Join me this week to dive into the importance of understanding yourself as a creative and a business owner before building your surface pattern design business. Knowing what you enjoy and what you don't is crucial in crafting a business model that feels authentic and sustainable. We will explore various pathways for designers, from working with studios to running an online shop, and share insights on how to align your portfolio with the right market to attract your dream clients.For more info...

In this week's episode, I touch on the importance of creating a market-aligned portfolio, especially when pitching in the fashion industry. I also extend an invitation to my free webinar, where I'll be offering a DIY version of my signature course. This episode highlights how crucial it is to view pitching as a numbers game and to develop your art from the inside out to resonate with your target audience!For more information about working together, visit:https://lesliekenehan.com/https://www....

In this inspiring episode of the Print Life Podcast, I sit down with Catherine Wise, a seasoned fashion, print, and graphic designer. Catherine shares her journey from fine arts to becoming a trend book designer and eventually embracing a freelance career. Her experiences in teaching at UK fashion and textile courses and offering specialized training highlight the intersection of education and industry expertise. Catherine's story is not just about design but also about adapting and thriving ...

Welcome to another episode of the Print Life podcast! I'm Leslie Kenehan, Creative Director at White Buffalo Studio. In this episode, I dive into what I believe are the five most important focus areas for surface pattern designers looking to build a thriving business. Whether you're just starting or pivoting to a new niche, this episode covers defining your style, layout mastery, market alignment, brand building, and the power of consistency. I'll share insights from my experience to help you...

Hi everyone, I'm Leslie Kenehan, your host of the Print Life podcast. In our 100th episode of the Print Life Podcast, I found it fitting that we discuss The Long Game and the truth about what really goes in to building a business you love. In this episode, we delve into the necessity of preparation to meet opportunities in surface pattern design. From identifying the right opportunities to understanding and preparing for your desired career path, I'll cover essential strategies for growt...

Welcome back to the Print Life podcast! In today's episode we will dive into the story of Rebecca Woolbright.  Rebecca is a licensed surface pattern designer and the artist behind the brand Rebecca Jane Woolbright. Her goal is to wrap the world in color. She is obsessed with patterns and symmetry and enjoys the process of manufacturing her own products to sell in stores worldwide. After seven years creating art for products, she started guiding other artists in the process of sourcing their...

Join me for an exclusive conversation with Fashion Print Design Agent, Nadine Stenovitch. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Nadine brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. As the owner of The Scoop In Design, she represents some of the best print studios in London. But that's not all – when she's not curating stunning art in LA or managing her online shop on the Pattern Cloud, you'll find her in France, renovating a 200-year-old chateau alongside her husband and pup. Main...

Join me this week as we delve into a crucial aspect of success: the art of letting go. Often, we find ourselves holding our goals so tightly, yearning for quick results. However, in this episode, we explore how releasing that pressure can lead to greater achievements. Success often comes from finding a balance between ambition and patience. By letting go of the need for immediate results and embracing consistent practice, we can pave the way for long-term growth. Thank you for tuning in....

Welcome to another episode of the Print Life Podcast, where we delve into the realms of art, design, and the fashion industry. Today, we discuss a topic that is dear to our hearts - the significance of embracing artistic integrity and exploring design in all its forms. Main Episode Points: The idea of getting comfortable enough in your own artistic integrity to look at other artists' work.The importance of studying good design, art, and aesthetics in various forms: catwalk, surface pattern...

In this episode we get to know Roberta Montorfano, founder of Betta Designs. Roberta is an Italian-Mexican artist. Raised in Como, Italy, she grew up steeped in the vivid interplay of colors, textiles, history, and art. For Roberta, the art of storytelling is embodied in design, art, photography, and colors.   After immersing herself in textile design for five years in Italy, and actively participating in textile fairs across the globe, a turning point emerged in 2013. Fueled by a...

Exploring the soulful journey of authenticity. Join us to deep dive into the significance of authenticity—the key to unlocking a style that is uniquely yours. This episode is a voyage of self-discovery within your creative process, an infusion of the unexpected, and a commitment to artistic integrity.  Learn how revisiting your past works becomes a catalyst for discovering your authentic style. Embrace experimentation, and embark on a creative adventure that resonates with the essence of who...

In today's episode, we'll explore two distinct approaches to developing your signature style in surface pattern design. We'll discuss the importance of committing to a consistent practice and delve into the three phases that designers can repeatedly navigate to continually refine and explore their unique style. Join us as we uncover practical insights to shape your design journey. Ready to commit to your practice and explore the evolving phases of your design style? Let's dive in on Day 03 of...

