There’s something magical about the moment a pattern clicks into place. The way colors flow together, how motifs find their perfect rhythm, and the satisfaction of watching your artistic vision unfold. Every new design feels like magic. But in today’s rapidly evolving creative landscape, continuing to explore new technology while staying true to your artistic vision has never been more important and more challenging.
You may be curious about AI but feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. Or perhaps you’re a traditionalist wondering if there’s still room for hand-drawn magic in a digital world. Recognizing this common struggle throughout the industry, we created this year’s Summer of Creativity program.”
Where Creative Passion Meets Modern Innovation
The creative industry is at a fascinating crossroads. Rapid advances in technology are transforming the way we approach design, from inspiring new ideas to streamlining workflows. But here’s what hasn’t changed: your trained creative eye and artistic instincts remain your greatest assets.
Whether you’re new tech-curious, new tech-skeptical, or somewhere in between, our Summer of Creativity program is designed to help you navigate this new landscape while staying true to your artistic vision.
Your 4-Week Journey to Creative Confidence
Our 2025 Summer of Creativity is a comprehensive exploration of how modern tools can enhance your creative practice, whether you choose to embrace AI or perfect traditional methods.
Week 1: Creative Mindset & Modern Tools
Theme: Understanding Your Creative Future with TDL member Jess Sams
Kick off your summer by exploring new creative opportunities and approaches. Discover how technology is reshaping creative industries and learn different strategies for navigating these changes—whether you choose to embrace new tools or strengthen traditional methods. Jess will share her personal approach to staying competitive and creative in today’s market while we explore growth opportunities that align with your values and vision.
Week 2: Expanding Your Creative Toolkit
Theme: Tools of the Trade
Whether you’re ready to dive into AI image generators and pattern design tools, or you want to master advanced techniques in Procreate and Photoshop, this week expands your creative arsenal. We’ll uncover how to maintain your creative integrity, strengthen your artistic voice, and channel inspiration into patterns that are authentically and powerfully yours.
Week 3: Streamlining Your Creative Process
Theme: Workflow Optimization & Co-Creation
Discover how to leverage new technology at various stages of your creative process, including ideation, drafting, and refinement, while maintaining a focus on human creativity. We’ll explore hybrid workflows and optimization techniques that work regardless of your tool preferences.
Special Guest: Faye Brown will join us to share how she leverages technology to streamline her workflows without compromising her artistic vision.
Week 4: Create, Reflect, Share
Theme: Personal Project and Showcase
The summer culminates with reflection on your learnings and a celebration of creativity in all its forms. Focus on responsible and sustainable creative practices as you grow with evolving technology.
Final Showcase Event: Present your work to our supportive community in a 1-hour celebration session. We’ll celebrate the diversity of outcomes and approaches!
By the end of our four weeks together, you’ll leave the program with a toolkit of creative challenges that you can use to continuously improve your process in the future, as well as a mini design collection to add to your portfolio, tangible proof of your creative growth this summer.
Beyond the Program: Your Complete Creative Ecosystem
When joining the Textile Design Lab, you’re not just joining a program, you’re becoming part of a thriving creative community. The Summer of Creativity program is just one part of our comprehensive support system that includes:
- Style Lab: Trend-focused design prompts, plus design history posts and tutorials
- Engaged Community: Network with designers who are elevating their craft and career
- Regular Live Events: Art critiques, goal check-ins, and skill-building workshops
- Job Board: Fresh listings updated weekly
- FREE Pattern Observer Directory Listing: Get discovered with a premium profile ($99 value)
The Choice Is Clear
Continue wondering how to navigate the changing creative landscape alone, or…
Join our Summer of Creativity program and discover how to confidently grow your creative practice in today’s exciting new world—whether that includes AI or not.
“The Textile Design Lab has helped me advance through focus. I have learned that focus on planning ahead, learning new skills and working with TDL staff will strengthen my business. When I’m in doubt of a pattern I get excellent feedback from skilled and experienced surface pattern designers, agents and artists.” — Cherie De Sues, Gypsea Art Designs
Ready to embrace your creative future? The Summer of Creativity program begins soon, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll create.
