2022 is YOUR year...
to build a career selling your unique beautiful patterns to the many clients out there waiting to buy them. Learn the craft of composing a pattern from your artwork using a number of different pattern techniques and get paid for it!
Yes Please!Simple and Fun
Pattern design shouldn't be complicated, and learning shouldn't be intimidating! That's why I've designed a simple and engaging learning experience to elevate your joy into your art so that more people want to pay you for your art!
This sound great!

Learn Together
With access to our private online community, the answer to any question you have throughout your learning journey is only one post away. I'm here for you!
I'm ready to learn!MODULES
Here's a sneak peek into the modules and what you'll be learning.

MODULE 1
FUNDAMENTALS
Completely new to Surface Pattern Design? No problem! In the first week, you'll learn the fundamentals of Surface Pattern Design. You'll learn about my own journey and I'll give you a little insight into my business. You'll learn how to make money as a Surface Pattern Designer through the vast number of opportunities available to you.

MODULE 2
FINDING INSPIRATION & SKETCHING OUR IDEAS
In this module, you'll lay the groundwork for creating a pattern. This involves finding inspiration, sketching motifs and selecting a colour palette. This can be done either traditionally or digitally.

MODULE 3
COLOUR & TEXTURE
In this module, I'll show you how to colour your icons. I will be doing this traditionally, as well as in Procreate, Photoshop and in Illustrator. You can pick and choose which one you'd prefer or have a go at all of them.

MODULE 4
PATTERN COMPOSITION
This is a big one! I'll show you how to compose a pattern in Photoshop, Procreate or Illustrator. If you just prefer Photoshop, that's fine, you don't have to complete the other lessons, you can pick and choose. Each covers how to create simple and complex patterns in the software. If you want to do all the lessons in this module, you might want to do it over a couple of weeks before moving onto Module 5, it's totally up to you.

MODULE 5
PATTERN COLLECTIONS
We will learn the foundations of a great collection. You’ll learn why they are important, why colour is important and you’ll learn the structure of a good collection as well as how to implement different colourways.

MODULE 6
GETTING YOUR WORK SEEN AND LICENSED
Social Media is your friend! I'll show you why. I'll show you how to mock up your design to present on the different social media platforms and your website.
I’m also going to provide you with some strategies for getting your work in front of clients and getting beautiful patterns licensed as well as show you some ways to create passive income through Print on Demand websites such as Spoonflower.
Did you know that I'm a 'top teacher' on Skillshare? Putting me in the top 1% of teachers on the platform.
This course is a culmination of all I teach on Skillshare and more, but packaged into one nicely organised classroom that is yours for an entire year!
I'm Ready!This is what my students say...

This course was amazing and far exceeded my expectations.
Definitely one of the best courses I've ever taken. The information was very comprehensive and thorough. If you follow along and stay on track with the assignments each week, you will be ready to open your Spoonflower shop by the end of the course!
- Michelle

I have learnt a lot, thank you Mel!
This course is full of very useful advice, from pattern making techniques in 3 (!) different software, building collections, developing your style and career, and the business side of SPD, which is full of resources so hard to find! Mel's style of teaching is very clear, friendly, and motivating. The exercises are leading you step by step, from the beginning, where you create your motifs, to the final pattern collection. I have learnt a lot, thank you Mel!
- Dana

So very pleased I registered for this course, it exceeded my expectations.
A fabulous tutor delivering a brilliant course on all facets of surface pattern design, along with high quality downloadable resources. I now feel I can develop my art into a further income stream. Thank you so much Mel for sharing so generously your knowledge and expertise.
- Gill
Hello! I’m Mel,
I'm an award-winning Illustrator & Surface Pattern Designer from the coolest capital in the world Wellington, New Zealand.
I’m so excited to introduce you to an industry that changed my life. If you’re a painter, an artist, a doodler, or a digital artist, you are about to step into the whole new realm that will change your life, your confidence, your income and your future.
To say this is a dream career is an understatement!
My clients have included Spotlight (AUS/NZ), Lilipinso, Walnut Shoes, Auzou, American Greetings, Hallmark, and Graphique de France
Surface Pattern Design also catapulted my career in children’s picture book illustration and with that I've been incredibly lucky to work with publishers such as Scholastic UK, Harper Collins, and Random Penguin House, just to name a few.
Surface Pattern Design is an exciting industry that has room for you and your unique style.
Sharing what I know and what I've learned over the years is something I'm really passionate about. I love nothing more than seeing my students grow and succeed in growing their own creative businesses. Lilla Rogers, an art agent in the US says "people buy your joy". I believe this to be true. If you're passionate about what you do, you will not fail. The opportunities in this industry are endless.

Invest in your career in 2022
The Art & Joy of Surface Pattern Design Course
IS JUST $299
*Payment plans are available but will be at a slightly higher rate due to fees and management of payment plans.
Sign me up!So let's recap. You'll get...
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6 modules covering the creative, technical and business side of surface pattern design. Each module contains a range of lessons with videos, resources, and guides
- You’ll learn how to create patterns in Procreate, Photoshop or Illustrator
- You’ll get access to our private community hub where you can ask questions and receive feedback on your work.
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You’ll gain motivation, confidence and skills that will get you clients
- A beautiful cohesive nature inspired collection ready to send to potential clients
- A community of like-minded creatives to bounce ideas off
Enrol now!
Sign me up!This course has 6 modules, designed to be completed in your own time. Some modules may only take you a week, some more. You have 12 months of access to the online classroom, however, the videos, PDF's and worksheets can be downloaded to keep forever.

This course is for those who...
- are an artist or illustrator (traditional or digital) and have a passion and pull towards patterns
- are a graphic designer and want to branch out your business to include more income streams and clients
- have a basic knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator or Procreate. This isn’t absolutely necessary but will be quite a steep learning curve otherwise.
- already have a portfolio of patterns but are unsure as to how to license them
- have an understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight, and that it requires hard work and dedication.
- have a passion for learning and an open mind
- are ready to take your art to the next level

This course is not for those who...
- don’t like drawing and/or have no experience in painting or drawing
- have no technical knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator or Procreate - note you only need to use one of these to create patterns, not all
- don’t have the time or motivation to learn new skills
- aren't prepared to put in the work and be open to learning
- aren't interested in supporting other's in the community
Whether you’re a watercolour artist or a digital artist…
I’ll show you how to transform your art into repeat patterns using a variety of methods that are professional, beautiful and unique and ready to sell to clients.
In this course, I’m going to dive deep into all aspects of the Surface Pattern Design industry, which includes the business side, the technical side and of course the creative side, all of which have led me to a 6 figure income.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence, the motivation and the know-how to build your business and actually live the dream!
Thanks Mel! I'm Ready!