Print Life Podcast: For Surface Pattern Designers

How do you turn a passion for print design into a freelance business? In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, freelance fashion print designer Erin Lever joins Leslie to share her journey from studying printed textile design to creating bespoke prints for fashion brands around the world. From internships in London and Stockholm to an in-house role and eventually full-time freelancing, Erin explains how each experience helped her develop the creative versatility and industry knowledge she brings to her work today.

Together, they explore the creative process behind fashion print design—from photocopying flowers to combining hand painting, Procreate, and Photoshop—and why you don’t need to render everything perfectly to create compelling prints. Erin shares how working with print studios and attending client meetings helped her understand fashion trends, what buyers want, and how artwork moves from an initial idea to a finished product in stores.

They also dig into the business side of freelance textile design: finding clients, building repeat business, raising rates, and establishing clear contracts, deposits, and boundaries. Erin explains how sharing experimental process videos on Instagram and TikTok became a way to attract clients while making space for creative play. Whether you’re exploring fashion print design or ready to take your freelance business more seriously, this conversation offers a candid look at building a career through passion, persistence, and professionalism.

In this episode

• Erin’s path from textile design student to full-time freelance fashion print designer.
• How studio internships and an in-house role strengthened her creative and technical skills.
• Creating prints through experimentation, hand painting, Procreate, and Photoshop.
• Understanding fashion trends and designing for different brands and briefs.
• Finding freelance clients through outreach, industry connections, and social media.
• Why raising rates, requiring deposits, and setting clear boundaries changed her business.
• Balancing client work with personal experimentation—and finding inspiration in travel, quiet, and boredom.

Stay Connected:
The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

What does it take to build a creative career that feels true to you? In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, artist and surface pattern designer Elizabeth Olwen joins Leslie to talk about art licensing, developing a signature style, and staying connected to your creativity as your career evolves. Known for her colorful patterns and playful approach, Elizabeth shares her journey from graphic design to licensing her artwork—and how moving from Canada to Lisbon opened up new space for creative exploration.

Together, they explore the role of color and intuition in surface pattern design, how a recognizable visual style can help build an artist’s brand, and why making room for experimentation matters. Elizabeth also shares how The Artist’s Way, morning pages, and solo creative retreats helped her reconnect with painting and embrace her identity as an artist, leading to her first solo exhibition.

Whether you’re starting a surface pattern design business, exploring art licensing, or rethinking your creative direction, this conversation offers an honest look at balancing artistic fulfillment with a changing industry. You’ll hear Elizabeth’s perspective on moving beyond social media pressure, reaching clients directly, and keeping personal storytelling and human connection at the heart of your work in the age of AI.

In this episode

• Elizabeth’s transition from graphic designer to surface pattern designer and licensing artist.
• How color and a distinctive visual language helped shape her creative brand.
• Why life in Lisbon changed her creative process in unexpected ways.
• Reconnecting with play, painting, and intuition through morning pages and The Artist’s Way.
• Expanding into teaching, creative retreats, and a solo art exhibition.
• Navigating social media shifts, client outreach, and AI without losing connection to the work.
• Why Elizabeth sees your relationship with creativity as the foundation of a lasting creative career.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels—trying to update your portfolio, pitch to clients, post on social media, and somehow still find time to create—this episode is for you.

Today I’m sharing how I’ve built real momentum in my surface pattern design business… not by doing more, but by doing less—more consistently.

I’ll walk you through how one simple micro habit completely changed the way I pitch, how I use this same approach to nurture clients at The Print Book, and why building self-trust through small actions is the real secret to building confidence as a designer.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:

• Choose one big focus that matters most right now
• Reverse-engineer it into a small, doable daily habit
• Build confidence and momentum by keeping small promises to yourself

You don’t need to overhaul your entire business to make progress. You just need to start small, stay consistent, and let those tiny steps stack over time. ✨

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Control is an illusion—but intention? That’s where your real power lies. In this episode, I’m sharing a vulnerable reflection on how life threw me off course and what it taught me about creative flow, focus, and letting go of the hustle.

If you’ve been juggling multiple projects, feeling scattered, or telling yourself “I just need to do more,” this episode is your permission slip to pause and choose what actually matters.

