Baring in mind that I often refer to my Surface Pattern Design endeavours as a ‘journey’, it probably won’t surprise you that I consider navigating a creative career very similar to planning a trip.

Generally, you would embark on a trip with a destination to head for and a map or set of directions to help you get there via the quickest or most preferable route possible. The same goes for building your design career. Clear goals and a solid plan are your roadmaps. Without them, you’re likely to veer off route, causing you to miss out on key opportunities and growth.

I must admit I am a ‘planner’ and I know you've heard me say it before...but if I have a plan I feel like I am already halfway there! But not everyone likes to plan. So let me break it down into manageable steps so that you too can embrace the power of a good, solid plan.

Consider your plan like a travel guide and focus on these key elements:

Set your destination (Big Goals)

Think of your big career goals as your destination. Do you want to work with a specific brand? Create your own product line? License your designs globally? Define these long term objectives upfront, like choosing the city you want to visit. This will help you stay focused, even when you encounter detours along the way.

Plot Your Route (Break Down Goals)

Once you’ve picked your destination, it’s time to map out the route. What steps do you need to take to reach your big goal? Maybe you need to build a professional portfolio, network with industry experts or master new design software. Breaking your goal down into smaller, actionable steps is like plotting points on a map. This process gives you a clear route to follow and ensures you won’t get overwhelmed or lost along the way.

Mark your Milestones

Every journey has pit stops; places to pause, refuel and check that you’re on the right track. These are your milestones. In your career, milestones could be completing a new collection, launching your website or signing your first licensing contract. Hitting these milestones not only keeps you motivated but also lets you measure your progress.

Follow Your Guide (Mentors and Resources)

Every traveller needs a guide; someone who’s been there, done that and can help you avoid dead ends. For surface pattern designers, this might be a mentor, an online community or educational resources like courses or podcasts. These guides can offer valuable advice and help you navigate tricky terrains like pricing, marketing and industry trends.

Prepare For Detours

No trip goes exactly as planned and your design career will be no different. Trends change, projects fall through and new opportunities pop up. Flexibility is key. If you hit a roadblock, don’t be afraid to reroute. The important thing is to keep moving toward your destination.

With a solid map in hand, clear goals and well-planned milestones, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful and fulfilling career in surface pattern design.

So, are you ready to map out your own path to success in surface pattern design?

If so, make sure you download these free resources:

"Surface Pattern Design Road Map", complete with 8 milestones and 24 actionable steps to help you on your journey to reaching your big goals.

PLUS, considering that everyone’s goals are different, I have also created your very own

"Surface Pattern Design Road Map Template" (fully customisable in Canva), so that you can map out your own route to success.This means you can identify your own milesontes and actionable steps that will suit your vision and journey perfectly.

AND, if that wasn’t enough, I have also created you an extra resource for all of you who love planning as much as I do, "Let's Get Planning!" guide. A comprehensive list of steps to help you set goals, plan milestones and establish both short and long term objectives.

Are your ready to plan out your journey?

Download your Road Maps and Planning Guide (here) and get started!

Join me next time as we start to explore a new theme:

Creative Potential

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See you next time,

Yvonne x