Disclaimer: This design talk series on my blog is ment to be a discussion. All things in this blog post are my opinions, however, I would love to hear what you think in the comments.
Almost every surface pattern designer has probably been told when starting out how important it is to make pattern collections. To an extent I agree with that, however, making pattern collections isn’t for everyone. Primarly, whether or not you need to create pattern collections will depend on your goals.
You may have noticed that I don’t make a lot of pattern collections. This was a choice I made when asking myself what I wanted to get out of surface pattern design. I really wanted to make wrapping paper so I typically design with those products in mind. If you think about it, how often do you see wrapping paper that was designed using a pattern collection? I am sure they exist, however, typically different types of wrapping paper don’t go together unless they are reversable. This is why it’s important to think about your end goal before you start designing a pattern or pattern collection. For example, if you wanted to create patterns for fabric, a collection would be preferable for those who wanted to use the collection for quilting. On the other hand, If you were making a pattern for a notebook, you probably only need that one pattern for the notebook.
The only time when I would recommend that you absolutely need to create pattern collections is if you choose to go the traditional path of licensing. You never know what companies will use your patterns for. You might have designed your patterns with a notebook in mind, however, a company might license your patterns for a fabric collection so you need to show companies that your patterns can be used in a variety of ways.
With my designs, I primarily sell them online and I know a lot of surface pattern designers sell their designs online also. In those cases where you might be making patterns for specific products, pattern collections are not as necessary. For instance, Society 6 allows you to put your designs on products. If you put your pattern on a pillow you won’t necessarily need to create a collection as people will mostly likely be buying just that one pillow.
One thing I have noticed is that once you enter a creative field people will have opinions about everything you do. They may tell you that you absolutely need to create pattern collections or they may tell you not to create pattern collections, but you should weight the advice of others with what you want to accomplish as a surface pattern designer and pick and choose advice that will work best for you. Sometimes I give advice on this blog that won’t be a good fit for everyone and that is something you have to realize as you continue on your creative journey.
I know this design talk can be kind of controversial in the surface patern design space so I would love to know what you think about pattern collections in the comments. Do you think surface pattern designers need to create pattern collections?
Sohan
Hey Kelcie,
I think you raise an interesting point. I think it’s good practice to create collections just because it stretches muscles a little outside what’s comfortable. I started creating single patterns on spoonflower, but once I started creating matching collections the work transformed (at least in my opinion!). I feel like it makes you think outside the original concept to a larger whole. And even on Society6 you might convince someone they need matching pieces to that pillow if you have them in your shop or collection. 🙂 Just a thought.
– Sohan
Kelcie Makes Patterns
Hey Sohan, I usually try to respond to every comment I get and I am sorry I didn’t see this comment sooner. I never really thought of collections as a way to entice shoppers to buy more, but you make great points also.
Lisa
Hi Kelcie, timely post. I went from making digital scrapbook papers (still do occasionally) to surface patterns, and illustrations. I’ve been wanting to add more seamless patterns to my digital shops as my papers sell better than patterns in Spoonflower, Redbubble, etc. shops. I’ve been thinking about just doing one pattern as I’m a “one and done” type designer! Even with the papers, by the time I get done creating the 4th or 5th pattern I’m ready to move on. I saw Sohan’s post above and she has a valid point, too. I guess it depends on the type designer we are and like you said what the goal is. I’m not pursuing licenses, so you make me feel better about just designing a single pattern. I’d probably get more done that way, too!
Kelcie Makes Patterns
I relate so much to this comment especially when you talk about being a one and done designer as I usually like to make one pattern and move on. Since I wrote this post I have been thinking about this more. My thought is there is a market for both collections and singular patterns. It really depends on what the buyer is looking for. One of my favorite shops is Rifle Paper Co. and they have created a successful business on singular patterns so there is a place for designers who just create singular pattens.