Every so often, something happens in your creative life that makes you do a double take. This was one of those moments.
I recently received an invitation from Spoonflower to submit collections — not just a design or two, but full, coordinated bodies of work — for potential brand promotion.
Now, Spoonflower does this from time to time. But this was the first time I’ve ever been invited personally, which led to a brief but important internal dialogue that went something like: Wait. Me? Are we sure?
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.”
This invitation pushed me to think like a brand partner, curating collections that feel intentional, flexible, and ready to live on fabric, wallpaper, and beyond.
So I did what any reasonable designer would do: I entered several large collections and now I quietly hope they choose me!
A tour of the collections I submitted
Boho Spice Route Zigzags
Nouveau Blue
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
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 with Poppies & Tanagers
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 Heritage Collection
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
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.
But honestly, 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 trying not to refresh my email too aggressively.
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.
