In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Becky Dator, a creative manager with two decades of fashion industry experience across apparel, textile, and color design. With her roots in Philadelphia, Becky’s journey spans well-known brands like Free People and Print Fresh, where she’s held roles from design and project management to art direction and team leadership. We dive deep into her incredible path, starting with a chance encounter that sparked her desire to become a fashion designer, and trace her career’s evolution from student to a leader in the print and textile space.

Throughout our conversation, Becky shares unique insights into the creative world of in-house design teams, her approach to art direction, and the joy of seeing her team’s work come to life in stores and on the streets. We also explore her latest project—launching her own brand focused on upcycled vintage with hand embellishments— and discuss the importance of staying flexible, creative, and open to opportunities throughout a design career.

If you’re curious about the inner workings of textile studios, art direction, or building a sustainable fashion line, this episode is packed with inspiration. Join us as we explore the layers of the fashion industry through Becky’s lens and gain valuable advice for navigating a creative career in print design.

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

Finding Your Power in Surface Pattern Design: An Interview with Hollei Anne Hayes

In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, I’m joined by Hollei Anne Hayes, the founder of Hollei Anne Design Co., who has spent over a decade honing her craft in the design industry. After working with esteemed brands like Toys R Us and Skip Hop, Hollei transitioned to full-time freelance and now runs her own creative studio, where her art has been seen in major retailers like Target, TJ Maxx, and Hallmark. 🌟

We talk about her journey from corporate to owning her own business, the power of embracing your unique creative voice, and how she balances creating trend-forward designs with her own personal style. Hollei also shares invaluable insights on pricing your work, navigating the surface pattern design world, and making your art commercially viable.

The big takeaway? No one is you, and that is your power. This episode is full of inspiration for designers looking to build a sustainable business and own their creative space.

Whether you're new to surface pattern design or an experienced freelancer, this conversation is a must-listen. 🎧

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

Bec Oakes is a Sydney based print designer, her work is bohemian, vintage and earthy,  influenced by her experiences while travelling and nature.

She discovered the world of print design while studying design at university and fell in love. She started out by interning and working in-house in the fashion and homewares industries but has found her place in her design business. Now her work can be found on fashion, homewares, lifestyle and fabric.

Bec is a beach lover, yogi, traveler and creative who works with brands that align with her values, placing emphasis on care for the environment, people and communities. She loves to collaborate with people and businesses who are as passionate about what they do as she is.

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

Sara Torabi, owner of Papillon Patterns, is a surface pattern designer based in Canada. Her creative purpose is to create art that brings joy and hope to lives all around the world. Inspired by the vibrant colors and beautiful nature of Canada, her work reflects the intricate details of the lines and curves she observes in her surroundings. Through her designs, she shares her love of art and nature, aiming to bring hope and happiness to those who enjoy her creations

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, we're diving deep into the art of turning your social media audience into loyal clients. We'll explore the crucial differences between your audience, leads, and clients, and why understanding these distinctions is essential for building a successful creative business.

Leslie breaks down actionable steps to identify who’s engaging with your content, how to nurture those relationships, and the importance of being prepared when your dream clients come knocking. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow a loyal and aligned audience that converts.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the distinctions between your audience, leads, and clients.
• How to audit your current audience to ensure it aligns with your business goals.
• Practical steps to prepare your business for client conversions.
• Why a small, engaged audience can be more powerful than a large, unfocused one.

Listen now and get ready to boost your social media strategy!

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

In this episode, join me to sit down with Karina Duncan, a talented textile designer who has carved out a unique space in the womenswear, resort, and swim markets with original, trend inspired print designs. With over six years of experience living and working in Portugal, Karina has honed her craft through both hand-painted and digital mediums. Starting her career as an in-house designer at a printing factory, Karina went on to work for an upcoming design studio in Braga before embarking on her freelance journey in 2021.

Join us as Karina shares her insights on creating unique, lasting designs, working on consignment for studios, and building 1-1 relationships with her clients. We’ll delve into her passion for hand-painted florals, conversationals, and abstracts, and explore how she continues to make a lasting impression in the world of textile design. This is a must-listen episode for designers looking to blend creativity with commercial success!

You can follow Karina at:
https://www.instagram.com/karina.print/

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

In this episode we dive into the crucial role of market research in connecting with clients and boosting your sales as a surface pattern designer. Understanding the significance of knowing your market to establish strong relationships and make informed decisions that align with current trends and client needs.

Learn why understanding your market is crucial for building client relationships.
Strategies to develop designs that resonate with your target market and increase your magnetism in the marketplace.

Key Takeaway:

Mastering market research isn't just about knowing what to design—it's about developing a keen sense of what your client wants and how you can cater to those needs effectively.

Leslie shares insights from her experience and the Print Life Membership, guiding you on how to leverage market research in your career as a surface pattern designer.

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

In this episode of the Print Life Podcast we are diving in to the power of niching down for creative entrepreneurs. Are you struggling to attract your dream clients or feeling overwhelmed by your business? It might be time to refine your focus.

We will cover:

• The importance of narrowing your niche
• How to gain traction faster by specializing
• Tips for streamlining your creative business to achieve sustainable growth

Here's a sneak peek: "It’s important to start to look at our business. If it’s feeling like it’s running away from us, or if it’s not giving us what we need from it, and really ask ourselves, am I a little too broad in my offerings?"

Tune in now to learn how focusing on your niche can transform your business and set you on the path to success!

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

In today's episode, we dive into a theme I am seeing not only within myself but within our creative community: the art of returning to ourselves. As we navigate different seasons of life, it's crucial to reconnect with the love for what we do, allowing us to be intentional and release the grip of burnout. We'll explore the importance of pulling back, reassessing, and realigning with our creative passions.

We discuss how being intentional with our work and business is deeply rooted in feeling harmonious within our creative selves. Over time, the work you create will become significantly more impactful when you take the time to play, explore, and find simplicity and passion in your process.

We'll also touch upon the current landscape of social media platforms, the rise of AI, and how to discern what deserves your energy and what doesn't. It's about not succumbing to fear and instead, reclaiming control over your creative journey. You are the master of your future, and this episode is here to remind you of that power.

Enjoy the episode, and let's reconnect with the essence of our creative selves.

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

If you have ever found yourself looking ourward and allowing yourself to get tripped up on your journey when you begin comparing youreself to others? What if I told you that comparison can be a powerful tool for growth? Instead of judging yourself against others, try seeing it as a window into what's possible for you. When you shift your perspective, comparison becomes so expansive, not limiting.⁠
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So today, let's approach comparison with curiosity and excitement. See it as a glimpse of what you can create, and let it empower your path forward. ⁠
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Your creative potential really is endless. Let's keep pushing those boundaries and embracing growth.

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/