HOW TO BECOME A SURFACE PATTERN DESIGNER: LEARN FROM ANA
Are you looking to start your own creative business, but don’t even know where to begin?
If so, you came to the right place! Being a creative is the best job! You will be able to work from anywhere, create your own schedule, and have lots of fun! Ready for a new challenge that will make you happy?
Let’s do it together!
Why to get started.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you are very creative person. Maybe you need to work from home. Maybe, like in my case, you love sewing and you want to create your own designs. Or rather, I couldn’t find the designs my daughters wanted!
It doesn’t matter where you begin. But I can’t emphasize enough how important is to find your ‘why’. It will be your driving force. So, just take a minute to think about it. Maybe even write it down, so you can refocus yourself when needed. Be clear and don’t overthink it.
For me, I had already made the decision that I wanted to be working from home. My family and I move countries every two to three years (due to my husbands' job) and I wanted to start something I could easily take with me no matter where we go. So, right at the beginning of the pandemic, I decided, becoming a surface pattern designer would be perfect for me. I love sewing and being creative. Creating my own fabrics will give me an excuse to make my hobby, my full time job! Genius, right? I also like drawing, although I am not particularly good at it! A minor problem, I could probably fix with some practice (I am all about the growth mindset). And the best part is that I can do it from home (no matter where home is!) and it doesn't require a lot of tools. All the things that I need are easily packed into my backpack.
So, WHY you are here today?
But…
There is always a big ‘but’, right?
In my head, I had two main questions I needed to answer before committing.
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After a little bit of research I found out that the main things I need are:
1. A computer
2. An ipad that works with an apple pencil
3. An apple pencil
4. Yearly subscription to Adobe (Optional but will make your life so much easier).
So, it's a little bit of money, but it's doable. Specially if you already have a computer and an ipad. You could add a lot more expenses to these main four things. But you can always wait until later for pretty much everything else.
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No problem! I quickly learned that you don't need to be an artist to get started and that you can pretty much teach yourself anything you want to learn. So, if you are committed you can do it. But, even before you get there with your drawings there are plenty of ways around it. You can create simple designs that don't really require drawing skills or use your own photos to trace the elements of your pattern!
Remember:
You can start from any background, you don’t need to be an artist. If you enjoy what you do and you keep showing up, you can make anything happen!
So, yes, there is a big to do list to get started and it is overwhelming. The good news is that it's doable if you are committed and try to accomplish one task a time.
I hope I have helped you just a tiny bit. I will be sharing more about what I have learned so far, such as how to create a seamless repeat pattern, which are the best websites to sell your designs, how to set up your own website, and so much more!
THE GOOD NEWS IS:
YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
My name is Ana and I am a self-taught surface pattern designer and educator obsessed with creating gorgeous fabrics and teaching!
Let me help you by saving you a lot of time looking for answers. I know, how it feels when you have to figure it all out on your own with a background in … let’s say, biology. Not super helpful, but with a little bit of help, you can get there AND save a lot of time and tears along the way!
WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY
I decided to create Moshito Design Academy for you! To share everything that I have learned so far. It’s a fun journey but it can get lonely sometimes. You don’t need to have all the answers all the time. This is a safe space for you to ask questions!
Learn what you need to become a surface pattern designer
Resources.
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PROCREATE BRUSHES
Cute procreate brushes to help you create gorgeus designs!
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Find my book recommendations and other sources that I found useful.
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Recommended supplies
From my favorite mockups, to my watercolor supplies!
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FREE TUTORIALS
Learn how to open your Spoonflower shop or begin as a designer, and so much more!