We talk about:

• The difference between control and intention (and how knowing that changes everything)
• Why staying busy feels safe—but keeps you stuck
• The surprising freedom that comes from choosing one clear path (just for now)
• What to do when life pulls you off track—and how to come back with grace

If you’ve been craving creative clarity and direction, I hope this episode feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to change your mind. And it’s powerful to choose again—with purpose.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Jesse Rae Akin, a print designer and new mama navigating creativity in the middle of life’s most tender transitions. We talk about how she discovered surface pattern design almost by accident, what it’s been like balancing art with early motherhood, and how she’s finding rhythm in the messiness. Jesse shares honestly about fear, feedback, and forging your own pace in a world that feels constantly rushed. A beautiful reminder that we’re allowed to take our time—and that beauty doesn’t require perfection.

In this episode, we explore:

• Falling into surface pattern design (and staying for the joy)
• How new motherhood reshapes your creative time and energy
• The pressure of pitching your work and the power of just starting
• Learning to trust your hand, even when a brief feels like pressure
• The emotional boost of a good dress and a beautiful print

🧡 To connect with Jesse Rae Akin:

If you’d like to follow along on Jesse's journey or reach out, you can find her here:

http://www.jesseraeakin.com/
http://www.instagram.com/jesseraeakin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseakin/

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

We’re digging into the stage of the creative process most designers skip — the part where your actual style gets formed.

Whether you're licensing, selling on Spoonflower, or pitching agents — rushing into repeat patterns and mockups without honoring your artist phase can leave your work feeling disconnected, no matter how good it looks.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why your signature style doesn’t come from finishing prints — but from what happens before
• The real difference between the artist and the designer (and why you need both — separately)
• How to create the space your creative voice needs to fully emerge
• What to do if your portfolio looks finished but doesn’t feel aligned
• How to spot which season you're in — and where to focus next

Whether you're still discovering your style or revisiting it for the tenth time, this is your reminder: you don’t need to start over. You just need to dig in a little deeper.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to do all the things (more posts, more platforms, more pitching), this one’s for you. We talk about:

• Why clarity around your voice is more powerful than chasing metrics
• How to identify your unique point of view through your art and process
• What clients really want to see in your work
• A 90-day focus shift that could change everything
• A simple journaling exercise to strengthen your style and brand

The Print Life Membership – Where Design Meets Direction → https://printlife.io/

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

If everything in your creative business feels heavy or overwhelming, it doesn’t always mean you’re burnt out — sometimes, it’s a sign you’re ready for a realignment.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the moments when things feel out of sync — and how to reconnect with your true creative identity before making big changes.

We’ll cover:

• How to recognize when you’re ready for a shift
• Why simplifying your focus can reignite your creativity
• The power of authentic connection in building a sustainable business
• How to move forward from a place of clarity, not confusion

This episode is a soft reset — a mindset shift to help you simplify, refocus, and step into your next season with confidence.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Today on the Print Life podcast, I’m so excited to sit down with surface pattern designer and creative entrepreneur, Elizabeth Rachel. Liz (as many of you might know her from Instagram) has built a vibrant, playful, and thoughtfully curated product-based business rooted in her years of experience as a print designer. Her work spans home goods, accessories, and art prints — all bursting with color and her own refined, joyful style.

We talk about everything from how she got started in the fashion industry to the pivot that led her to launching a thriving Etsy shop, shipping orders solo, and growing a business that truly reflects her creative voice.

Liz also opens up about what it’s been like to juggle freelance clients, building a product line, and being a mom — and how she’s carved out space for herself while still prioritizing her family. We dive into her creative journey, how she finds inspiration, and her dream of future collaborations with brands like Liberty and even her top-tier dream: Anthropologie.

Whether you’re curious about shifting into product-based work, balancing freelance with your own line, or simply want a peek behind the scenes of a designer building something truly aligned — this episode will leave you feeling inspired and encouraged.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Liz’s creative pivot from fashion to home goods
• What it looked like to start her Etsy shop from scratch
• How her style evolved and became more playful through product design
• The reality of juggling freelance work, motherhood, and building her brand
• Dream collaborations, favorite sources of inspiration, and the mindset that keeps her going
• The advice she’d give to any designer starting out

Connect with Liz:
Website: https://www.elizabethrachael.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethrachael/

If you loved this episode, be sure to reach out to Liz and let her know! And if you’re building your own design path and looking for creative alignment, stay tuned for more conversations just like this one!

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

What if your next collection didn’t require starting from scratch?

In this episode, we’re exploring a mindset shift that could change the way you approach your portfolio, your pitch, and even your creative process.

Instead of chasing new ideas, Leslie invites you to look inward—to revisit the sketches, motifs, and half-finished prints that may already hold the clarity, connection, and style you’ve been looking for.

