18.09

Design a career doing what you love

Design a career doing what you love DWYL BLOG HOWTOMAKEITINTHEWORLDOF 650X250PX LR

Are you at that point in life where you’re thinking it’s time for a change? Perhaps you dream of becoming an artist, a designer or an interior decorator; maybe you have a talent that you’d love to develop but you aren’t sure how; perhaps you’re already on the path to doing what you love and need to hone your skills in order to take the next step; or maybe you finally have the time to indulge your creative side and you can’t wait to see where it takes you. Well now’s the time to do it!

Whether you choose to take radical action to change the trajectory of your life, or slowly and steadily move to the edge of your comfort zone – and beyond, sometimes you just have to trust your intuition – the niggling voice inside your head – and go for it.

DWYL story

Taking a leap of faith and stepping into the unknown might feel scary and overwhelming at first but fear can actually be a powerful ally when it comes to helping you recognize your vast potential. Embracing change can also be extremely exciting and exhilarating. By re-shuffling your priorities and making a plan that works around you and your life you’ll feel more in control, which can alleviate some of the fear and uncertainty you might be feeling.

Joining a global community of like-minded individuals can also be an invaluable source of inspiration, encouragement and support. As well as meeting people who understand what you’re going through, it can help to keep you motivated to achieve your goals.

Although your choices might not work for everyone – some people may find them inconvenient, or even threatening – if you believe in your heart that they are right for you, don’t be afraid to stand by them. By making time to learn a new skill, or pursue the thing that will allow you to spend more time doing what you love, you will be happier and in the long run, this will make those around you happier too. Remember, this is your life we are talking about.

Where do you start?

To make a change you usually have to stop doing something, start doing something, or try doing something differently. This takes a whole lot of courage so be gentle on yourself, make a plan, take baby steps, keep congratulating yourself on your new beginning and, most importantly, don’t give up!

ABSPD_INFOGRAPHIC_3_V2_550PX_LR

Inspiring success – turning passion into profit

Every day we are surrounded by stories of people who have followed their heart and invested in themselves in order to pursue their passions and live a more creative life, doing what they love. People like these, on our sister site Make It In Design, who are applying what they have learnt on our groundbreaking Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design courses to turn their passion into profit.

Mel SmithMel took the Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design Modules 1, 2 & 3

Mel Smith started her own design business based in Hampton UK

“Rewind to 1998: the Changing Rooms and DIY SOS era. Home decorating TV shows were everywhere. And I got the itch. Studying Art & Design at college and then specialising in Interior Textiles at university set things up nicely for me to venture into a design career. I started off working with a greetings card company. It was a great experience but my heart was still in interiors so I also freelanced for a few years producing designs for kitchen linens, bedding and stationery before deciding I wanted to go it alone. In 2012 I completed the Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design e-course and Mel Smith Designs was born! Since the start I have seen my designs in high street stores such as Marks and Spencers & John Lewis, and my products in some wonderful indie retail boutiques across the country. I was also thrilled to get the chance to collaborate with The Original Muck Boot Company and Green Decore to produce vibrant designs for a selection of  outdoor products.”

Alice DartAlice took the Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design Modules 1 & 2

Alice Dart now runs her own studio based in Devon, UK

“Taking all three modules of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design was the start of an exciting new chapter for me. It helped me in every element of starting my business and, being an e-course, meant I could complete the modules and tasks as and when I had time. By the end I was ready to go with a brand and business skills. I got a licensing contract with Wallpapered.com, from one of the live briefs on the course, and have gone on to work on several exciting freelance briefs and most recently, partnered with Not On The High Street to sell my illustrations.”

Elizabeth Olwen profile Elizabeth took Modules 1, 2 & 3

Elizabeth Olwen now runs her own surface pattern design business based in Toronto, Canada

“Two years ago I was very much at the beginning of my journey. I was an aimless doodler with fire in my belly. I’d make patterns for fun in my free time, but I didn’t have any direction and I felt very frustrated. I was trying to find the next step, a way to take my work to the next level, but didn’t know where to turn. I felt lost. When I heard about ABSPD I thought it could be just the ticket; an opportunity that would open me up to all the possibilities a career in surface design could bring. So much has happened since then. Cut to today, and I am preparing to exhibit at Surtex for the second year, I have fabric lines launching in both the independent and mass markets, I have a growing collection of products, I’m working with my dream clients, and have been featured in Magazines like Uppercase and Frankie.”

Wendy KendallWendy took the Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design Modules 2 & 3

Wendy Kendall from Staffordshire, UK, was inspired to become a freelance surface pattern designer

“When I enrolled on ABSPD freelancing was relatively new to me. Previously I worked in house as a textile designer but I noticed that the industry was changing. Designers were putting themselves out there via websites and social media and I wondered if I could do this too. One of the most valuable things I learnt was the importance of having an appealing website that showcases your style of work. Since launching mine I’ve gained lots of new customers through this, and my images being pinned on Pinterest. I have sold designs outright this way to UK and US retailers, which has been great! I also now have licensing deals with Deny designs, Wallpapered (after winning ideal home show wallpaper 2013) S-blinds and Dashwood Studio. Some of my designs were also selected for the print and pattern geometric book.”            

You can find lots more alumni success stories here.                                                                 

ABSPD_INFOGRAPHIC_1_V2_550PX_LR

It’s your time to shine! 

If you have ever dreamed of seeing your designs on stationery, homewares, fabric or other products, then The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design is for you. This series of interactive online courses are a definitive guide to becoming a surface pattern design professional. Thriving surface pattern designer Rachael Taylor will guide you along this exciting creative path from developing your signature style, to putting a collection together, and from protecting your work to monetising your designs. With a rich combination of design inspiration, practical advice, demonstrations, fun exercises, valuable resources and insightful interviews with leading industry practitioners, this is the go-to guide for anyone wanting to develop their design skills and break into the industry.

Our next classes begin on Monday, September 21, 2015 so there’s still time to secure your place and make your design dreams a reality. This really is your time to shine! For more information and to register, click here.

ABSPD_INFOGRAPHIC_2_V2_550PX_LR

GET OUR NEWS LETTER