How to get started in surface pattern design | Elizabeth Silver

[@IrynaBoehland]

Thank you, Elisabeth! I have a short story how I thought I want to be in this industry and needed to learn Ai and Ps. I purchased two expensive courses to do so, while already using and perfectly knowing Procreate. I am at the cross road now - in order to learn from those courses I needed an upgrade to my computer (it's not as powerful as it needs to be an d crashes all the time), which is not possible right now since I spent money on courses. So, I returned back to my Procreate and still saving money for a new computer. Meanwhile I got frustrated and returned back to traditional painting... But all my work is not cohesive and a few POD stores I signed up for and not even open yet... soooo... I need to sit down and think hard before going forward with my dreams.

[@ElizabethSilver]

Thanks for sharing Iryna, I'm sorry that you went down a path that maybe you didn't need to- or at least before you needed to with Illustrator and Photoshop. I hope this video and your story will help other people to take some time to consider before taking an expensive class...sometimes marketing of these classes makes it seem that this is the easiest best way to do something, but playing around with what you enjoy and then further research may prove otherwise! Do you think maybe if you put aside the classes, you would consider yourself at step 2 of this video - and maybe the next step towards clarity would be step 3, starting to understand the opportunities that are out there want what might interest you?

[@dishajain2026]

Wonderful message you have communicated through this video and serious food for thoughts :) Will definitely see my WHY first and move forward.

[@lcs1420]

Great advice Elizabeth! Always straightforward and honest. This is why I love your classes and videos!

[@ElizabethSilver]

Thanks Laura! So glad to have you in my orbit !

[@JoyRosario]

Such an inspiring person you are; thank you Elizabeth

[@ElizabethSilver]

Aw thank you! Good luck on your surface design journey!

[@azzuparis]

Love this video, very straightforward, great tips and true advice ❤

[@ElizabethSilver]

Yay, so happy it's helpful!

[@ambyes]

I quit teaching this year and want to pursue art. I went to college but never had the focus or maturity to really dig in. My husband is helping me take this year to try and make money. So far I’m struggling but I have only just found out about ‘surface’ design… I’ve started Etsy and am building a collection.

[@ElizabethSilver]

Congrats on deciding to pursue art! It's a lot of fun, but it isn't easy, so I hope this video helps to guide you a bit (and maybe is encouraging?)

[@ambyes]

@@ElizabethSilver I think it is encouraging! I enjoyed hearing your advice.

[@ramonaalston]

Thank you Elizabeth! Your video is super helpful and a great reminder that nothing happens overnight! I have been told that many times that I am artistic and am starting to believe that myself, lol. I too have done an expensive but very good course on SPD and listened to many coaching podcasts and come back to the same conundrum - 1) 'why'??? My 'why' is to contribute to our finance, as my husband is at retirement age. At the age of (nearly) 65, I feel like it's a bit late given the time it takes to 'earn'. 2) Focus ???? Given the fact that I know I can create the art, I have no idea where I want to go with it? I feel like I go around the same mountain and back to 'stuck'! I too need to sit and have a long hard think while I try and navigate my next step... p.s: I love your practical and informative advise! Thank You!

[@ElizabethSilver]

It's never too late to get started, and the longer you sit thinking about things, the longer it will take 😉so I say if it's something you enjoy, go for it, but I just want you to be eyes wide open going in, not thinking you must be doing something wrong if you're not earning $300/day in 6 weeks!

[@JulieEbersole]

Really insightful video-thank you, Elizabeth. Fast approaching age 62 and my husband just retired; I kinda feel like I missed “the timing” at this stage of my life. My husband wants to “Go-See-Do” all the things we postponed while raising a family and working, before we are unable to, either physically or due to caring for elderly parents, and other obligations, etc. Where’s that crystal ball when I need it ?! 🤣

[@ElizabethSilver]

I hear you, Julie, it's hard to figure out the next best steps for things. I mean- if surface design is your passion and you don't need it to create an income for you, you can start slow, and learn and grow between fun trips, right?

[@anastasiakhramtsova215]

Thanks - super helpful, as always, Elizabeth!

[@ElizabethSilver]

So glad you found this useful!

[@marketarams714]

Hi Elizabeth, thank you for your super informative video. I have been licensing my art in 2016 and then had children. Mostly have done greetings cards, but I love my art on gift bags, wrapping paper and note books. It takes me ages to create repeart patterns. I still have email to write to contact some agents I would love to work with. Taking steps and learning new things. Thank you so much, Marketa❤

[@ElizabethSilver]

I love this! Thanks for sharing your journey! Keep moving forward, those small steps add up.

[@khansafarhan1658]

Thankyou so much for this video

[@ElizabethSilver]

My pleasure 😊