You’ll learn:

• Why constantly creating new art can become a form of avoidance
• How to recognize the value in work you’ve already made
• A simple way to organize and re-engage with your “creative backlog”
• What buyers actually respond to—and why your existing work might already be ready
• How to refine, recolor, and reposition your prints to make them pitch-ready

This episode is your reminder that you don’t always need more art—just more intention.

📥 Grab the free checklist: 7 Ways to Make Your Prints Stand Out

https://lesliekenehan.myflodesk.com/portfoliotips

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Woody Roseland—filmmaker, photographer, comedian, and all-around creative soul with a story that really moved me.

Woody shares his journey through multiple creative outlets, how surviving cancer shaped his path, and what he's learned about embracing experimentation, letting go of outcomes, and simply staying in the process. From commercial video work to painting rooftops in Oaxaca, his story is full of wisdom, warmth, and a whole lot of heart.

One of my favorite moments? Woody talks about how no one will hire you for something you haven’t already shown you can do—and how our most meaningful work often comes after years of showing up. He reminds us that your magnum opus doesn’t happen before the process—it’s born because of it.

If you're feeling stuck, second-guessing your direction, or waiting for the “perfect time” to do your best work… this conversation is exactly what you need.

Tune in and come back to what matters: the process, the joy, and your own creative voice.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

In this episode, I dive into the phrase “the riches are in the niches”—and what that really means beyond the buzz.

We explore how defining your version of a rich life is the first step to creating it, and how intentionality, clarity, and a focused process are what actually lead to aligned, sustainable success. Whether you're dreaming of collaborations, financial freedom, or simply the flexibility to do what you love—this episode is your invitation to stop spinning and start choosing.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why riches actually are in the niches
• What richness means beyond financial success
• How clarity, intent, and process shape your path
• The truth about fear, readiness, and going all in

Ready to find your niche?
Join me for Find Your Niche—a free 3-day challenge to help you define your space in the surface pattern design industry with purpose and direction.

👉 https://lesliekenehan.com/nichechallenge

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

In this episode, I’m diving into a conversation that’s been circling the design space for a while: Do you really need a niche to succeed—or is versatility the key?

There's been a lot of noise out there: "niche is dead,” “you are your niche,” “be the one-stop-shop.” And while there’s some truth in the intention behind those ideas, they can also create confusion. So, today I’m breaking it down.

We talk about the role of experimentation, why staying scattered too long can hold you back, and how niching doesn’t mean restriction—it means clarity. I also share my own journey from specialist to generalist and how that path helped me attract aligned clients, build authority, and avoid burnout.

Here’s what I want you to walk away with:
→ You can be versatile—but start with a foundation.
→ You can specialize—but still stay creatively expansive.
→ You can find your place—by choosing intentionally.

We’ll talk about:

• Why niching isn’t the enemy—it’s actually your anchor.
• How I evolved from working in Illustrator to directing design teams.
• The real reason many designers stay stuck (hint: it’s not skill).
• What “you are your niche” really means—and how to not get boxed in.
• How to use your strengths as your starting point to attract the right work.

If you’re tired of feeling scattered and unsure about where to focus your time, this episode will help you clarify your next step.

🎧 Tune in and let’s talk about what it really takes to gain momentum—your way.

✨ Ready to go deeper? Get on the Print Life waitlist and learn how to turn your art into aligned, intentional work that sells.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

When we talk about income as surface designers, we often focus on how much designers are making—but the real question is why some designers earn more than others. In this episode, we’re diving into the factors that truly shape your income, from clarity and confidence to strategy and consistency. If you’ve ever hesitated to put your work out there, struggled with pricing, or felt stuck in a cycle of undercharging and overworking, this episode is for you.

Tune in as we discuss:
✔ The key difference between designers who thrive and those who struggle.
✔ The role of mindset in pricing your work confidently.
✔ Why no single sales method guarantees success.
✔ How to shift from hesitation to action and increase your visibility.

Your income isn’t just about where you sell—it’s about how you approach it. Let’s shift your beliefs around pricing and step into the value you bring to the industry.

🎧 Listen now and let’s talk about it!

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

Setting Goals That Actually Move Your Creative Business Forward

Let’s be real—most of us have set goals like “I want to sell more art” or “I want to grow on Instagram.” But are those goals actually helping you move forward? If you feel like you’ve been setting goals but not seeing real progress, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m breaking down the key things that truly matter when it comes to goal setting as a designer. These are the steps that will help you create real momentum, avoid distractions, and finally start seeing results in your creative business.