Welcome back to the Style Series! Today, we are reconnecting with our origin story to inspire us forward on our journey toward uncovering our signature style.  🌟 Recalling Your Origin Story: Think back to that magical moment when you realized being an artist or designer was your true calling. Reconnect with what sparked your creative flame— Was it a product, a feeling, or a magical creative moment? Rediscover why print design became your chosen path.  By reconnecting with your artistic...

In this episode of the Print Life Podcast, we kick off the Style Series—a four-part exploration inspired by the 2020 Style Challenge. Having guided nearly 400 participants through the challenge, it's the perfect time to bring it to the podcast. Join us as we delve into the importance of identifying your "why" when it comes to developing a signature style, the myriad benefits it brings to your creative journey, and practical approaches to implementation. Join me for two days of focused...

Welcome to another episode of  The Print Life Podcast! This week we are diving in to the evolution from creative hobbyist to the creative entrepreneur. Join Leslie to chat about the common hesitations many creatives face when pondering the viability of turning their passion for design into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. We discuss the power of stepping into the role of a creative entrepreneur, shedding light on the mindset shifts and transformative experiences that come with embracing...

Today we are diving into another artist interview, join me to welcome Kirsty Milloy. Kirsty is a fashion print designer who while working in-house for retail brands experienced an unexpected moment which made her re-consider her dreams. She aspires to build a studio-of-one which creates print collections for youthful brands who want to WOW! Kirsty’s style is versatile and fresh and she loves combining hand illustrated and painted elements to create impactful and colorful art. Inspired by...

Hello, creatives! In this week's episode, I'm diving into the chaos that often comes with January—the month packed with enticing growth opportunities, new challenges, and a sense of urgency. But, here's the truth: the rush might lead straight to overwhelm. Join me as we explore the powerful shift from 'I have to' to 'I get to.' It's all about reframing our approach to tasks or projects in our creative journey. I'll share some eye-opening examples of how this simple switch can transform our...

In this episode, we delve into the power of envisioning our aspirations, challenging self-imposed labels, and embracing consistency as a key to success. Here's a brief recap: Clarifying Vision: Encouragement to pause and envision what's desired in life and career, reflecting on steps taken towards those goals.Overcoming Labels: Addressing the labels we place on ourselves, recognizing they often act as self-imposed barriers to growth.The Consistency Challenge: Highlighting the significance of...

Welcome to this week's podcast episode! Today, let's dive into the concept of embracing the new year by fully committing to your creative vision. At a recent marketing conference, a quote from Julius Caesar was shared that struck a chord with me: 'If you want to take the island, you have to burn the boats.' This resonated with me so much. Often as creatives, we build many revenue streams at once claiming we are multi passionate, we allow fear or doubt about how saturated the space be the...

In today's episode of the Print Life Podcast, we dive in to the importance of understanding what a niche and target market truly represent in your career as a surface pattern designer. Understanding these concepts is crucial to find success in our journey of selling art to a commercial industry. Contrary to the belief that artists must struggle, hoping someone will buy their work, success lies in identifying the needs of our clients and finding a way to meet them in the middle without...

In today's design landscape, establishing an online shop is more crucial than ever, whether you're a freelancer or a seasoned studio. The Pattern Cloud eliminates the ambiguity of setting up your online print shop, providing a comprehensive solution from inception to execution. Join me for an insightful interview with James Hartley, Tracy Brown, and Sophie Rolley, where we delve into their individual studios' journeys and unravel the genesis of The Pattern Cloud. As a game-changer in the...

Join me today to learn how you can take just 20% of your time weekly to focus on tasks that will move the needle in your creative career. This is something we do in the Print Life Membership and has been responsible for much success in my own career, studio and print agency. Take it from someone who runs multiple businesses during part time hours....this rule is key!! For more information about working together, visit: https://lesliekenehan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

In the world of surface pattern design, there's this funny idea that choosing a unique path boxes you in. But what if I told you that it is in choosing a path is more like a secret superpower? Join us in this episode as we let you in on the not-so-serious secret of wrapping your creativity with intention, authority, and a big boost of confidence. Get ready to discover what can transform your design career from overwhelm to creative flow.  For more information about working together,...

Join me today to chat about how a simple shift in the way you look at your numbers, where you spend your time and managing expectations can support you in staying the course in your freelance business.  Go from hobbyist to business owner with these small tweaks in how you look at your income, your numbers, followers or client list.  For more information about working together, visit: https://lesliekenehan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/