WHO SAYS YOUR DESIGNS CAN'T BE FUN?

As a surface pattern designer, you see a lot of pattern designs. Some are good, some are meh, and some are downright amazing. The longer you're in this arena, the more you see shifts with trends that a majority follow. I don't want to say copying, because all of us take inspiration from somewhere else. But you do notice when the same color palettes or types of flowers or style of design starts showing up everywhere and it's because people flock to what is doing well for other people. They don't try to develop their own style or voice, they create what's already out there, in their version.

I'd say most pattern designers venture into POD or digital products after they've found success with their pattern designs as another avenue to make money. But I was the opposite. I started POD products first, with simple sarcastic sayings on mugs and cards. Since I had so much success with that, I struggled with finding my creative style on patterns. I have a sweet, kind spirit that loves nature and neutrals and peaceful meaningful work. And I kept wondering how I could design a pattern that I would actually place in my home that would still fit with my existing sarcastic designs. It caused a huge block that left me stuck for a really long time. embarrassingly long.

Then one day, it hit me. Whimsy. I have always been drawn to silly, playfully odd, unusual, fun, quirky things. I find delight in unexpected joys. hmm, possibly why I love sarcasm and its unexpected wit. I naturally find ways to sneak aspects of whimsy and joy into all of my designs. Even if I'm the only one that knows why it's there or pick up on the subtleties of something, I still use it and love it. I mean who says your designs can't be fun, even just for you to make?

From first glance, this Creepy Crawler Chronicle pattern looks like bugs being pinned to an old newspaper. But when you slow down, you can see it.

maggot, a soft bodied larva often found in places you'd rather not look.

centipede, a leggy arthropod whose number of legs is outdone only by its creep factor.

pest, any small creature that annoys, bites, or haunts your pantry. can also be your sister.

(I really made myself laugh so much writing those.) My boys would have loved to have this pattern as pajamas when they were younger. Or wallpaper for that matter. This is one of my favorites. (I am considering adding some of these POD options to my Etsy shop.)

I also created graphics to go along with this collection that of course offer their own bit of sarcasm.

I spent more time than I'd like to admit stuck without posting my pattern designs. Wondering how do I take my sweet wildflower patterns and make them fit with my silly playful designs? But guess what, I don't have to choose. When people start to know me and they see one thing I create, hopefully it's enough to draw them in to see other things I create... and as they follow along, I hope my work surprises them. Some days you will see my sweet introspective side and others you'll see my sarcastic humor-filled side. I am not only one thing. I have nuances just like everyone else. When I was finally able to get past my personal perfectionism block that needed things to make sense and just started sharing my work, doors started opening for me. And guess what, now it makes sense to me.

Sometimes you have to do the hard thing to see what you were waiting to see.... cause hindsight comes after the fact.

Besides, I'm drawn to the people that have variety in their work. I follow a lot of designers that post a different version of the same thing all the time. They've found what works for them and they stick to it. And I still find their work lovely, don't get me wrong. But there are a couple designers that always manage to surprise me and I can't even tell you how much I love that! Be weird. In all the best ways. And people will be drawn to your uniqueness.

Warmest regards,

P.S. You can find my pattern designs on Spoonflower and my graphics on Etsy. I also teach how to do this in my membership with a money back guarantee. And if you just think you know someone else who would love my membership, you can sign up for an affiliate link (no application needed- just sign up and get started sharing.)