Here you can find some useful design resources I have found along the long winding road. These recommendations are websites I’ve visited, books I’ve read, courses I’ve taken; they have enriched immensely my life as a designer.
Please note that some links are affiliate links. This means that they will give me a small commission if you buy from them through Pitter Pattern (with no extra cost to you). I, though, only recommend things that I’ve used as a designer and I’ve loved. I DO NOT recommend or endorse anything that I haven’t experienced myself AND liked!
Online Courses
Surface Design Immersion with Bonnie Christine
“The Surface Design Immersion Course is a beloved 8-week online training program for those who want to learn Adobe Illustrator, the art of surface pattern design, how to become a licensing artist, and create a sustainable business as a creative entrepreneur.” – Surface Design Immersion
Make Art That Sells with Lilla Rogers
“We offer advanced online courses to support your professional portfolio development and business skills. Our courses will help you understand the top ten most lucrative markets for art, and show you how to make your work more commercially appealing in each of those markets, massively expanding your income potential.” – Make Art That Sells
Textile Design Lab
“Learn the technical skills needed to transform your artwork into marketable patterns, the business savvy to position and market your work and the confidence to put yourself out there in the marketplace.” – Textile Design Lab
Skillshare Classes
Bonnie Christine
“As a completely self-taught designer, I understand the challenges of starting from scratch—and the incredible joy of turning those first steps into a thriving creative career. Over the past decade, I’ve worked with leading brands and taught tens of thousands of students, sharing the tools, techniques, and encouragement they need to build their own paths.” – Bonnie Christine
- Intro to Surface Pattern Design: Learn Adobe Illustrator
- Surface Pattern Design 2. 0: Design a Collection | Start a Career
- Advanced Techniques in Surface Pattern Design
- Your Roadmap to Surface Design: A Step by Step Framework to Crafting Your Career
- A Surface Designer’s Guide to File Organization & Workflow Techniques
Elizabeth Olwen
“A Canadian print and pattern designer living in Portugal. She prides herself on creating highly considered patterns and illustrations that are lovingly assembled, piece by piece, into something special. You can find her work around the globe, on products from decor to paper to fabric to bedding for clients like Cloud9 Fabrics, Crate + Kids, Tokyu Hands Japan, Mixbook and many more.” – Skillshare
- Introduction to Designing Repeat Patterns in Illustrator
- Pattern Design II: A Creative Look at a Full Pattern Collection
- Pattern Design: Bring Your Artwork to Life on Products
Surface Pattern Design Directories
Creativehowl
“Are you searching for licensing pattern designs for your upcoming project? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Our curated directory features a selection of outstanding Surface Pattern Designers and Textile Designers from around the globe who are ready to begin working on your commission or license their designs. Discover and hire your next freelance pattern designer today.” – Creativehowl