Well hello there! If like me, you have a passion for creating beautiful repeating patterns and designs, then becoming a surface pattern designer might be the perfect career path for you. And if you aren’t sure what surface pattern design is, let me quickly fill you in. Surface design involves creating patterns and designs that are used on various surfaces such as textiles, wallpaper, ceramics and more.
But how do you become a surface pattern designer?
Well, as luck would have it, I’m here to guide you through 7 steps you can take to become a successful surface pattern designer.
1. Develop your artistic skills
Surface design requires a high level of creativity so it can be important to develop your artistic skills. However, that does not mean you have to be able to draw or paint. I’ve seen lots of lovely designs made from general mark making, scans of flowers or other items, and although they make beautiful patterns they weren’t skilled drawings! That said by practising drawing, painting and experimenting with different materials, you can improve your skills and help develop your own specific style, which in turn will help you find an audience that loves you!
2. Get to know the principles of design
Although rules are made to be broken, it can be a good idea to have an idea of design principles, such as colour theory, composition, typography and layout, all of which can be learnt through online courses, college or just some general research.
3. Learn the right digital design tools for you.
Most surface design work is done using digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. I’d say it is pretty much essential to know at least one platform in which you can pull together a repeat pattern, with the Adobe suite definitely being the industry standard.
4. Create art!!
The more you create the better you become. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Not everything will work out, but you will learn from your mistakes and work out more and more what works for you!
5. Build a portfolio
Creating a portfolio of your work is essential in showcasing your skills and abilities to potential employers or clients. Include a variety of designs that demonstrate your range and creativity.
6. Stay current with trends
Although this isn’t necessarily essential, you are much more likely to find work as a surface pattern designer if you stay aware of trends. This is the case whether you want to manufacture your own products, license your art, sell on print-on-demand sites such as Spoonflower, or anything else! Stay current with the latest trends in surface design by attending design shows, reading design blogs, and following industry leaders on social media. Knowing what is popular can help you create designs that are in demand.
7. Find your community
Being an artist can be a lonely job. The surface pattern design community is a wonderful and supportive group, and by finding people who understand and support you, you can find friendship, accountability and more! Having a community around you helps push you to develop and become the designer you want to be!
8. Show your work!
No matter what, you aren’t going to get anywhere unless you show your work! This means sharing to social media, with art directors, attending trade fairs and events, all in order to reach potential clients. I know this can be a big and scary step, but I always find it helps to remember everyone starts somewhere, and that your people are out there even if not everyone likes your work. In fact, not everyone will, but that’s part of the beauty of art.
Becoming a surface designer takes hard work, creativity, and dedication. But the most important thing of all? Showing your work!! By following these steps, you can gain the skills and experience needed to become a successful surface designer.
Having a community is so important! It really is a lonely job without some designer friends to spur each other on and also have someone to vent to as well!! Thank you for being part of my circle!! ????????
Also incredibly important to have someone in your circle who can tell you when links don’t work ;-)!! Thank you for being part of mine!