Welcome to August 2023! August can sometimes be a bit of a snooze but not this year! My goodness, there are so many creative mini-courses this month to explore. Each one is unique and brought to you by the best online teachers from my extensive creative family.

Do you find yourself pausing to appreciate the swirls on your coffee mug or the motif on your living room rug? If the answer is yes, you've interacted with the world of Surface Pattern Design. The art of embellishing surfaces – be it fabric, wallpaper, home decor, or packaging – with creative designs is an industry that, while vast, often goes unnoticed.

Have you been thinking about taking my signature program, the Pattern Design Academy®, but you never quite got around to it? Well, I have good news for you. The Pattern Design Academy® is open for enrollment! And the timing is absolutely perfect.

I’m excited to explore the balance between aesthetics and function in our surface pattern design work. You’re likely familiar with the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang. This concept describes how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. 

Hello, my creative friends! Today, I want to talk to you about the magical intersection of storytelling and surface pattern design. When we design, we do more than just put together attractive visuals. We're spinning narratives, invoking emotions, and embodying profound ideas. So, let's delve into this wondrous world where stories spring to life through patterns.

I have a question for you. Have you used ChatGPT yet? If not, prepare to be amazed! This week, we're diving deep into how I'm currently utilizing this helpful tool in my creative business. I'm certain you'll be both surprised and delighted with the multitude of ways ChatGPT can ease our lives, particularly when it comes to generating our weekly content.

For something a little different this week, I thought I’d share my impressions from Wes Anderson’s latest movie: Android City. I went to see it on Monday night with my husband and son and if you’ve seen any Wes Anderson movies before, you know you’re in for an experience.

The Summer Portfolio Training Series officially kicked off on Monday, but guess what? It's not too late to join us and embark on this journey of portfolio creation together. Let me tell you how flexible it is, what we’re covering in June and the incredible benefits you’ll experience as a part of this program.

Hello, surface design friends! In the world of surface pattern design, a robust, dynamic portfolio is not just an asset—it's essential. But often when we think about creating one, we are overcome with worry. Creating a portfolio can seen daunting, which is why I’m introducing a solution for you: my Summer Portfolio Training Series! I’m excited to share what it’s all about with you and how it works.

Hello design stars! If you’re here again this week reading my blog, it’s likely that you’ve taken my From Doodles to Dollars® program and/or my Pattern Design Academy® course. It's wonderful watching you hone your skills and share your surface pattern design work. Are you ready to create a professional portfolio? I think you are so let’s talk about it.

Summer is a season of warm weather and time spent out in the beautiful outdoors. It's also the perfect time to dive into exciting projects to enhance your surface pattern design and illustration skills. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, these 10 creative prompts provide ample opportunities to explore new techniques, experiment with different styles, and make significant progress on your portfolio.

Are you passionate about pattern design and eager to unlock your creative potential? Look no further than my Pattern Design Academy® online course and coaching program. This exceptional program offers a comprehensive curriculum and personalized guidance, making it an outstanding investment for anyone aspiring to excel in the field of pattern design.

In this week’s blog, let’s delve into the topic of sourcing your own inspiration by exploring what truly inspires you, leaning into your personal experiences, and stepping outside to observe the world around you. This is the perfect topic since I’m just back from two weeks in Europe (Paris and Copenhagen) which filled me with new ideas and creative inspiration.

Paris, the city of light, love, and inspiration. I’m still in Paris, writing this the night before I return home. I love spending time in this beautiful city, reconnecting with my childhood neighborhood. A trip to Paris never disappoints.

If you’ve been following along during Stu McLaren’s free workshop, you know that his signature program, The Membership Experience, is now open for enrollment. Let’s talk about it since it’s only open for a few more days. And won’t be offered again until 2024.

This week, I want to focus on creative memberships specifically. Sometimes as creatives we can think: “That sounds great but it won’t work for me.” Here are three examples of creative memberships that work. There are many more but let’s get started with these so that you see the possibilities.

Are you curious about how to start a membership site or improve the one you already have? Then you need to know about Stu McLaren, the membership guru who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs create successful membership sites. Once a year, he offers a free workshop and if this topic is even remotely interesting to you, don’t miss it.

If you're running a business, any kind of business including a creative business, having an email list is crucial. Why? Because it allows you to have a direct conversation with your ideal customers. Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to reach and engage with your audience.