211: The Career You’ve Been Dreaming Of (Yes, It’s Real)

Once you start seeing it, you can’t unsee it: our world is covered in patterns. From the notebook on your desk to the wallpaper in your favorite café, someone, somewhere, designed each of those. And in this episode, I want to open your eyes to the possibility that someone could be you.

I share the very moment I discovered surface pattern design, while walking through my mom’s fabric store, and how it sparked a career that allows me to work from anywhere, set my own schedule, and do creative work that lights me up. If you’ve ever dreamed of designing fabric, wallpaper, stationery, or gift wrap, or simply wondered if there’s more for you, this episode is your invitation.

We start by unpacking what surface pattern design actually is and the many ways it shows up in your everyday life. I walk you through two foundational levels on what I call the Pattern Path: Level 1 (Curious) and Level 2 (Emerging), and explain how this creative career is more accessible than you might think—even if you can’t draw or don’t consider yourself an artist (yet).

I also gently address the most common fears that hold people back: “Isn’t it too saturated?” “I can’t draw.” “I’m too late.” You’ll hear real stories from people who started from zero, like Heather, who learned digital design at 63, and others who built licensing careers by doing one small thing every day.

If you’re willing to commit just 15 minutes a day, that adds up to 90+ hours a year. That’s enough to build a portfolio, launch your first mini collection, or pitch to your dream client. I’ll guide you on how to structure those small daily wins and how to protect your time like it’s sacred—because your future self deserves it.

To close, I offer a few small but powerful prompts: Start noticing the patterns around you. Capture the ideas that light you up. And most importantly, allow yourself to dream. Because the creative career you’ve been dreaming of? It’s real. And it’s waiting for you.

Your future self is someone you deeply respect—show up for her.

Key Takeaways

• Surface pattern design is a learnable and viable career path for anyone with a creative spark.
• There is always room for authentic, story-driven artwork in today’s marketplace.
• You don’t need to be a traditional artist to succeed in surface pattern design.
• Just 15 minutes a day can compound into massive progress over time.
• Your journey can start today by taking one small step forward.

Recommended Resources

• Surface Design Fast Track Workshop

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Listening is a must for anyone dreaming big and following their unique path to a creative life! Prepare to be uplifted, equipped with tools to level up, and feel a little less alone 🌻

— LyricsShouldntDoAllTheTalking

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