Find Your Tribe, Fuel Your Art: How Community Can Transform Your Surface Pattern Design Career

How to Find Your Creative Crew (and Why It Matters)

Let’s get real for a second.

This creative journey we’re on? It’s not exactly a walk in the park—it’s more like a hike up a scenic mountain, carrying a tablet, snacks for the kids, and a cup of coffee that’s gone cold… again.

But here’s the secret: while we might be solo artists, we’re not meant to go through this journey alone. 

And the thing that made this rollercoaster ride not just bearable but actually fun for me? Finding my people.
My art community.

So today, we’re diving into two super-practical ways to help you find your people, fuel your creativity, and level up your surface pattern design game.

1. Join Online Art Communities (Find Your Tribe In Your Pajamas)

Alright, introverts—yes, I see you hiding behind your iPads with your flannel p.j. pants and pony tail hair (no judgement).

But hear me out: joining online art communities is like having a pep rally for your creativity—and you don’t even have to put on real pants.

Here’s why these groups are absolute gold for your creative growth:

Quick Feedback Loop

Post your digital doodles and receive insights at the speed of Wi-Fi. It’s like having a team of art critics, but way nicer and less likely to use words like “postmodern neo-expressionism.” You’ll get actionable feedback that helps you refine your art—fast.

Inspiration Station

Feeling creatively stuck? Scrolling through an online art community can give your creativity a huge boost. Warning: may cause spontaneous sketching, color palette experimentation, or the sudden urge to buy just one more Procreate brush set.

Support Squad

Bad art day? Your community will be there with memes, encouragement, and “yep, me too” stories that remind you every artist, even Michelangelo, had days like this.

Networking Without the Awkwardness

You get to meet other designers, collaborate, and even land opportunities—all without the hassle every art reception-goer knows of trying to figure out how to sneak a bite of sad cheese cubes, shake hands, and hold a wine glass all at the same time.

Where to Find Your People

If you’re wondering where these magical places exist, two of my absolute favorite Facebook groups are:

•  Mable Tan’s Art Licensing Group 
•  Surface Design News 

They’re like the Hogwarts of surface pattern design—filled with creativity, a bit of chaos, and plenty of digital magic.

When you join, remember: give as much as you take.
Don’t just drop your art and run. Comment on others’ work. Offer insights. Celebrate wins. Ask thoughtful questions. Because the secret to building a real art community isn’t just finding people who get you—it’s showing up for them, too. 

2. Level Up Through Learning (Because Knowledge = Creative Confidence)

Here’s the truth: finding your tribe is powerful, but growing with them is next-level magic.

Once you’re connected with other designers, you’ll quickly notice a pattern (pun intended). The artists making consistent progress aren’t necessarily the most naturally talented—they’re the ones who never stop learning. 

If you want to build confidence, sharpen your skills, and actually turn your art into income, here are a few ways to grow your creative muscles while hanging out with your new design BFFs:

Take a Course

When you’re ready to go from “I make cute patterns” to “I design professional, portfolio-ready collections,” you need a guide that breaks it all down step by step. 

That’s exactly what the Procreate Pattern Collection Masterclass does.

It’s my self-paced, all-in-one course for creating cohesive, professional collections in Procreate—complete with 25 repeat templates, workflow tips, and export guidance for licensing and print-on-demand platforms like Spoonflower.

This isn’t about random florals that look pretty but sit forgotten in your gallery. It’s about designing collections that sell and make people say, “I want that on wallpaper, fabric, AND my throw pillows!”

Upgrade Your Tech Game

If Photoshop is your creative playground, meet your new best friend: Photoshop Patterns Unleashed.

It walks you through seamless repeats, smart layers, clipping masks, and how to work like an actual wizard using the PatternmagicPRO action set. (Because honestly, who has time for repetitive tasks when the kids are fighting over who has to walk the dog and you’ve got a deadline to meet?)

And if you’re tired of resizing tiles manually, the Easyscale Photoshop Script will save you hours of math-induced misery. Just click, scale, and boom—your files are Spoonflower-ready.

Sign Up for Free Learning Boosts (Because Sometimes You Just Need a Creative Pep Talk)

If you’re more of a “learn in sips, not gulps” kind of creative, grab my free resources:

•  Designing with Insight Email Course — A 5-day email course that helps you master composition, color palettes, scale, and theme. (Bonus: includes my self-critique checklist so you can stop guessing and start growing.)
•  3, 2, 1… Let’s Design Weekly Eduletter — Weekly creative encouragement, design tips, and business strategies straight to your inbox. This is real art-life advice and help, not filler or fluff. Trust me, it’s an email you’ll actually look forward to getting.

And for those of you feeling extra ambitious (you know who you are 👀), dive into the Creative Biz Blueprint—my all-in-one Notion system to help you organize your goals, launches, and creative chaos into something that actually makes sense.

Bonus: How Community Turns “Hobby” into “Creative Business”

Here’s a little story.

When I first started sharing my art online, I had maybe five followers—three were family, and one might have been my cat.

But the moment I started connecting with other designers—asking for feedback, joining critiques, showing up for virtual meetups—that’s when things shifted. 

I stopped designing in isolation.
I started learning faster.
I found collaborators, mentors, and friends who cheered me on when I was ready to toss my stylus out the window.

And guess what? Opportunities started finding me. 

That’s the power of community.
It transforms your art journey from a solo struggle into a shared adventure. And no matter how much of an introvert you are, it’s something we all need.

Show Up Authentically

I know that, aside from giving a speech in your underwear, there are few things more intimidating than posting your work online. It’s like hanging your heart on the internet. Being vulnerable is HARD.

But here’s the thing: people connect with realness. 

So don’t stress about being perfectly polished or algorithm-approved. Show the messy sketches, the half-done florals, the days you spill coffee on your iPad.

Share your process, ask for brainstorming advice if you can’t think of what to draw, ask what others think is going to be the next big thing. Don’t just trumpet your most fantastic results or your perfectly polished pieces. Your authenticity will attract people—your people—the ones who will cheer you on, collaborate, and grow alongside you.

Your Homework (aka Funwork)

Okay. You’re probably ready to fire up your iPad and find your people. So here’s your quick-start checklist:

• Procreate Pattern Collection Masterclass
• Photoshop Patterns Unleashed
• Designing with Insight Email Course
• 3, 2, 1… Let’s Design Eduletter

Final Pep Talk: You’re Not Alone in This (Promise)

We’ve journeyed through the land of online communities, picked up a few creative magic tricks, and hopefully found a renewed spark of inspiration.

So as you head back to your digital canvas, remember:
Your unique voice and perspective are your superpowers.
Use them boldly. Share them generously.
And watch your art business flourish—one connection at a time.

Until next Monday— may your colors be vibrant, your layers be organized, and your creativity know no bounds.