Print Life Podcast: For Surface Pattern Designers

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. 

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
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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. 💖

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
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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.

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
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How many sketches, doodles, and paintings are piling up in your creative space, unrealized and unscanned? If you're like me, it's probably a whole lot! Working surface pattern designers have the tough job of being the experimental, risk taking creative and the disciplined designer who knows when it is time to stop panting and start scanning. So often it is in the time we spend playing with layout, texture, color and scale that we can begin to see the motifs come to life...and sometimes when we begin to see our style get a little stronger. Just as it is important to play and experiment with our art, it is important to do the same with design and layout. 

So if you have art lying around that was never scanned in or unfinished prints, challenge yourself to go through that work and pull a few things out to play with. You might be surprised with what you come up with. 

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
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What if the values we hold dearly could be the cornerstone to personal and professional growth? Today I share my personal journey of discovering my core values and how they have influence the decisions I make in my life and business as they continue to guide me authentically along my path.

If you ever feel you are struggling with knowing what type of design, clients or business you want, this episode is for you. Learning what is at the core of who we are can offer so much clarity in our creative life.

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
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What if you could transform your career, transitioning from one industry to another, while beginning to build a successful freelance business? Meet Carolyn Quan, Sydney-based illustrator and textile print designer, who did exactly that. Moving from the gaming industry, she ventured into the world of fashion, wearing different hats for her in-house role before taking the leap into freelance to support fashion and lifestyle brands with custom print design as well as working with print studios on consignment.

Carolyn shares the unique challenges of a freelancing lifestyle and what it takes to get started. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, these important insights about the world of freelance print design are sure to inspire and guide you. If you want to learn more about Carolyn and follow along her journey, click below. See you next time!

Website: https://carolynquan.design/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynquan.design/

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Ever wonder why you pitch your designs and hear crickets? It is often due to the fact that we are forgetting to take the end use or market into consideration. This episode of the Print Life Podcast covers this common mistake and sheds light on how you can tailor your portfolio to get the positive response you're after. 

We will cover the idea of the evergreen portfolio, using 3D fabric swatches or fashion mock ups. Hear first-hand why it's critical to pitch with the audience in mind, and learn how to make your portfolio more appealing to them. Tune in now!

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
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Join me today for part two of my journey into the world of surface pattern design for fashion! From In house to freelance to studio start up, there have been so many lessons learned over the past 15 plus years. . . But it was in that moment that I became a Mom when everything really changed. Suddenly having to balance my business responsibilities with this whole new life. 

This led to changing the way I was running my studio in order to have a healthier work-life balance. Prompting some drastic changes to the business model which included eliminating fabric printing, shipping and attending so many shows. We cut way back until 2020 where we stopped all together. 

In 2020 we shifted our focus to providing unique, curated experiences for our clients and launched a digital agency that represents multiple studios and independent
designers under one platform. This approach is particularly useful for
freelancers and those who are just starting out in the creative industry.

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
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Ever wish you could increase the longevity and value of your artwork? In todays Design Tip Friday, I'm sharing my top two strategies for doing just that. Discover how a few quick changes can not only attract potential buyers but also show them that your artwork can be versatile across all seasons and needs. Enjoy!

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• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
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Have you ever felt stuck between the stability of a great job and taking the plunge into trying something new? In this revealing episode, I open up about my personal journey in the print design industry and the challenging decisions I faced along the way. Overcoming self-doubt and finally taking the leap into building the career of my dreams. I hope my story inspires you to stay true to your desires, to give yourself permission to do what is needed along the way and take the leap when the time is right. 

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/