In today's episode of the Print Life Podcast, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of the surface pattern design industry and discuss essential strategies for success in your career. With some trade shows discontinuing, it's important to adapt to the changing industry dynamics.

We explore the significance of trade shows in our industry and the implications of their evolving status and outline some key marketing strategies that can support you going forward.

• Email Marketing
• Establishing an Online Shop
• Collaborating with Studios on Consignment
• Building a Strong Art and Design Practice

Regardless of your chosen strategy, a strong presence on social media platforms is essential in today's digital age and demands a commitment to long-term planning and consistency. Every choice you make should align with your ultimate business goals.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and remember to stay inspired and keep creating.

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Welcome to another episode of "Design Tip Friday"! 🌟 

Today's design tip revolves around the idea of creating multiple motifs for your designs before you put them into repeat. We can often get stuck in creating just a few motifs and putting those into repeat which can often end up looking a little cheap or have that 'stamped on' feel. 

Join me today for a quick chat on how you can add a bit more personality and variety to your designs by leaning in to imperfections in your art.

Happy Friday! 🌟

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Welcome to todays Artist Interview with  freelance fashion print designer, Alex Solly.

Alex worked in-house as a designer for 10 years, working for a variety of high street suppliers, brands and retailers, before making taking the plunge and going freelance about 3 years ago.

Working predominantly with the high street womenswear market, she has a commercial hand and loves creating florals, animal prints and textures.

Join us today to chat about Alex's creative journey so far, what she has been up to and a bit of advice to those of you who are thinking about going freelance. Alex is a wonderful example of how freelancing in this industry is not only possible, but fulfilling. Want to follow along her creative journey? Head over to https://www.instagram.com/alexsollydesign/

Enjoy!

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

In this special episode of the Print Life Podcast, we're bringing you an exclusive recording of one of our live workshops from the PLM members' area. Although this workshop includes visuals, the valuable insights and techniques shared are extremely relevant for surface pattern designers who work with briefs or face challenges in this area.

During the workshop,Leslie will dive in to the intricacies of working with a design brief. She shares her years of experience and knowledge, providing valuable tips and strategies to help designers not only understand but excel in this crucial aspect of the industry.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the world of surface pattern design, this workshop will offer valuable insights into working effectively with briefs, refining your design process, and ultimately elevating your career.

So, grab your favorite notebook and a cup of coffee and let's dive in! 

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Welcome to another episode of "Design Tip Friday"! 🌟 

Today's design tip revolves around a concept that can be a real game-changer for creatives: the power of focus. I get it; we're bursting with ideas and a burning desire to see them all come to life. We want everything we chase to be a success, and often we are wanting to see those results quickly. But when things don't pan out as expected, we're left scratching our heads, wondering where we went wrong.

The truth is, oftentimes, success is a result of giving undivided attention to one thing at a time. It's about embracing the beauty of a niche, dedicating ourselves to it, and watching it flourish. So today, let's focus on choosing just one thing and doing it exceptionally well, which can be the key to unlocking our true potential.

Happy Friday! 🌟

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Have you ever felt the nagging pull of imposter syndrome? If you're a creative, chances are you have. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Silver, a seasoned surface pattern designer, who sheds light on this all too familiar feeling. With a career spanning two decades, Elizabeth shares her journey from academia to the corporate world and finally to freelance designing. She doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges, including the often daunting disconnect between time invested and monetary payback in the art licensing realm.

Elizabeth advocates for stepping into your role as a designer and the importance of patience—after all, success is a long-term game. So, come along for this insightful conversation, and who knows? You might pick up the inspiration you need to take your design career to the next level!

About our guest:

Elizabeth Silver is a professional surface pattern designer with 20 years in the industry. Her colorful patterns and illustrations are regularly featured in major retailers like Target, Michaels and Walmart and she licenses with over 30 partners. She uses her experience in numerous product categories to teach beginner surface pattern designers how to move past overwhelm and obstacles to create a profitable creative business through courses, Youtube and blog content.

https://www.elizabethsilver.com/patternblog

https://www.youtube.com/c/ElizabethSilver

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Welcome to a brand new episode where we have the pleasure of hosting Lisa Hawthorne, a remarkable surface pattern designer who tossed aside medical textbooks for a paintbrush. With her vibrant, hand-painted floral designs, Lisa's journey is sure to spark inspiration. In today's conversation, Lisa takes us behind the scenes of her work with high profile brands like Free People and Chufy and the launch of her own kid's label, Rocks in Our Pockets. 

Ever wondered how to navigate the changing waves of the design industry?  In this episode, Lisa candidly discusses her explorations into a homeware line, wallpaper collaboration, and kid's product line as responses to customer needs. Listen carefully as Lisa highlights the importance of building connections, injecting authenticity into your work and developing the discernment to say yes or no as a designer.

We also tap into freelance design as Lisa imparts valuable insights on defining your brand, setting goals, and maintaining confidence in the face of rejection. We also get down to the nitty-gritty of the industry, dissecting the nuances of buyouts, licensing, and brand ownership. This episode is a treasure trove of insider knowledge for designers aiming to break into surface pattern design or anyone keen on hearing from a successful freelancer. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with Lisa Hawthorne!

You can follow along her journey below:
https://www.instagram.com/by_lisamhawthorne/
https://msha.ke/lisamhawthorne

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

There are many differences between industries and markets when you create surface pattern designs, but one of the main differences is the way we go about developing a collection, a group of prints or even a one off. Join me today to chat about the main ways you create art for fashion and differences between them. 

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Have you ever felt the weight of creative expectations—whether from clients or even from yourself? In this tiny episode, I share the importance of getting all the hard work and research out of the way before sitting down to create so we can turn our attention inward and create authentically and from the heart. 

I'm here to remind you, and myself, that the process itself is where the magic happens. So, lets loosen those attachments to outcomes and simply have fun and enjoy the process. 💖

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

In this episode, we delve into the crucial significance of having a niche in the surface pattern design industry. As a seasoned art director with a design background, I share valuable insights that will empower both aspiring and established designers to thrive. Learn the power of specialization and a focused approach, allowing you to develop your skills, attract clients effortlessly, and charge premium fees. Whether you're just starting or aiming to scale your career, choosing a niche is the key to success. Get ready to carve out your unique space and unlock your full potential through choosing and exploring your design niche.

Stay Connected:

• Join the Print Life Membership: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/