Exploring Career Opportunities in Fabric and Textile Design

Discover how to launch a successful career in textile design, build income streams, and grow your creative business in fabric and surface pattern design.

Textile design is everywhere, from the clothes we wear to the wallpaper in our homes, the journals we write in, and the fabric on our furniture.

Imagine being the person who gets to design what those patterns look like, bringing beauty to products people use every day. 

A career in textile design allows you to do just that! Not only is it creatively fulfilling, but it also offers a variety of ways to earn income, including licensing your work, selling it outright, or taking on commissions. The industry is full of both artistic and financial potential.

And it offers flexibility! You can build a career that aligns with your goals, interests, and lifestyle.

In this post, we’ll explore how to build a meaningful career in textile and fabric design, a few helpful skills you'll need, and places you can sell your work.

Career Paths in Textile and Fabric Design

License Your Designs

One of the most popular ways to earn income in textile and fabric design is through licensing. Licensing your artwork allows you to collaborate with established brands that apply your designs to their products. While they handle manufacturing and sales, you earn residual income through royalties.

This option is particularly suited for artists who prefer to concentrate on pattern design instead of product design.

Take Freelance and Commission Projects

Freelance and commission work offers another rewarding path in surface pattern design. You can create custom patterns for brands, fashion designers, home decor companies, and more. This option is ideal if you enjoy variety and working with multiple clients.

Create Your Own Product Line

If you've dreamed of opening your own shop, this career path may be the perfect fit. You can create a product line featuring the items you love most, whether fabric by the yard, wallpaper, or paper goods like stationery and gift wrap. 

When we launched our own shop, Flowerie, it quickly became a joyful extension of our creativity, filled with aprons, blankets, notebooks, gardening tools, and more. 

This route gives you complete creative control over building your brand and selling through platforms like Etsy, Spoonflower, or Shopify.

Become an In-House Designer

Working as an in-house designer may be a great fit if you enjoy a structured, collaborative environment. In this role, you’ll create patterns for fabric companies, fashion brands, or home decor businesses as part of their design team. It offers the stability of a salaried position and opportunities to grow within an established brand.

Related: How to Make Money in Surface Pattern Design

Share Your Skills

Many textile and fabric designers share their expertise through online courses, workshops, or mentorship programs. 

If you enjoy teaching, this can be a great way to generate residual income while supporting other creatives. It also pairs well with licensing or freelance work and offers a meaningful way to build community.

I share a bit about my journey as an educator in The Immersion Course Story. 

Think Outside of the Box

While pattern design is often associated with fabric, its reach extends far beyond. Patterns are essential in interior design, appearing on rugs and wallpaper. They're also found in gift wrap, greeting cards, tissue paper, and tech accessories like phone cases and laptop covers. Even unexpected products like skateboards, yoga mats, and kitchenware feature thoughtfully designed patterns.

The possibilities are both endless and exciting. For more ideas, explore this blog post: 15 Ways to Make Money with Your Art.

Are you dreaming of the patterns you’ll create? Let’s keep the momentum going! Here are a few key skills you may want to explore. 

Helpful Skills to Begin a Career in Textile Design

Proficiency in Design Tools 

If you want to begin a surface pattern design career, you’ll want to master the design tools commonly used in this profession. I recommend starting with Adobe Illustrator and then exploring Photoshop or Procreate. 

I created a free class that explores textile design for beginners and teaches you how to create repeating patterns. Take a look at this step-by-step introduction to these design tools. 

Color Theory and Trends 

Developing an eye for cohesive color palettes and combinations is also valuable. I walk you through the exact process I use to build thoughtful, harmonious color combinations in this episode: How to Create Beautiful Color Palettes. 

Compiling a Portfolio

After you’ve learned how to design patterns, the next step is building your portfolio. This is your chance to showcase your best work. Select pieces that demonstrate your range and use mockups to help potential clients see how your designs could look on real products.

Related: How to Create a Compelling Portfolio

Marketing and Branding

Building a strong brand will help support your growth as a textile and fabric designer. Begin by developing your personal brand, your unique style, voice, and the message you want to share with the world. Then, create an online presence through a website, Instagram, and Pinterest to help others discover your work and connect with your story.

One easy way to begin creating your brand is by using consistent colors and photography throughout your website and portfolio. It’s a small step that builds a strong foundation for consistency and recognizability.

Pitching Your Work

Reaching out to brands, art directors, and manufacturers takes time and confidence, but it’s a key part of growing your career. Creating a strong pitch deck and consistently sharing your work can open new doors and opportunities. If you're ready to start pitching your designs, this guide may be a helpful resource: Mastering the Art of the Pitch.

Places to Diversify: Where Can You Sell Your Work?

There are many ways to share your work as a surface pattern designer. Let’s look at a few of my favorite places!

Online Marketplaces 

Online marketplaces like Spoonflower, Etsy, and Society6 are perfect for beginners who want to explore what it’s like to sell their work. These platforms allow you to upload and sell your designs on fabric, home goods, and even apparel without manufacturing products yourself. It’s an excellent way to dip your toe in and build residual income as your designs sell over time.

Art Licensing Firms

Art agencies are a great option if you want to see your work on various products but don’t necessarily want to handle all the outreach. These agencies connect artists with brands looking for fresh designs and take care of the business side of things so you can stay focused on creating.

Trade Shows

Trade shows are incredible opportunities to get your work in front of buyers and industry professionals. Exhibiting in person allows you to connect face-to-face, build relationships, and potentially open doors to collaborations you never imagined. 

Working Directly with Textile Manufacturers

You can also consider working directly with textile manufacturers. Many fabric companies seek unique, independent voices to bring new collections to life. These relationships often become ongoing partnerships and allow you to contribute creativity to established product lines.

Related: 10 Tips for Becoming a Surface Pattern Designer

Crafting Your Own Career

There’s no single path to success in fabric and textile design, and that’s one of the most unique things about it. You can shape a career that fits your passions, pace, and lifestyle. 

Many designers begin with one direction, like licensing, and then grow into other areas, such as launching a product line or teaching. Your journey can evolve as you do, and you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Simply move forward one small step at a time. 

Related: What I Wish I’d Known When I Was Starting Out

If you’re ready for your next step, I’d love to invite you to Start Simple, a free class I created to guide you through the foundations of designing your very first repeating pattern. Together, we’ll explore key questions like “What is a motif?” and “How do I export my design?” I can’t wait to see you inside!

What skills do you need to be a textile designer?
Mastery of digital design tools, understanding color theory, compiling a professional portfolio, and building marketing skills are all essential for textile designers.

How do I get started in textile design?
Start by learning design software like Adobe Illustrator, building a portfolio, establishing a brand presence online, and exploring ways to license or sell your work.

Can you make money as a surface pattern designer?
Yes! Income streams include licensing designs, selling through online marketplaces, freelancing, teaching courses, and creating your own product lines.

What are some places to sell textile designs?
Designers sell their work through Spoonflower, Etsy, Society6, direct manufacturer collaborations, art licensing firms, and at trade shows.