Art Licensing & Surface Pattern Design

My number one piece of advice is to make work that doesn’t have a specific purpose — take time to just make work that calls to you without putting pressure on it to be something you can market. Explore lots of different styles and techniques until your own signature style starts to emerge, and have fun with this phase! Taking this time will benefit you moving forward. I have a free guide on this topic!

I have a list of my favorite tools and resources that you can get here.

I have only ever had MacBook Pros and an 11” 64GB iPad Pro. And I love them, so that’s my best recommendation. If you’re wondering about another computer or iPad, I would advise talking to Apple, or Googling minimum system requirements for the types of programs you want to be able to run.

I do not offer portfolio reviews at this time. Here are two artists who do:

Lissie Teehee

Studio Xhico

I don’t work with texture in my work, so I don’t have much advice on this unfortunately. But here’s a good Skillshare class on this topic!

I have a bonus lesson in my InDesign Your Portfolio course that covers this exact topic, called How to Pitch Your Portfolio. I also have a free guide that has some great advice on this topic.

Working in-house can give you great insights into how a design comes to life from initial concept to final production. Depending on the size of the company or studio, you can shadow people in other roles. While freelancing or licensing is definitely possible, beginner designers might have a better time and get more out of the experience by working in-house.

There isn't a specific number of collections that art directors require, but having a well-designed portfolio with at least 10 pieces that you are proud of and are cohesive is a good place to start. 

If you're just getting into the industry, that doesn't mean you can't find success. New, fresh work is always needed, and when you explore your unique creative voice and create from a place of joy, your work is more attractive to potential clients. While the surface design industry has gained popularity over the past decade, there are still products being created that need art on them - and that art could be yours!