Alumni Success: Tracy Beagen

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To tie in with the #100daysofpattern project, we are absolutely thrilled to bring you a whole host of alumni success stories over the next 100 days.

Here we’ve invited our students over the last four years to share some of their designs created on our Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design course, and their stories of what they’ve been up to since they completed our course and where they are now. For all those wanting to know how our courses really make a difference to your career – this is the series to watch.

Today we are delighted to share with you the success of Tracy Beagen who currently resides in San Diego.

 

When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?

I have always had in interest in art since a very young age, and my interest in design did not start until I was a junior/senior in high school. When I got to college I originally went for Interior Design, but then stumbled upon Surface Pattern Design, and instantly feel in love. It was from that point that I really started to develop and grow my love for design.

 

CORAL

 

What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?

I decided to major in Surface Pattern Design at Syracuse University. I learned so much about the world of Surface Pattern Design and I loved everything about it. When I graduated I immediately got a job in NYC as a bedding designer. Here I learned so much about the development/printing process and gained that experience that you cannot necessarily learn in school. After getting married I moved to San Diego, CA with my husband. It was tough to find a job in the area where we live, so I decided to go back to everything I learned in college and start drawing and creating my own patterns again, and then I found The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design!

 

What was the most important lesson you took away from “The Art and business of Surface Pattern” e-course?

Staying true to you and finding my own style. It sounds so simple but it really can be tough! It took me longer than I expected but once you find that (which I feel I have!) it really is important to inject that in to everything you do. Also, being patient. I think most people want to jump on things or want things to happen right away, but if you continue to work hard, good things will happen!

 

How would you describe your style?

My style has a very hand-drawn feel. I like to work with outlines and layering, adding texture etc. I focus primarily on nature motifs, geometrics, and objects.

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STRAIGHT-SHOT-ARROW

 

Where are you now and what successes have you enjoyed along the way?

I recently finished Module 3.  So I am working on continuing to build up my brand and grow my portfolio.  I am starting to contact companies to get some licensing jobs (hopefully!) and perhaps join agency.  I currently am an artist with ArtsCase.  I signed a contract with them in October of 2015!  I am very excited to have my first licensing deal with them!  You can find my work at www.artscase.com.

DAMASK-CASE Feather-Case TRIANGLE-TOSS SKETCH-LINES-CASE

Images above courtesy of ArtsCase www.artscase.com

What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?

I would say to draw and create patterns daily/weekly. It takes time but that is also the best part! It’s important to just take the time to be creative and continue to find your style.

 

FLAMINGOS

 

Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?

I would like to grow and collaborate with more companies/businesses’ to license my work. I would also like to start a shop. I am still working out what I would sell, but I would love to sell my work through my own store. Lastly, I would like to look into joining an agency or studio. I still have some research to do, but I would love to be apart if a great studio in the next couple of years.

 

If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?

I would be a big beautiful bold floral! This is not my typical style, but I am always attracted to a good strong floral!

 

Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself!

1. I am an athlete!  I played a Division 1 Field Hockey, and I am now an umpire for high school field hockey.
2. Art used to be a hobby as mine, and when I started, I started as a painter using primarily oils.
3. I have never traveled to Europe, but it is a huge goal/dream of mine!

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Profile pic Alumni Success: Tracy Beagen

I am originally from New Jersey. I went to Syracuse University and graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a major in Surface Pattern Design. After graduating I got a job right away in New York City, working for a licensing bedding company. I worked on a few different brands and really started to learn all about the industry of the design world. In 2013 I got married, and moved to San Diego to be with my husband. After a year of living in San Diego, and struggling to find a job, I decided to start drawing again, and creating my own patterns. I then found The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design e-courses, and the dream of having my own company started to come true!

Find out more about Tracy at the following links:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

 

 


 

 

MIID_100DAYSOFPATTERN_PROMPTCOLLAGE_550PX_LRWant to get involved in #100daysofpattern?

Starting on Monday November 16 each week we will announce a fabulous new theme and will be posting daily inspirations on the blog featuring designs from Rachael Taylor, our students, contributors and other amazing industry professionals for 100 days! Dip in and out or create every day for 100 days, it’s totally up to you. Just be sure to add #makeitindesign and #100daysofpattern to the images you post on-line. Watch out for the spot prizes handed out along the way too including Pattern of the Week!


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