Surface pattern design is a great way to express creativity and make money. Whether you are just starting your creative journey or have been doing this for years, following these simple steps will help you become a fantastic surface pattern designer.
From building a portfolio and mastering design software to understanding the best practices of the industry, each step requires dedication and focus. But with a bit of effort and hard work, making a successful surface pattern designer can be achieved quickly!
1. Learn Canva and Adobe Illustrator
As a beginner in Pattern Design, I can use Canva to create my designs. It is a simple and user-friendly graphic design tool that allows me to create beautiful patterns quickly. For more detailed plans, I also learned about Adobe Illustrator, which offers a range of online classes and resources to teach me the basics and more advanced techniques of surface pattern design.
2. Make as many patterns as you can.
Making patterns early on in your design career is essential for success. Set aside ample time during this pre-production period to make as many patterns as possible; having a good selection of designs will give you the best chance at creating something exceptional. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas – who knows, you might stumble across one of your all-time favorites!
3. Never throw anything away.
It’s essential never to throw anything away – physical items or digital files. Don’t delete those files you think you’ll never need, and don’t toss out those sketches that you think aren’t worth keeping. You never know when they might come in handy, so hanging on to them is essential! Someday, the items you thought were useless may be precisely what you need for your next project or task.
4. Build Community with your artwork design
Building a community around your design is essential in getting feedback and building a following. Utilizing multiple social media outlets such as blogging, tweeting, Facebook, Instagram, and pinning are great ways to get the word out about your design to others. Additionally, it’s also essential to reach out to other SPD-ers by joining relevant conversations and participating in online forums. Doing so will help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, create valuable connections and garner more attention for your work.
5. Discovering Your True Self Through Authenticity
It’s essential to be authentic and find your style when creating content. Don’t be too inspired by others’ work; instead, focus on developing a unique perspective. Defining your visual style will make you stand out from the crowd and help create an engaging audience experience. We can’t wait to see what original ideas you come up with!
6. Have a fantastic Portfolio
Creating a well-crafted portfolio is essential for any pattern designer. Putting your heart, love, and passion into the designs you choose to showcase is necessary. To make a lasting impression on your followers, take the time to create quality designs and provide fresh ideas. Rather than focusing on quantity, it’s best to put out work that reflects your unique style consistently.
7. Tell a Story
Designing patterns is so much more than just picking colors and creating shapes. It’s about creating a story with a theme that you can run throughout each pattern of your collection. I like to think of an overarching theme and then come up with titles, names, and color names to help express that theme. This helps to create cohesion throughout the collection, making it look and feel unified. By telling a story through the design process, you can create beautiful collections that people will appreciate and remember.
8. Know that you Can
Knowing you can do it is the last step to becoming a successful Surface Pattern Designer. It will take courage and determination, but if you decide to make it happen no matter what, you can. You will have to sacrifice some things and put in the dedication and hard work, but remember that you can succeed!
In conclusion, becoming a surface pattern designer is an exciting process. It requires dedication, creativity, and the willingness to take risks. Understanding the basics of the industry, having an eye for details, and accepting constructive feedback will help you on your journey to becoming a successful designer. Remember to network and look for opportunities that may arise. Most importantly, be persistent and never give up on realizing your dreams. It may take time, but you can be a talented surface pattern designer with dedication.