When you work in surface pattern design long enough, you start thinking less in individual prints and more in collections built for real-world use, fabric, wallpaper, home goods, and brand storytelling. So when Spoonflower reached out with an invitation to submit full pattern collections for potential promotion, it felt like a meaningful creative milestone. I knew that they issued these invitations to the artists periodically, but this was the first time I was included. Yowza! Milestone!
In response, I submitted several large, cohesive collections, each thoughtfully developed with licensing, versatility, and commercial application in mind.
Why this felt like a big deal
Designing a single surface pattern is fun. Designing a large, cohesive collection is where things get real. It’s about restraint, rhythm, supporting players, and resisting the urge to throw every good idea into one print “just in case.”
I’d already been creating collections for my designs on Spoonflower, but this invitation pushed me to think like a brand partner. They provided some guidelines to help artists in curating collections that feel intentional, flexible, and ready to live on fabric, wallpaper, and beyond.
I took their advice to heart and spent quite a bit of time in reviewing, revising and adding to a number of my existing collections in order to put my best foot forward.
I have submitted six designs so far. Now, I quietly hope they choose me!
Submitted Collections
These collections weren’t created overnight. Each one represents a focused design direction, complete with hero prints, supporting patterns, and coordinated colorways. Exactly the kind of structure licensing clients look for when envisioning how artwork lives across multiple products.
Boho Spice Route Zigzags
27 Designs and Colorways
Warm, earthy, and globally inspired, this collection channels spice markets, sun-faded walls, and hand-carved textures. It’s layered, rhythmic, and a little wanderlusty—boho without trying too hard.
Nouveau Blue
45 Designs and Colorways
An unapologetic love letter to Art Nouveau curves, ornament, and dramatic blues. Flowing florals, decorative linework, and rich detail make this one of my more maximalist collections—and yes, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Wild Safari
52 Designs and Colorways
Graphic, bold, and slightly feral (in a good way). This collection mixes animal-inspired motifs with sculptural shapes and earthy neutrals—designed to balance statement prints with strong, usable coordinates.
Refined Boho Terrarium
52 Designs and Colorways
Lush florals, stylized birds, and structured patterns come together here. It’s bohemian at heart, but thoughtfully composed—layered without being chaotic, expressive without shouting.
Cottagecore Granny Flair
39 Designs and Colorways
Soft, nostalgic, and joyfully old-soul. Inspired by heirloom textiles, granny florals, and cozy cottage kitchens, this collection leans into gentle palettes and comforting motifs that feel like a warm cup of tea.
Dubbel Dutch Delft
35 Designs and Colorways
A modern spin on classic Delft tile patterns. Blue-and-white storytelling, symmetry, and repetition meet contemporary surface design—timeless, graphic, and surprisingly versatile.
The waiting game
Will any of these collections be selected for promotion? Who knows. Just being invited to submit feels like a milestone all on its own. It’s a quiet nod that the work is resonating, growing, and landing where it needs to.
I’m equal parts grateful, excited, and refreshing my email a little too often.
If you’re a fellow designer reading this: keep making the work that lights you up. Build the collections. Follow the weird idea. Say yes when the scary email shows up. Sometimes, that email turns out to be a pretty great one.
Surface pattern designer available for licensing
If you’re looking for thoughtfully developed surface pattern collections designed with real-world applications in mind, I’m always happy to start a conversation. You can view my portfolio or reach out to discuss licensing and collaboration opportunities.
