171. Building a Successful Surface Pattern Design Business

Step into the captivating world of a surface pattern designer, where art comes to life on everyday products like fabrics, notebooks, apparel, and more! In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating career journey of the talented Elizabeth Silver, a true maestro of patterns and design.
Elizabeth’s story is one of creativity and ambition, and we explore the pivotal moment when she made the bold decision to leave the bustling streets of New York City for the charms of North Carolina. Discover how she paved the way for this life-changing move and what it meant for her blossoming career.
In this engrossing conversation, Elizabeth generously shares her secrets to success, delving into her diversified income streams as an art freelancer, licensing her extraordinary artwork, and empowering others as a skilled business teacher. Tune in as she offers valuable insights on effective marketing strategies, focusing on key aspects during the initial stages of her venture and her remarkable journey of creating and launching a successful course.
Whether you’re an aspiring surface pattern designer or a creative entrepreneur seeking inspiration, Elizabeth’s wisdom and experiences will leave you empowered and eager to embark on your own artistic endeavors. Get ready to explore the world of surface patterns and discover the art of building a thriving career in this specialized field!
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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
04:15 Origin story of a surface pattern designer
07:39 Difference between a surface pattern designer and a graphic designer
10:32 Why she moved from NYC to North Carolina
13:56 Building up the business in a new location
16:00 How she divides her time
17:37 Income Streams: Art Freelance work, Art license work, and Teaching
21:02 Why you shouldn’t wait to get “discovered”
25:18 Importance of having a print-on-demand strategy
28:46 What growth looks like when developing an art business
32:19 How she planned out her courses
35:03 What her team looks like
38:53 Advice for people just getting started in surface pattern design
41:28 Do you need to niche down on a style?
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Elizabeth Silver
Website: elizabethsilver.com
IG: @esilverdesign
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Podcast: Studio 78
- Post Tags:
- design
- designer
- surface pattern designer
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