In this episode, I cover:
✔️ How to set goals that actually align with the business you want
✔️ Why process-based goals work better than vague outcome goals
✔️ How to break down big goals into clear, actionable steps
✔️ The importance of tracking progress and adjusting along the way
✔️ Why flexibility (not perfection) is key to long-term success

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and setting the same goals year after year, tune in now and start setting goals that actually get you where you want to go.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

There’s a lot of advice floating around about whether or not you really need a niche as a designer. Maybe you’ve heard people say, “You don’t need to niche, just focus on your style,” or “You don’t need to niche, just find your audience.”

Here’s the truth: That IS niching.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why choosing a niche isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about giving yourself a clear path forward. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, unsure of where to find clients, or unclear about your next steps, this episode will help you shift your perspective on niching and why it can actually create more freedom in your business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why "my prints look good on everything" is the biggest myth keeping you stuck
✅ The real reason designers resist niching
✅ How niching gives you clarity on your portfolio, pricing, pitching, and marketing
✅ Why versatility is not the same as strategy
✅ A simple action step to start defining your niche today—without overthinking it!

Stay Connected & Keep Learning

📌 Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife
📌 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

This week, I’m talking about something that so many of us struggle with—including myself: doing too much and getting nowhere. We often feel like we need to chase every opportunity, every revenue stream, and every strategy, thinking that the more we do, the more successful we’ll be. But the truth? Doing less strategically leads to bigger and better results.

So today, I’m sharing five ways to get better results by doing less—so you can create more impact, more income, and more mastery in your business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Simplify Your Offers – Stop spreading yourself thin across multiple avenues. Choose 1–2 core areas to focus on and go all in.
• Establish a Consistent Practice – Mastery comes from repetition. Whether it’s designing, pitching, or marketing—consistency builds confidence and skill.
• Streamline Business Processes – Systems create freedom. Simplify pricing, pitching, and client communication to remove resistance.
• Streamline Your Creative Workflow – Set up a process that allows you to create without wasting time on decision fatigue.
• Keep Your Focus & Avoid Distractions – Stop chasing every new opportunity. Go all in on the areas that bring results before adding more.

This is your permission slip to simplify, focus, and create a business that works for you. What can you let go of to move forward with more clarity and ease?

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal—how I decided to let go of parts of my business this year to create space for more freedom and joy. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or defined by your work, this one’s for you.

I’ll walk you through my journey of balancing multiple creative ventures and how I finally decided to simplify my focus. We’ll talk about recognizing what lights you up, creating space for meaningful work, and how to let go of what no longer serves you. My hope is that this episode gives you the clarity and courage to step into 2025 with intention and focus.

Key Takeaways:

• To do your best work, you must let go of what no longer serves you.
• Success doesn’t come from juggling everything—it comes from focusing on what matters most.
• Simplifying your business can reignite your creativity and energy.
• Freedom and flexibility require intentional decision-making.

I hope this episode inspires you to take a closer look at what’s truly bringing you joy in your work—and what it might be time to let go of. Thank you for tuning in! Let’s make 2025 the year of clarity, focus, and aligned growth.

Happy New Year!
Leslie

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

In this episode, we dive deep into the nuances of pricing your creative work, overcoming money mindset blocks, and building a sustainable business by adding value for your clients. Whether you’re struggling with confidence in charging for your art or feeling stuck in a cycle of chasing the money, this discussion provides a fresh perspective on aligning your creativity with financial success. Plus, we break down actionable strategies for pricing, adapting to feedback, and growing your brand visibility.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/

In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Becky Dator, a creative manager with two decades of fashion industry experience across apparel, textile, and color design. With her roots in Philadelphia, Becky’s journey spans well-known brands like Free People and Print Fresh, where she’s held roles from design and project management to art direction and team leadership. We dive deep into her incredible path, starting with a chance encounter that sparked her desire to become a fashion designer, and trace her career’s evolution from student to a leader in the print and textile space.

Throughout our conversation, Becky shares unique insights into the creative world of in-house design teams, her approach to art direction, and the joy of seeing her team’s work come to life in stores and on the streets. We also explore her latest project—launching her own brand focused on upcycled vintage with hand embellishments— and discuss the importance of staying flexible, creative, and open to opportunities throughout a design career.

If you’re curious about the inner workings of textile studios, art direction, or building a sustainable fashion line, this episode is packed with inspiration. Join us as we explore the layers of the fashion industry through Becky’s lens and gain valuable advice for navigating a creative career in print design.

Stay Connected:

• The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/