When I started surface pattern design 15 years ago, one of the things I wanted was a contract to work with a company. Options were limited, and I think that I was blissfully ignorant of how complicated this road was going to be.
Today, there are many ways that surface pattern designers can make money. Designers no longer need to rely on manufacturers alone to create income. Online marketplaces now provide ways to sell digital products and freelance work. The income is more stable and flexible than ever before!
There has never been a better time or more transparency about the process of becoming a designer as now. If you’ve been thinking about getting into surface pattern design, I want to challenge you to start learning the software, building networks, and learning where you can sell your designs.
It’s hard to predict the future. Many designers who took time off, wish they could go back and do something different. I want to emphasize that focusing on the NOW will propel you forward. This is exactly how I run my design business, and how I recommend you run yours.
While doing this, I look for lessons I’ve learned from the past to determine the opportunities in the future. It’s vital to be hopeful and positive to get those creative juices flowing!
The little steps you take add up. Perseverance and consistency are important attributes of successful designers. Oh, and this crazy little thing called adaptability. It’s an ever changing world and the faster you can pivot your designs, the better your financial future will be.
If you’re looking to fast track your design business, hang out with me at my next Design Bootcamp. Learn more at https://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp.
I can’t wait to see you there!
XOXO,
Carina
Want to learn more about design in 2022? Check out Podcast Episode 164 What Surface Pattern Design in 2022 Looks Like here:
FAQs
To summarise, surface design as a career is wildly oversaturated, however, there are surface designers out there who are making a very good living from their artwork. It takes hard work, determination and persistence and if you keep learning and creating art, you'll get there as long as you don't quit.
Is surface design a good career? ›
Today, there are many ways that surface pattern designers can make money. Designers no longer need to rely on manufacturers alone to create income. Online marketplaces now provide ways to sell digital products and freelance work. The income is more stable and flexible than ever before!
How much money does a surface pattern designer make? ›
$41,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $75,000 is the 75th percentile.
What skills do you need to be a surface pattern designer? ›
These designs are therefore not created as seamless patterns.. Other important skills of a surface pattern designer include the ability to draw and develop design ideas, a good eye for colour and developing colour palettes, creating inspirational mood boards and developing cohesive design collections.
What program is best for surface pattern design? ›
Most surface designers create patterns in Adobe Suite software including Photoshop, Procreate, or Illustrator. Free design software including Gimp and Inkscape are also options. Some designers draw directly in their chosen program using a tablet and drawing pencil.
How to start a career in surface pattern design? ›
If this gets you excited, be sure to check out for my in-depth training course here.
- Learn Adobe Illustrator. I know, that's a big one! ...
- Make as many patterns as you can. ...
- Never throw anything away. ...
- Build a community around your design. ...
- Be authentic. ...
- Do one thing every single day. ...
- Have an amazing portfolio. ...
- Tell a story.
What type of design pays the most? ›
11 Highest Paid Design Jobs (2023 Career Guide)
- User Experience Designer. ...
- Senior Designer. ...
- Video Game Designer. ...
- User Interface Designer. ...
- Architect. ...
- Industrial Designer. Median salary according to Indeed.com: $68,224 per year. ...
- Furniture Designer. StockVault. ...
- Product Designer. Median salary according to Salary.com: $63,275 per year.
How much does a freelance surface pattern designer make? ›
Surface Pattern Designer salaries in United Kingdom
The estimated total pay for a Surface Pattern Designer is £35,579 per year, with an average salary of £32,952 per year.
What design is most demand? ›
As far as creative flair is concerned, graphic design is one of the highest paying design jobs and the most in demand.
What makes a good surface pattern design? ›
10 Tips to Make Your Surface Pattern Designs Look Good
- 10 Tips to Make Your Surface Pattern Designs Look Good.
- Select a successful colour palette. ...
- Make sure your design is balanced. ...
- Add contrasting elements. ...
- Create a focal point. ...
- Try altering the repeat type. ...
- Ensure you create a seamless repeat. ...
- Add in areas of texture.
Patterns
- Design Bundles. Open a shop and sell your fonts, graphics, templates and more. ...
- Etsy. Open a shop and sell your downloadable art, patterns, templates and more. ...
- Pattern Design. Sell your vector patterns. ...
- Patternbank. Sell patterns, prints and graphic designs. ...
- Spoonflower. ...
- Surface Pattern Marketplace.
What does a surface designer do? ›
Surface design is any type of artwork (pattern, illustration, hand lettering, etc.) made by a designer that is intended to be applied to a surface to enhance its visual appearance and/or functionality.
How do you break into surface design? ›
How do you build a surface pattern design collection from scratch?
- Pick a theme. ...
- Brainstorm. ...
- Find inspiration. ...
- Make a moodboard. ...
- Sketch motifs. ...
- Prep motifs before building the collection. ...
- Build your patterns. ...
- Add to your portfolio.
How do I become a professional pattern maker? ›
You may wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in fashion design. Some employers, on the other hand, may offer apprenticeships for people with sewing or tailoring skills. In the manufacturing industry, pattern makers may only need a high school diploma or a certificate in engineering, math, or computer-aided design.
What does a surface pattern designer do? ›
In short, a surface designer is a graphic illustrator who creates designs for consumer products ranging from home goods and clothing to packaging and fabric. Those designs can be standalone, such as a single leaf on a plate, or they can be repeating patterns, such as a star and moon pattern on a sheet set.
How much can you earn on Patternbank? ›
The designer receives 50% commission on all sales made through the site. The sales split is 50% to the designer and 50% commission to Patternbank. Prices can vary from the displayed price if buyers require discounts when purchasing many designs or if we are running a promotion with a discount code.