The Make it in Design team love nothing more than to celebrate all of the wonderful work from our talented and amazing community.
The Live Hub – is our monthly membership club that is jam packed full of energy and dedication from our members each and every day.
The group is such a supportive, wonderful, magical place and we want to acknowledge that with our Member spotlight!
Today we showcase the work of Bente Gulbandsøy.
Tell us a little about how you got started in design
Hi I’m Bente Gulbrandsøy from the west coast of Norway, I live on an island outside of Bergen. I have a Preschool Teacher Education, Bachelor’s degree, but I’m not working in a kindergarten anymore. I have two grown up boys, a boyfriend and a cat. I started with painting and drawing at the age of three and I painted my first picture when I was 15. After several years without painting and drawing I took up my hobby in the late 90´s, and I have been painting mixed media for several years. I found a surface pattern class online in 2016 and my curiosity was opened up for this subject. Since 2019, I’ve been a member of the Make it in Design and I have learned so much. I have been taking some classes for some years now and slowly getting the grip on what it takes to be a good surface pattern designer. I’ve been working with surface pattern design since 2021.
The first surface pattern by Bente
What brings you joy?
I find joy and happiness by listening to music, photography, art, other artists and throughout classes. I just love to learn and test out new ways to work with different tools. I love integrating new skills with my styles. I think it’s a must to take classes, that makes me stay in focus and up to date on trends etc.
Which is your favourite market(s) to design for and why?
My favorite market is stationary and fabrics, I love the idea that someone else loves the same as I do. I love to make my own creations with fabrics and wallpapers too.
What are you working on currently?
I’m currently working on my website and I’m in the process of building my IG account. I’m doing it all by myself so it takes a while, but it’s up and running as I’m writing.
Benteg.com and benteg.no
How has MIID helped your work evolve /grow?
I’m so happy I found Make it in Design, I’ve been a member since 2019, I just adore this community. I love to see what the other members are doing and I really like the color spotlight and all the trend reports. I have taken several classes and would like to say they are very helpful and propped with tips, tricks and helpful insight and feedback. I think that Make it happen, the portfolio builder and Rachel’s class Florals and Nature Masterclass is very useful and have made it easier for me to grow as a surface pattern designer.
What are your key successes since finding MIID?
I have made the company’s goals, brand, and actions to move towards a targeted goal, to get noticed and get an agent, because one of the things I’m not good at is selling myself, so I realize that I need help in that area.
How would you describe MIID to a fellow designer looking to develop their design?
I think this is one of the best learning areas for surface pattern design. They have lots of tips and tricks that make it fun to learn new skills. The live sessions are great too.
What’s your dream design gig?
It would be a dream to find my design on a product in the stores. If I let myself dream big, I would adore seeing my pattern on trending stores like IKEA and other home furnishings stores.
Best tip/advice for MIID students
Do one thing every day, a sketch, take a photograph or plan the days you can work on your design. I think it’s so important to have a plan and “Make it Happen“ really makes me learn that skill. I also think it’s important to learn the technology of Photoshop and Illustrator at your own pace. Don’t stress and have fun when you explore and learn. It can at times be a bit overwhelming if you’re struggling with these programs. The community is a great help too, and very important for students to get some great feedback.
How do you stay motivated?
I use goals and planning to stay motivated. I also like to look at Pinterest for inspiration and motivation.
Make it in Design the HUB group and the Facebook site is a great way to get a reminder for staying motivated and of course the feeling that I find my design on a product makes my heart sing.
How do you balance other commitments and work?
I have been working from home for myself for some time now with art. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to do so.
