Surface Pattern Designer

What they do

• Create patterns and designs that are translated onto different substrates, including wood, paper, ceramic, metal, and glass
• May license their artwork to companies who produce the products with their patterns
• May manufacture and sell products with their patterns themselves

What they do (cont.)

• May have an agent who negotiates their contracts and business deals for them, or may negotiate themselves
• Keep up with trends in art, pattern, and design
• May follow an art director's creative brief to create a collection, or work as a freelancer
• Develop a cohesive collection, usually of 5-10 patterns, that tie together. Usually one or two "hero" patterns, and the other patterns complement it

What they do (cont.)

• Develop a cohesive collection, usually of 5-10 patterns. Usually one or two "hero" patterns, and the other patterns complement it
• Create mood or inspiration boards, then create lots of sketches, and use image editing software (usually Illustrator) to lay out different patterns.

Skills needed

• Drawing or sketching
• Creativity
• An eye for color combinations
• Knowledge of design software (especially Illustrator)
• Marketing/self-promoting

Skills needed (cont.)

• Time management
• Multitasking
• Translating ideas and visions into a pattern
• Keeping up with trends

How to learn

• Make Art That Sells Pattern Camp with Lilla Rogers: makeartthatsells.com/
• Pattern Design online class with Elizabeth Olwen on skillshare.com: www.skillshare.com
• Pattern Design online classes with Bonnie Christine on skillshare.com or CreativeLive

Elizabeth Olwen

Surface pattern designers can work anywhere, and many are freelancers.

Surface pattern designers can work in art departments for major companies and corporations in clothing and fashion, stationary, gifts, home decor, packaging, and retail.

Surface Pattern Designer salaries

Salaries by cities

Professional organizations:
AIGA
Surface Design Organization
Surface Pattern Design Guild