Have you noticed that there are a lot of online courses these days? Do you wonder why that is? It’s because creating a digital course gives you an asset in your business that you can sell over and over again.

It’s the end of summer. What do you plan to focus on this Fall? Are you stuck in your creative practice and need some new energy? Are you ready to take your surface pattern designs to the next level? Whether you’re looking to expand your skills, reignite your creativity, or build upon your unique style, Bärbel Dressler’s Repertoire course offers an exceptional opportunity to grow as a designer.

Ready for another inspiring story of transformation? I’m delighted to introduce you to Virginia Wygal, another member of the thriving community of creative women inside #annesuniverse. Virginia's journey is a testament to the power of reinvention at any age.

Ready to be inspired by another incredible story of transformation? Meet Natalie Rotman Cote! Natalie retired from a successful 30-year career as a Software Engineer, but her passion for art has been with her since childhood.

It’s August, which happens to be one of my favorite months of the year because… My dear friend and surface pattern design educator, Bärbel Dressler, offers an amazing FREE workshop called: The Keys to Mastering the Craft of Surface Pattern Design.

Today, I am thrilled to spotlight Claire Gentry, one of my students who started in surface pattern design by taking my beginner’s course: From Doodles to Dollars®. Claire's journey from a seasoned sales professional to a passionate surface designer is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Here’s a glimpse into Claire's world. I think you’ll find this summer spotlight inspiring.

Welcome back! This week’s blog is exciting because it’s all about challenging your creativity. Come meet Denise Chavez, a multi-passionate creative who took my Doodles mini-course and then went on to take my Pattern Design Academy program.

I’m excited to introduce you to another amazing woman in my creative community! Each week this summer, you’ll meet an inspiring creative entrepreneur who’s sharing their talents in a variety of unique ways.

You are in for a real treat this week. Meet Swedish watercolor artist Maria Ahl-Zanier. She shares her passion for watercolor and her beautiful studio in Berg, Sweden. Watch the tour and then check out her website and her Instagram profile.

Creating beautiful art makes my heart sing. It’s my jam. You too, right? Let’s share our favorite art supplies with each other. I love simplicity and trusted resources, and firmly believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to create pretty things.

I’m thrilled to share that I’m heading to Charleston, South Carolina, for an exciting three-day workshop on how to host virtual events. This experience promises to be a game-changer for my creative business, enhancing how we connect and engage in new, more interactive ways.

In today’s visually-driven world, high-quality images are crucial for establishing a strong brand presence. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a creative professional, having professional photos of yourself and your products can significantly enhance your website, marketing materials, and social media profiles. Let’s explore the benefits of scheduling a professional photoshoot and I’ll share tips on how to best prepare for it, and highlight the top ways to use the photos you get.

Last week, we covered three effective strategies to improve your surface pattern designs: doubling the size of your repeat box, turning your repeat into a half drop, and adding a background texture. Now let’s take things even further and explore how color, depth and balance enhance your work. Each of these could be a masterclass in and of itself so keep reading and let’s dive in.

Surface pattern design is an intricate art form that combines creativity with technical skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, there's always room to enhance your patterns and make them stand out. Let’s explore three effective strategies to improve your surface pattern designs: doubling the size of your repeat box, turning your repeat into a half drop, and adding a background texture. These techniques will not only add complexity and interest to your designs but also give them a professional touch.

I bet this won’t come as a surprise to you when I say that more often than not, I find myself comparing my business to others and fall into that dreaded “impostor syndrome” trap. Tell me, have you ever felt like a fraud, even when you’ve accomplished great things? Yep, and here’s the thing… It happens to everyone.

Things are changing in the world of online courses and guess what? This is great news for YOU! Since the pandemic, it’s become crystal clear that information is no longer a scarce resource. Information is everywhere, all the time, and it’s mostly free. Information used to be valuable because it was scarce. But that’s no longer the case. We’re blasted with information constantly.

Honing your skills as a surface pattern designer requires practice, continuous learning about techniques and trends, and avoiding common mistakes. As you dive into this exciting industry, it's essential to be aware of the common pitfalls that many beginners encounter. In this week's blog post, let’s chat about three mistakes that can hinder your progress and the actionable tips to overcome them.

In the world of surface pattern design, talent and perseverance will take you far. However, creating artwork that sells also requires market awareness and a willingness to make work that’s commercial. While it's tempting to let artistic expression run wild, it's crucial to consider the commercial viability of your designs.

This week, let’s explore my top three tips for commercial success in surface pattern design.