about investing in your surface pattern design business. I know it can be challenging for some people so we talk about why it's important, when you should invest and why should invest.

Design and Shine

1
Creating Pattern Designs with Purpose 31:26

4 years ago31:26

31:26

In this episode of the Design and Shine podcast, I’m going to be talking to textile designer and creative director Penny Gale who is the founder of Fabriculture, a new, contemporary design brand with the purpose of helping young people learn about our most endangered native species. This is such an exciting brand and I absolutely love that Penny is creating designs with the purpose of educating as well as being gorgeous. Click here if you would like to see Penny's gorgeous products and her Fabriculture shop…

Design and Shine

1
Marketing Strategies for Surface Artists 56:51

4 years ago56:51

56:51

In this podcast episode, I have the pleasure of speaking to Nerida Hansen about marketing strategies for surface artists. Nerida Hansen is the founder and creative director of Nerida Hansen Fabrics. Through her business, she supports and collaborates with independent artists and illustrators and she’s just launched a brand new app PatternField App which connects surface artists and designers with art buyers from all around the world. Which is super exciting. In this episode we talk all about marketing strategies as marketing is one of the areas that designers often really struggle with when building their creative businesses You can find out more about Nerida's Patternfield app here…

Design and Shine

1
Simplifying Marketing For Pattern Designers 13:09

4 years ago13:09

13:09

Do you feel overhelmed by marketing? In this episode of the Design and Shine Podcast, I talk about simplifying marketing for pattern designers. If you're starting out it can be hard hearing about all of the things that you should be doing and feeling like you need to be doing all of those things and then feeling super overwhelmed which usually results in not doing anything. So what are the really important things that you need to start with? What are the nice to have? What can you add to?…

Design and Shine

1
Create Your Daily Art Practice 9:50

4 years ago9:50

9:50

If you are wanting to start achieving your pattern design goals then it's really important to set some habits in place and start creating your daily art practice. If you want to be a successful designer and you want to be able to sell your work then set up a daily practice is a foundational step as it's going to help you grow, nurture and develop your skills. In this podcast episode we dive into some tips for creating your daily practice.…

Design and Shine

1
Finding your unique art style 34:53

4 years ago34:53

34:53

In this episode of Design and Shine, I talk to artist and surface pattern designer Lauren Lesley about finding your unique art style. We cover when you do and don't need to worry about when developing your own style, the mindset battles that are commonly faced and how to stay consistent. Lauren also shares her tips on sending your portfolio to clients to get work. You can sign up to Lauren's free mini course 'Art Style Secrets' here And find out more about her on her website here…

Design and Shine

1
My favourite pattern design tools 10:59

4 years ago10:59

10:59

In this episode, I share some of my favourite tech tools that I use regularly within my surface pattern design business. You can download my Pattern Design Secrets eBook here

Design and Shine

1
Are these fears or negative beliefs stopping you from being successful? 11:03

4 years ago11:03

11:03

If you want to be a successful designer then you need to start stepping up and doing the actions that a successful designer would do, starting with your thoughts and beliefs. In this episode, we are going to talk about how your negative self-talk is stopping you from being successful and how you can reframe your thoughts so you can reach your full potential. You can download my Pattern Design Secrets eBook here…

Design and Shine

1
Fitting in time for designing 13:10

4 years ago13:10

13:10

If you are wanting to create a successful design business you need to allocate time to business tasks but what happens when those business tasks take over and you no longer feel you have time for the design tasks? In this episode, I talk about how to fit in time for both business and design tasks. You can download my Pattern Design Secrets eBook here…

Design and Shine

1
Getting started in surface pattern design with Sheree Coleman 40:34

4 years ago40:34

40:34

In this podcast episode, I talk to surface pattern designer and illustrator Sheree Coleman. She shares with us how she is transitioning away from full-time work to building her brand Whimsy Kaleidoscope. We discuss how she got started, what led her to surface pattern design, how she gets clients and tips she has for other aspiring designers. Sheree has put in the hard work and it's now paying off, so you won't want to miss this conversation. You can find out more about Sheree here: https://whimsykaleidoscope.com/ https://www.instagram.com/whimsykaleidoscope/…

Design and Shine

1
Tips for creating your pattern design portfolio 9:53

4 years ago9:53

9:53

If you are starting to get your surface pattern design portfolio ready to send to clients and you're not sure what to or what not to include then this podcast episode is for you. I'll be talking through some tips that you may want to consider when preparing your portfolio.

