Top 4 Free Resources for Surface Pattern Designers
If you’re wanting to learn how to become a surface pattern designer, I created four free resources to help you build confidence and grow your skills. My hope is that they’ll inspire you, encourage you, and give your creativity a gentle push forward.
1. Start Simple in Pattern Design Mini Course
What it is:
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your own designs come to life on fabric, wallpaper, or gift wrap, but didn’t know where to begin? This free mini-course is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of surface pattern design. In this surface design tutorial mini-class, I’ll walk you through the foundational steps of surface pattern design, from gathering inspiration all the way to creating your very first repeating pattern. By the end of class, you’ll have a design that’s ready to print and bring to life!
And as a little bonus, you’ll also receive my Printing Essentials Guide to help you avoid the most common pattern printing mistakes.
Why it’s great:
- Perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes into pattern design
- Step-by-step guidance to help you build confidence
- Simple, powerful techniques to create seamless repeats
- Helps you move from “I have no idea where to start” to “I just designed my first pattern!”
2. 60 Artists in 60 Minutes
What it is:
Inside this 60-minute video, you’ll meet 60 incredible artists, illustrators, and surface pattern designers who openly share how they earn income from their art. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at their journeys, hear how they’ve built creative careers, and discover just how many paths are possible in this industry.
I recommend pouring something warm and cozy, setting aside a quiet hour, and giving this your full attention. You’ll want to soak up every bit of the wisdom and inspiration inside.
Why it’s great:
- A beautiful compilation of insight from experienced artists
- Real-world examples of how to get started in the industry
- Encouraging and inspiring, especially if you’re unsure where to begin
- A helpful introduction to the many ways you can build a career in surface design
Start Simple in Surface Pattern Design Guide
What it is:
This beautifully designed guide is your go-to starting point for building a strong foundation in surface pattern design. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to begin with confidence, from the essential tools and techniques to industry insights and creative encouragement. We’ll walk through how to set meaningful goals, develop your signature style, build a portfolio, choose your niche, create a collection, price your work, and more.
Why it’s great:
- Clear and approachable, even if you’re just getting started
- Covers all the essentials to help you feel grounded and focused
- Helps you map out a12-month plan for growing your design career
- A valuable resource you’ll want to return to again and again
6 Ready-to-Use Color Palettes in Adobe Illustrator
What it is:
I created a set of six professionally curated color palettes designed for Adobe Illustrator to help make choosing colors simple and fun. Each palette includes twelve beautiful swatches, some of my personal favorites, ready to drop right into your designs. They’ll take the guesswork out of color and help you create work that feels cohesive, polished, and uniquely yours.
Why it’s great:
- Saves time and makes color selection feel effortless
- Helps your designs look refined and professional
- Provides fresh inspiration to spark new pattern ideas
- A helpful resource no matter where you are on your creative journey
Ready to Take the Next Step?
I hope these free resources help you gain confidence, refine your skills, and take steps toward your dream career in surface pattern design. If you'd like to keep learning and growing together, I’d love to invite you to join my newsletter. It’s where I share helpful tips, inspiring resources, and a little creative encouragement straight to your inbox.
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