4 Simple Steps to Kickstart Your Surface Pattern Design Business

I talk with other artists on the regular and here’s one thing I know for sure: there are a million ways to find success in the surface pattern design business.

But this doesn’t make getting started any easier.

With all of these options comes decision fatigue. And if the question “What should we have for dinner tonight?” gives you heart palpitations, I’m guessing you know the pain of decision fatigue.?(Oh and just make the tacos. Or better yet, order pizza and everyone will be happy...at least in my house.)

Couple the menu of surface pattern design options with ‘Shiny Object Syndrome’ - aka every time you hear about a successful artist, you’re off to try out ‘how they did it’) and it’s likely you landed here on this blog after googling *ALL THE THINGS* and trying to piece together how to build a surface pattern design career.?

And I bet you’re feeling a little exhausted right about now. ??

If I had to pinpoint the two biggest factors standing in the way of most new designers, the winners would be:

1. Lack of confidence

2. Major overwhelm

That’s why in my Start Your Surface Pattern Business?course, I encourage you to put on some blinders (meaning break up with Shiny Object Syndrome ??) and follow the lessons and workbooks offered in the course step-by-step. And of course, I’m here cheering you on the whole way!

Wondering what you can do right now to move forward? I’ve got you covered with some basic steps:

4 Simple Steps to Kickstart Your Surface Pattern Design Business

1. Create art. Lots of art.?

Even though I don’t dig too much into portfolio building in my courses (except in Successful Licensing Collections) you can’t be a surface pattern designer if you haven’t picked up a pencil. Do I think you need 60 or 100 designs to kick off your search for paid work? I don’t. But I do know you need to practice your craft and work to improve each day as you start your surface pattern biz.?

The amazingly talented Tequitia Andrews has some inspiring insights on keeping your creative mojo going. Check out my interview with her here - How to Find Your Creative Rhythm with Tequitia Andrews.

2. Pick your niche.

Trust me on this: Ditch the Shiny Object Syndrome and choose one product category to start with. Having a niche to focus on will make your art and your eventual pitching much more cohesive and targeted, and in the long run, EASIER.??? If you want more details on picking a niche, check out this post - Get Started with a Surface Pattern Design Career: An Easy First Step.

3. Ramp up your web presence.

In terms of marketing your work, there are a few platforms you should concentrate on, and one should be a simple portfolio website. I recommend Squarespace to all my students. Check out my footnote below for a sweet discount.*

Not sure if you’re ready for a website yet? Read this post and find out - Surface Pattern Design Portfolio Website: When Do I Need One?

4. Pitch your surface pattern design work to clients

Okay, admittedly this isn’t exactly a simple step. It’s three whole modules in Start Your Surface Pattern Business and it’s a process that requires dedication. But here are some of my top tips on what to write in a pitch email?and how to choose the right art to send to get you started.

Even if you set a goal to send out one pitch today, you’re well on your way, my friend. ??

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*I’m an officially Squarespace Partner now after spending the last 4 years recommending them without any affiliation. What that means for you is that you can try Squarespace for free for 14 days - click here to sign up. And if you sign up after your trial (because it’s SO EASY and I know you’ll love it) use code PARTNER10 at checkout and you’ll get 10% off your first year.

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What’s Next, You Ask?

Work through all four steps above and you’ll have a solid start. And of course, this post is chock full of links pointing you to additional resources that will answer many of your questions.

But you also don’t have to do this all alone. If you want a deeper dive - and are tired of piecing it all together - check out my course ‘Start Your Surface Pattern Business’ below. I walk you through all the steps to a profitable surface pattern design business. ??

The Blueprint to Go from Pattern Fangirl to Paid Creator

Making your surface pattern dreams come true does not have to be complicated or intimidating. I created the Start Your Surface Pattern Business course as a master plan for you to get focused, ditch the fear, and start pitching your work today.

Here’s what one of my amazing students had to say about their results from the course…

“It was Elizabeth’s class that gave me the confidence and knowledge to change how I was pitching myself. Because of that, I was offered a freelance position with a large party paper company, and know how to keep that conversation going with follow-ups.”

-Shannon Reif (Surface Pattern Designer, @shannon_reif_illustration)

?? Click here to sign up for Start Your Surface Pattern Business ??

This article was originally published on ElizabethSilver.com - 4 Simple Steps to Kickstart Your Surface Pattern Design Business