Print Life

In the world of surface pattern design, there's this funny idea that choosing a unique path boxes you in. But what if I told you that it is in choosing a path is more like a secret superpower? Join us in this episode as we let you in on the not-so-serious secret of wrapping your creativity with intention, authority, and a big boost of confidence. Get ready to discover what can transform your...

Join me today to chat about how a simple shift in the way you look at your numbers, where you spend your time and managing expectations can support you in staying the course in your freelance business.  Go from hobbyist to business owner with these small tweaks in how you look at your income, your numbers, followers or client list.  Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Fo...

In today's episode of the Print Life Podcast, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of the surface pattern design industry and discuss essential strategies for success in your career. With some trade shows discontinuing, it's important to adapt to the changing industry dynamics. We explore the significance of trade shows in our industry and the implications of their evolving status a...

Welcome to another episode of "Design Tip Friday"! 🌟  Today's design tip revolves around the idea of creating multiple motifs for your designs before you put them into repeat. We can often get stuck in creating just a few motifs and putting those into repeat which can often end up looking a little cheap or have that 'stamped on' feel.  Join me today for a quick chat on ho...

Welcome to todays Artist Interview with  freelance fashion print designer, Alex Solly. Alex worked in-house as a designer for 10 years, working for a variety of high street suppliers, brands and retailers, before making taking the plunge and going freelance about 3 years ago. Working predominantly with the high street womenswear market, she has a commercial hand and loves creating florals, animal...

In this special episode of the Print Life Podcast, we're bringing you an exclusive recording of one of our live workshops from the PLM members' area. Although this workshop includes visuals, the valuable insights and techniques shared are extremely relevant for surface pattern designers who work with briefs or face challenges in this area. During the workshop,Leslie will dive in to the i...

Welcome to another episode of "Design Tip Friday"! 🌟  Today's design tip revolves around a concept that can be a real game-changer for creatives: the power of focus. I get it; we're bursting with ideas and a burning desire to see them all come to life. We want everything we chase to be a success, and often we are wanting to see those results quickly. But when things don't...

Have you ever felt the nagging pull of imposter syndrome? If you're a creative, chances are you have. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Silver, a seasoned surface pattern designer, who sheds light on this all too familiar feeling. With a career spanning two decades, Elizabeth shares her journey from academia to the corporate world and finally to freelance designing. Sh...

Welcome to a brand new episode where we have the pleasure of hosting Lisa Hawthorne, a remarkable surface pattern designer who tossed aside medical textbooks for a paintbrush. With her vibrant, hand-painted floral designs, Lisa's journey is sure to spark inspiration. In today's conversation, Lisa takes us behind the scenes of her work with high profile brands like Free People and Chufy a...

There are many differences between industries and markets when you create surface pattern designs, but one of the main differences is the way we go about developing a collection, a group of prints or even a one off. Join me today to chat about the main ways you create art for fashion and differences between them.  Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instagram:...

Have you ever felt the weight of creative expectations—whether from clients or even from yourself? In this tiny episode, I share the importance of getting all the hard work and research out of the way before sitting down to create so we can turn our attention inward and create authentically and from the heart.  I'm here to remind you, and myself, that the process itself is where the magic hap...

In this episode, we delve into the crucial significance of having a niche in the surface pattern design industry. As a seasoned art director with a design background, I share valuable insights that will empower both aspiring and established designers to thrive. Learn the power of specialization and a focused approach, allowing you to develop your skills, attract clients effortlessly, and charge pr...

How many sketches, doodles, and paintings are piling up in your creative space, unrealized and unscanned? If you're like me, it's probably a whole lot! Working surface pattern designers have the tough job of being the experimental, risk taking creative and the disciplined designer who knows when it is time to stop panting and start scanning. So often it is in the time we spend playing wi...

What if the values we hold dearly could be the cornerstone to personal and professional growth? Today I share my personal journey of discovering my core values and how they have influence the decisions I make in my life and business as they continue to guide me authentically along my path. If you ever feel you are struggling with knowing what type of design, clients or business you want, this epis...

What if you could transform your career, transitioning from one industry to another, while beginning to build a successful freelance business? Meet Carolyn Quan, Sydney-based illustrator and textile print designer, who did exactly that. Moving from the gaming industry, she ventured into the world of fashion, wearing different hats for her in-house role before taking the leap into freelance to supp...

Ever wonder why you pitch your designs and hear crickets? It is often due to the fact that we are forgetting to take the end use or market into consideration. This episode of the Print Life Podcast covers this common mistake and sheds light on how you can tailor your portfolio to get the positive response you're after.  We will cover the idea of the evergreen portfolio, using 3D fabric swatch...

Join me today for part two of my journey into the world of surface pattern design for fashion! From In house to freelance to studio start up, there have been so many lessons learned over the past 15 plus years. . . But it was in that moment that I became a Mom when everything really changed. Suddenly having to balance my business responsibilities with this whole new life.  This led to changing the...

Ever wish you could increase the longevity and value of your artwork? In todays Design Tip Friday, I'm sharing my top two strategies for doing just that. Discover how a few quick changes can not only attract potential buyers but also show them that your artwork can be versatile across all seasons and needs. Enjoy! Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instag...

Have you ever felt stuck between the stability of a great job and taking the plunge into trying something new? In this revealing episode, I open up about my personal journey in the print design industry and the challenging decisions I faced along the way. Overcoming self-doubt and finally taking the leap into building the career of my dreams. I hope my story inspires you to stay true to your desir...

🎙️ Dive into PrintLife Podcast's Short and Sweet Design Tip Friday Edition! 🎨 Are you a surface pattern designer who desires consistent sales and income?  In this bite-sized episode, we'll delve into the crucial aspect of having a market focus, industry focus, or style focus as the cornerstone of your creative journey. Uncover the secrets to understanding your clients, prioritizing thei...

Today's episode we have Shannon McNab from Sketch Design Repeat joining us to chat about licensing, systems, freelance and what it really takes to build a successful freelance design business. Shannon McNab is an American surface designer and online educator living in Dublin, Ireland who’s a self-proclaimed numbers nerd. Using her passion for research, organization, and graphic design backgro...

Join me for #DesignTipFriday on the Print Life Podcast! Today is all about the idea of not giving up, staying the course and making sure we are checking in on that foundation we are building our creative business on. Want to learn more about working together? Head over to https://lesliekenehan.com/ and get started!  Happy Designing! x Leslie Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printl...

Join me today to discuss being a multi passionate creative, without sacrificing income. If you are a surface pattern designer who wants to learn how to successfully design, market and sell their art in the fashion space, let's work together! Join our FREE community here Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeoffic...

Welcome to the Design Tip Friday Edition of the print life podcast!  If you want to access the workbook from todays episode, YOUR NEXT 90 DAYS, head over to the free facebook group and grab your copy.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/printlifepodcast Have fun and enjoy the process! Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printli...

Join me today for an interview I had with floral artist and mentor, Natasha Gulliford. Natasha is an artist, designer, mother, and fellow educator. She supports brands in defining their style through print & pattern. The purpose of her creative journey is to design prints that keep the brand at the forefront and the customer at the heart, resulting in targeted designs that speak to an ideal cu...