Pattern Observer began with a simple belief: that talented designers deserve access to the same knowledge and community that transforms good work into great careers. Over fifteen years, that belief has shaped everything we do — the design education, the business guidance, the trend resources, the conversations happening every day inside the Textile Design Lab. This is a place built for the long game, for designers who are serious about their craft and serious about what comes next.
If you’re new here, here’s where to start.
Step One: Get the free training
The best place to begin is my free training, Turn Your Artwork into Textile Designs that Sell. It walks you through what buyers are actually looking for, how to think about your portfolio, and what separates designers who build careers from those who stay stuck.
Step Two: Dig into the blog
Pattern Observer has been publishing since 2010, which means there’s a lot here. A few good places to start:
- The Seven-Year Flamingo (and Other Quiet Pattern Successes)
- June 2026 Textile Design Trends: What’s Selling Now
- Art Licensing for Surface Pattern Designers: What You Need to Know Before You Pitch
Step Three: When you’re ready for more, there’s The Lab
The Textile Design Lab is the paid membership community we built for designers who are serious about building a business — not just making beautiful work.
The flagship program is the Pattern Profit Academy — a 12-month guided path through the real mechanics of earning income as a textile designer. Licensing, freelancing, print-on-demand, working with agents — it’s all in there, alongside a community of 200+ designers and regular feedback from working industry professionals.
It’s not for everyone, and it’s not meant to be. But if you’ve been doing this for a while and you’re ready to stop guessing, it might be exactly what you need.
Learn more about The Textile Design Lab →
Whatever stage you’re at, I’m glad you’re here. This industry rewards persistence — and the right information helps a lot.
— Michelle
