Build your business

If you have some experience as a designer and are ready to branch out on your own, or build your existing design business, we would highly recommend Module 3 of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design. In this module you will learn everything you need to know about monetising your designs.

This includes freelancing, licensing, selling outright, manufacturing and more! Module 3 includes free access to leading trend forecasting site WGSN for a limited period AND our little black book of industry contacts!

It includes the following:

How to identify multiple streams of income for your designs
How to sell and license your designs (what they don’t teach you at art school
The ins and outs of freelancing
How to get into manufacturing your own product
How to choose the right distribution channel for you
How to negotiate a contract that is right for you
How not to get ripped off
How to manage your time and money
How to manage stock levels
How to get a job in design
How to stay motivated

plus

How to create a pattern portfolio to show to potential clients
How to apply patterns to mock up product templates and room sets
How to turn a placement print into a technical repeat for wallpaper or fabric
How to design a Trade Show Brochure in Adobe Illustrator
Invaluable industry info such as colour print specifications for both paper goods & textiles

You will do this by actually creating a mini portfolio for potential licensing clients, a trade show plan and a business development plan.

PLUS you will learn everything you need to know about trade shows (getting in, getting ready, getting customers)

AND our money-can’t-buy bonus little black book of industry contacts!

And if that wasn’t enough, you also get full access to leading trend forecasting site WGSN for 90 days (this alone is worth more than the entire cost of the course!)

This is for you if:

You have completed Module 2 (although this is not a prerequisite)
You have a collection of work but do not know how to get it out in the world, and get it sold
You want to connect with other emerging designers and learn from industry experts
You want to know the right contacts in industry to get you where you want to be
You want to generate more income from your existing designs
You want to know just how to secure that licensing deal
You want to make it as a professional surface pattern designer

Please note this course is not assessed and does not include individual critique of your work. You will need at least basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to get the most out of this module. Please note we do not offer technical guidance for any other software programmes (including free software).