We are so proud of all of our alumni, many have sold work, been licensed and started their own labels which are known all over the world. Today we are featuring Susan Driscoll who speaks of her experience since taking “The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design”

What was your motivation for taking ABSPD?

I took the ABSPD Course because I was curious about licensing and also having your own products under your own brand, both of which the course covered really well in Modules 2 & 3.

Think back to where you were before taking ABSPD. How far have do you feel you have come on your surface pattern design journey since then?

Before the course I had always either worked in a design studio or with agents, so working solely freelance was something I decided to do not long before I enrolled on Abspd. I wanted more control over the design work I was doing, what it was going to be used on etc. I also wanted to meet and work with the clients myself. In the past I had designed prints for both fashion and home studios and I really wanted to expand in other areas too like Stationery, Wall coverings and bolted fabric.

While I was on the course I actually entered a tigerprint Competition, to design a print to be used on Giftbags and cards. There where a lot of entries, so I was so pleased to win. I have been fortunate enough to freelance for Tigerprint since, designing cards, stationery and giftbags.

What was the most important thing you learnt in the course?

One of the most important things I learned from taking was the importance of a good website, the ability for people and potential clients to see your style, to see your past work etc. most of my clients find me via the website. www.theprinttree.com
The course was also really good at reminding me about the importance of Social media, about building relationships with other people in your field, supporting and encouraging each other.

Another part of developing yourself as a freelancer is being seen, not long after the course I was featured on the wonderful Print and pattern blog a couple of times its great exposure, I was also so excited to be featured in the Print and Pattern Kids book with so many other amazing designers. I have worked on some lovely design jobs for various clients that have seen my work featured on the blog or in the book.

How important was the community aspect of the course? What kind of people did you ‘meet’ through it?

The community aspect of the Abspd courses is brilliant, it’s helpful and supportive. I have had the pleasure of meeting up with lots of girls from the courses and it has been lovely, it’s always nice to meet people that understand the industry. I have made some really good friends from the course including Wendy Kendall, Wendy and I have been all over visiting tradeshows in Paris and London and have now joined forces with the very talented Lizzie Mackay and Dawn Machell to form Dotty Wren Studio. We will be exhibiting for the first time at Surtex NY in MAY. We are completely excited and super busy creating collections to sell and License.

Since taking the course what kind of work and press coverage have you secured?

My last two years after the course has been exciting and busy I have had the pleasure of working with some great companies. I have just finished my fifth Stationery collection with Go Stationery including, notebooks, diaries and giftwrap, their wonderful products are sold all over from John Lewis to Selfridges, it’s still such a thrill to walk into some of your favourite stores and see your patterns on products.

What are you working on now?

I am just finishing my first licensed fabric collection which I am hoping will be for sale by Spring early Summer, I am also working on a licensed children’s interior range, as well as working really hard to produce new designs for Surtex in May.

What is next for you?

The next two years will hopefully be as exciting as the last two. I hope to carry on working with my existing clients and look forward to meeting new potential clients at Surtex. My dream clients would be Paperchase and Anthropologie, or maybe Crate and Barrel I don’t mind.

I am just going to keep working hard, learning and having fun.

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Susan Driscoll is a freelance Surface pattern designer, She works from her home studio in her hometown of Liverpool UK. Susan designs for Stationery, textiles, apparel and Home Décor and loves to combine her Illustrative style and gorgeous colours to create her patterns.

Connect here: Website

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Still time to join us

If you would like to jump start your design career in Surface Pattern Design, we have a new series of classes starting on Monday 24th March. We also have our module 3 starting and our all new module 4 so whether you are a complete beginner, would like to hone in your design skills or get feedback to build your portfolio, there is sure to be a class just for you.

Please take a look at our Design School courses and registration is open here