WHY IT’S A GREAT TIME TO START NOW AS A REPEAT PATTERN DESIGNER.

I went live on my Youtube channel to share my best reasons why NOW is awesome for getting started as a beginner surface pattern designer, a textile designer, a fabric designer or anything you might call us as a creative group 🙂 There were so many things not available, or slower, or plain not possible with the technology, with tools and services, with online stores where you can buy art supplies and tech drawing and design tools as well as photography tools to promote your artwork. 

If you are doubting yourself if this this a good time to start as a textile designer than this video is for you, my amazing, creative friend!

Today I want to share with you some important things that I feel can hold back beginner pattern designers from pursuing their creative careers.

My name is Oksancia and I’ve been a textile designer for over 15 years now. I’m also an award-winning online course creator and teacher for repeat pattern designers over on my Oksancia Online School. I truly love helping creative individuals build lifestyle businesses for themselves using their talents. With over 15 years of experience and over 2,000 students taught, I have a lot of knowledge to share with you.

So, why is now an amazing time to start as a repeat pattern designer? Let me tell you!

Firstly, there are a lot more quality websites where you can license your repeat pattern designs or other types of artwork.

The tools used to upload and keyword your designs have also become much more advanced. When I first started out, there were only two websites to sell on, but now there are at least 20, with new ones popping up all the time.

Another reason why now is a great time to start is due to the rise of print on demand websites, such as Spoonflower.

You can sell your own fabric designs, promote yourself using them, and even sell your designs as print on demand products on different fabrics and even wallpaper. This is a huge advantage compared to when I first started out and there were limited options for selling your designs.

In addition, design software for repeat pattern design has become much more advanced, with more useful tools.

I’m a big fan of Adobe Illustrator and have even created my own system for designing repeat patterns, which I still use to this day. However, the tools available within Illustrator and other software have become even more useful, making the process much easier.

Next reason is that Wacom graphic drawing tablets, which are essential tools for many artists, have become better and more affordable over the years.

I personally use an Intuos tablet and love it, but there are now more affordable options available for beginners.

The good news is that it’s now easier and more affordable than ever to create a portfolio website for yourself.

Gone are the days when you had to hire a developer to manage your website.

Nowadays, with a little bit of research and some quick tutorials, you can easily manage your own website without any technical knowledge. I’ve been using WordPress with a plugin called Divi for many years and it’s changed my life. I now have complete control over my website and can manage it all by myself without having to ask for help from a developer.

When creating a portfolio website, don’t get hung up on the beauty and complexity of your website. Start with a simple one-page website that showcases your work, some testimonials from clients, and a way for people to contact you or purchase your online files. You can always add more to it later as you grow.

Ordering Art Supplies and Tech Tools Is Easier Now!

As a designer, you need to have access to the right tools and supplies to get your work done. With the advent of online shopping, you can now order art supplies and tech tools, like drawing tablets, right to your door. Depending on where you are in the world, delivery times can be quick, and if the tools don’t work for you, you can easily return them. This was not the case when I was starting out, and it was much more difficult and time-consuming to get the tools and supplies I needed.

Selling Repeat Pattern Designs Online Is Much More Accessible!

The internet has opened up new avenues for designers to sell their work online. However, with the abundance of digital files available for sale, it can be tempting to believe that the market is oversaturated. I faced this same challenge when I started selling digital files online 15 years ago. Despite what others were saying, I decided to try it and it worked. The same was true for my YouTube videos and my online courses. The key is to find a unique angle for your work and offer something that sets you apart from the rest.

In conclusion, now is a great time to become a repeat pattern designer or textile designer. With the ease of creating a portfolio website, access to art supplies and tech tools, and the opportunity to sell your work online, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to start small, experiment, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Happy designing!

Grow, love, create!

Oksancia