Cinthia is an illustrator, surface pattern designer, and graphic designer, and her book "Treasure Found: An Art Journey" is full of inspiration, practical advice, and fresh ideas to create a consistent art practice, overcome creative blocks and reignite your artistic spark, all while being packed with inspiring illustrations. Because we all get stuck in a creative rut from time to time! Read on ..read more

If you're at the beginning of your surface pattern design journey, full of enthusiasm but overwhelmed and unsure about how to take that first step, this one is for you. The good news is, you don’t have to dive all the way in. Your mission is simple – take it one step at a time. Remember, you don't need to see the entire staircase to start climbing; just focus on that first step, and the next will reveal itself. Read on for a few simple tips ..read more

Spoonflower's free annual Surface Design Symposium is just around the corner, and if you're a surface design lover (and I guess you are since you're here!), this is an event you won't want to miss! Whether you're just starting out or you've been around the block, there's something here for everyone. They've got a bunch of awesome topics lined up, and some seriously talented artists and designers are gonna be sharing their wisdom. Read on ..read more

Juliet Meeks' 'Licensing For Artists' course is now open all year round! If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion for design into a thriving career or want to take your licensing skills to the next level, this is your chance. With lifetime access, expert interviews, and a supportive community, this course is the ultimate resource to achieve your creative potential. Read the post for all the details ..read more

If you're anything like me, you have an ever-growing wishlist of creative online classes you want to buy/watch. Or is it just me? Domestika is running a super generous sale at the moment, so it's the perfect time to make that fabulous wishlist shorter. Domestika courses are some of the best ones out there, and they have many that are geared towards surface pattern designers specifically, so get ready to make some hard decisions! Come and check out 5 of my favourites ..read more

If you've been thinking about taking the plunge and becoming a freelance surface pattern designer, let me give you 20 reasons why it might just be the best decision you'll ever make! As a designer myself, I've experienced the incredible joys and perks that come with this creative journey. And that's not to say that there won't be really hard bits. But it's all worth it. Believe me, it's a wild and wonderful ride. Read on ..read more

I'm super excited to introduce my first-ever blog contributor! Kate Frances is a surface pattern designer and creative coach, and she's written a fantastic guest blog post for you on a topic I believe many creatives are very familiar with. As a creative, it's easy to get distracted by new ideas and projects. But shiny object syndrome can be a major roadblock to achieving your long-term goals. Read on to get some tips to help you stay on track ..read more

Spoonflower's free second annual Surface Design Symposium is happening this week on Friday the 4th of November, and if you're into surface pattern design, you won't want to miss it! No matter if you're starting out or know you're way around the topic, I think there'll be something for everyone and a good chance we can all learn a thing or two. The topics included are all-time favourites and are gonna be delivered by a lineup of amazingly talented artists and designers. Read on ..read more

Did you join the free 'Get Ready for Licensing Challenge' with Juliet Meeks that I wrote about in my last post? I did, and it was packed with really useful info. I hope you managed to join in and learn a thing or two, like me! If you want to keep going with the licensing journey, her 'Licensing for Artists' course might be the next step, and it's open now for enrolment, but only until Wednesday 19th January 2022! Find out all about it ..read more

I've got something exciting to help you get through the January dullness and forget about the sad fact that Christmas is over! Artist and surface pattern designer Juliet Meeks is running a free event next week: 'Get Ready to License Challenge: 5 Steps to Prep Your Art and Biz for Licensing'. The goal for this five-day mini-course is to get you ready and excited about all the possibilities of licensing your art. And if you don't know what licensing is, or if it's right for you and your business, then this is definitely the challenge to join! Read on ..read more