Spotlight on SAGE Designers
Here’s an inspiring story for you. A remarkable group of students who met through my surface pattern design programs have banded together to form a collaborative design collective called the SAGE Designers: the Surface Artist Group of Entrepreneurs.
This inspiring collective is the perfect example of what happens when creativity, community, and purpose collide. Whether you're a designer looking for a peek behind the scenes or simply someone who loves seeing creativity in action, you’ll love what these talented women are creating.
Who Are the SAGE Designers?
The SAGE Designers is a group made up of experienced, motivated artists who all share a love for surface pattern design and building creative businesses. These women met through my programs and mastermind, and they decided to take their connection one step further: forming a professional design collective that not only supports one another but also amplifies each other's work.
Their name says it all:
Surface artists
Artist entrepreneurs
Group united by creative goals
Entrepreneurs in action
These women are working artists. They aren’t just dreaming about launching their collections; they are actively creating, licensing, pitching, and selling. What unites them is their commitment to professionalism and their unique, personal design voices.
Behind the Artboard: How the Group Works
One of the most fascinating aspects of the SAGE Designers is their structure. They meet regularly across time zones to check in, support one another, and share feedback. And their creative process is centered around themed design challenges.
Each quarter, the group picks a new theme. This summer’s theme was Farm Life. A universally beloved and nostalgia-rich topic. What’s amazing is how each designer interpreted the theme through her own unique lens.
Some collections featured:
Whimsical farm animals like sheep, cows, and chickens
Rustic barns, tractors, and vintage tools
Beautiful florals and fields of crops
Playful coordinates like gingham checks, polka dots, and stripes
It’s a brilliant way to encourage productivity while offering structure. Even with the same theme, each designer’s collection feels entirely fresh and distinct.
Their work is then showcased collectively on the SAGE Designers website, with each artist's personal portfolio also linked for licensing and sales opportunities.
The Power of Collaboration
So often, surface pattern design is a solo pursuit. You work from your home studio, eyes glued to your screen, wondering if anyone will ever see (or license) your work. That isolation can be draining, even discouraging.
That’s why groups like the SAGE Designers are so powerful.
This group has created a vibrant, professional space to:
Cross-promote each other’s work to amplify reach
Collaborate on seasonal launches and themed collections
Encourage and hold each other accountable
Share resources and opportunities
They also act as a support system. When someone lands a licensing deal, everyone celebrates. When someone’s unsure about a pitch email or art submission, she gets feedback. When someone’s stuck, others help them move forward.
It’s an incubator of creative confidence.
As one member said, "We’re not just sharing artwork. We’re growing businesses together."
SAGE Designers in the Market
The work this group produces is not just beautiful; it’s market-ready. And the SAGE Designers are actively looking to connect with licensing partners, manufacturers, and creative collaborators.
On their website, you’ll find:
A group portfolio of themed collections
Individual designer portfolios with licensing-ready work
Clear contact information and an easy path to collaboration
So how does licensing work?
Here’s a simplified version:
Browse and select the designs that align with your product or brand.
Negotiate terms (timeline, exclusivity, usage rights).
The artist delivers files (production-ready and tailored to your specs).
Royalties or a flat fee is agreed upon.
The artists retain copyright and creative ownership, but you get beautiful, original artwork to use on your products.
The group also has a growing Instagram presence and sends out a seasonal newsletter with first looks, design previews, and even exclusive art gifts.
Whether you’re an art director or an art lover, it’s worth bookmarking their page.
Why This Matters (and How You Can Join Us)
I started my online art business in my late 50s, after losing my corporate job. Like many of these women, I had no formal art background, just a lifelong love of creativity and the willingness to start learning.
What the SAGE Designers are doing is a beautiful reflection of that journey and what’s possible when you follow your creative spark and surround yourself with like-minded peers.
Many of these designers started their surface pattern journey in my beginner course, From Doodles to Dollars®, then continued on to The Pattern Design Academy®, and some are now part of my advanced Creative Business Mastermind®. SAGE Designers emerged from this ecosystem as a natural next step for a handful of women ready to go pro.
If your heart lights up at the idea of putting your art on fabric, wrapping paper, or home goods. If you dream of being part of a creative community that uplifts and supports you. I invite you to take the first step.
Want to See What’s Possible?
Head over to the SAGE Designers website to explore the Farm Life collection and meet each of the artists.
You can also join our community inside Anne’s Atelier, my monthly membership that offers ongoing education, accountability, and encouragement for your creative journey.
I also have a full list of the tools and creative business resources that I use and recommend. Visit this page for details.
Final Thought:
Don’t let your creativity stay buried inside of you. If anyone told you that you weren’t talented enough, they were wrong. The SAGE Designers prove that every day.
Remember, it’s never too late to create.
xo,
Anne
P.S. I’m back from two weeks away from the LIVESTREAM. Join me this Wednesday at noon PDT which is 3pm EDT. Let’s talk about art, creativity and surface pattern design together.
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annelafolletteart
Join me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnneLaFollette1
It’s Never Too Late to Create®
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Anne’s Atelier is a monthly membership for creative entrepreneurs looking to up-level their skills. If you need help balancing your creative passions with your check book, click HERE to learn more.
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