Design and Shine

1
The importance of branding in your design business 13:23

4 years ago13:23

13:23

It's really important if you want to step up and stand out as a designer that you consider branding within your business. Branding includes the assets you use e.g. fonts, colours and logos etc. but it goes far beyond that. Branding also includes your unique voice and the way you show up in your business. In this podcast episode, we talk about the importance of branding within your design business and some tips for what you should and shouldn't do when it comes to branding.…

Design and Shine

1
The importance of allocating time for business tasks in your surface pattern design business 11:55

4 years ago11:55

11:55

If you are a surface pattern designer who is wanting to get to the next level and move away from being a hobbyist to a successful designer who is selling their designs consistently with a regular income then you need to allocate time for business tasks. In this podcast episode, we talk about the importance of treating your design business as a business and I also share a few tips to help make that process easier.…

Design and Shine

1
Licensing, freelancing and running a design practice 31:49

4 years ago31:49

31:49

In this podcast episode, I interview Elizabeth Silver. Elizabeth Silver is a surface pattern designer who has been working in industry both in full-time roles as well as in her studio practice where she freelances and licenses her work. We talk all about licensing, freelancing and running a design practice and Elizabeth gives us her tips for aspiring designers who are wanting to get work selling their designs. You can find out more about Elizabeth here Click here to find out more about Elizabeth's course 'Start Your Surface Pattern Design Business'…

Design and Shine

1
Where should I create my website? 8:09

4 years ago8:09

8:09

Are you ready to start promoting your portfolio but are not sure which website platform would suit you best? In this episode, we talk about a few different options and the pros and cons of each.

Design and Shine

1
Are you making these common pattern design mistakes? 7:29

4 years ago7:29

7:29

If you've created a pattern design and can see that it's not quite working but are not sure why then you may be making one of these mistakes. In this episode, I share 5 of the biggest mistakes I see when people are creating their pattern designs.

Design and Shine

1
Is a design agent right for you? 7:32

4 years ago7:32

7:32

If you're a surface pattern designer you may be thinking about getting an agent to represent you. In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons of having an agent.

Design and Shine

1
Selling your designs 7:45

4 years ago7:45

7:45

There are lots of different options for you to sell your surface pattern designs. In this episode, I give you an overview of some of the popular ways that you can start selling your designs including licensing, freelancing and passive income streams.

Design and Shine

1
Getting into the mindset of a successful designer 10:24

4 years ago10:24

10:24

You may be creating the most beautiful, successful designs in your own unique style but that doesn't mean you will successfully sell your designs. In this episode, we look at mindset and identity and why it's so important in you becoming an accomplished designer.

Design and Shine

1
Creating pattern design collections 7:49

4 years ago7:49

7:49

Part of your role as a surface pattern designer is creating pattern design collections. In this episode we look at what a collection is and some tips to get you started creating one.

Design and Shine

1
Tips for creating successful colour palettes 7:14

4 years ago7:14

7:14

Colour is such an important element within a design and can often be the reason a design is successful or not. People are often drawn to a design because of its use of colour so it's important as a surface pattern designer that you develop your colour skills. In this episode, we look at some tips for you to consider for the next time you are creating a colour palette…

Design and Shine

1
Why design development is important for your pattern designs 7:07

4 years ago7:07

7:07

A really important step in the design process is the design development phase. This is the phase where you're going to explore and develop lots of different potential ideas that you can use within your pattern designs. In this episode, I give you some tips and talk about why it's so important.

Design and Shine

1
Why you should create a mood board 9:38

4 years ago9:38

9:38

Mood boards are such a great way to visually communicate your ideas and allow you to collate all of your inspiration in one place before you begin designing. In this episode, I talk about what you should include on your mood board and why you should create one. If you're looking for copyright free images, these are the sites mentioned: https://unsplash.com/ https://www.pexels.com/ https://pixabay.com/…

Design and Shine

1
Collecting inspiration for your pattern designs 10:10

4 years ago10:10

10:10

Have you ever sat down to start being creative and you've drawn a complete blank and you don't know where to start? Finding inspiration is an important step in the design process as it will help you formulate your ideas and give yourself a direction to start developing your ideas from.

Design and Shine

1
Staying motivated working from home 7:36

4 years ago7:36

7:36

In this episode, I talk about how I stay motivated and moving forward in my business while working from home. I share some tips that help me stay focused and on track each day.

Design and Shine

1
Do you feel like the surface pattern design market is oversaturated? 9:16

4 years ago9:16

9:16

One of the things that I often hear is from pattern designers trying to get started in the industry is that the marketplace is oversaturated. Although there are many more designers, there are also many more opportunities to be successful. In this episode, I talk about the difference between someone who is successful or not and what it takes to be a successful designer.…

Design and Shine

1
Should you use Photoshop or Illustrator for your pattern designs? 9:29

4 years ago9:29

9:29

Are you unsure whether you should use Photoshop or Illustrator for your pattern designs? In today's episode, we're going to take talk about the pros and cons of each program.

Design and Shine

1
Are your drawing skills holding you back from creating patterns? 8:36

4 years ago8:36

8:36

If you're wanting to start creating pattern designs but are stuck thinking you can't get started because your drawing skills aren't good enough then this podcast is for you. We talk about other options for creating patterns as well as some exercises that will see you improve your drawing skills in no time.…

Design and Shine

1
Getting started with the essential design process 11:34

5 years ago11:34