My name is Michelle Fifis and I’m on a quest to help textile designers improve the professionalism of their work, make more money in their businesses and tear down norms within the industry.
I am an open, honest voice in a secretive industry and nothing makes me happier than helping designers achieve their dreams.
Over the past few years the textile design industry has gained popularity and has seen a significant influx of new designers. The attention that the industry has received has been fantastic, but it now means more competition for freelance clients, prints sales and agent contracts. Despite this influx, I still see a significant void in the marketplace for strong textile designers who not only create high quality artwork, but who are also capable of running a professional textile design business.
I love the textile design industry and I want to push designers to achieve excellence. I promise you, average is no longer enough in today’s marketplace and I am here to guide you to the next level.
Work with me
Through e-courses and the Pattern Observer membership site, I mentor designers who want to improve the professionalism of their work and make more money in their businesses. If you are interested in working with me, please get started with our free resources or email us with any questions.
If you are a manufacturer who is interested in working with me on a consulting basis please feel free to review my portfolio. I have over 10 years of experience in the textile design industry and since launching my business in 2008, I have worked as a designer and adviser for Lucy Activewear, RYU, Columbia Sportswear, P&B Textiles, Floppy Products Inc. and more.
Meet the team
Pattern Observer is a daily blog and through our content we aim to support, inspire and promote those within the textile design community. I would not be able to offer as much content as I do without the assistance and wisdom of this amazing team. They uncover those emerging trends, take note of which styles are flying off the shelves and take care of you, the Pattern Observer community, on a daily basis.
Chelsea Densmore is a freelance textile designer who loves living in the sweet little mountain city of Missoula, Montana. She studied Textile Surface Design at FIDM in Los Angeles, and prior to that earned a BFA in Dance at the University of Montana. When Chelsea is not working on patterns or helping Michelle with trend research, you can find her hiking or bike riding with her fella, Zach.
Claire Carey is a UK based, freelance surface pattern designer, and has a BA first honors in Illustration. She has a passion for textile and pattern design and is crazy for all things fashion and interior design related. Claire loves working up new trend stories and designing patterns, and when not creating she will be with her two little ‘men’ Jude and Otis. Claire hopes to excite and inspire you with the Children’s Trend stories!
Victoria Snape is a UK based, freelance surface pattern and textile designer, with a BA honors in Contemporary textiles and surface design. She loves vintage treasures, indie craft and experiencing different countries and cultures. Victoria is a regular contributor to Pattern Observer through the weekly street pattern post. With her passion for pattern, texture and colour, she hopes to inspire you with trends and colour palettes from the print and pattern street.
Say hello
Are you an artist or designer who would like to be featured on Pattern Observer? Do you have a post concept or would you like to collaborate with Pattern Observer in some way? We would love to hear from you! Say hello here.
