profile

Mel Armstrong

How to Make $10k Licensing Patterns - The Truth!

Published 8 months ago • 1 min read

Hello Reader,

Are you dreaming of making a consistent income from your pattern designs? I hear you! It seems there's a lot of mixed messages out there about how easy (or hard!) it is to make a full-time income, especially when aiming for ambitious figures like $10,000 a month through licensing.

So I decided to create a YouTube video to tackle that question head-on, sharing my honest, no-fluff perspective based on over a decade in the industry.

Here's a sneak peek at what I cover:

  • The Reality of a Quick Income: I address why expecting stable licensing income within just a few months might be "in the clouds" for most.
  • More Than Just Design Skills: We dive into why mastering software and developing your unique artistic style is just one piece of the puzzle.
  • The "Relationship Business" Factor: Discover why building connections and understanding the market are crucial, and how much time this truly takes.
  • Your Income Goal: Is it Possible? I confirm that earning $10,000 a month as a one-person design business is absolutely achievable, but I share realistic timelines for getting there.
  • Beyond Licensing: Learn why diversifying your income streams can be a smart strategy as you build your licensing portfolio.

This video isn't about quick fixes; it's about setting realistic expectations and giving you the genuine insights you need to build a sustainable and successful career in surface pattern design.

video preview​

I hope this video helps you navigate your journey with clarity and confidence.

Happy creating,

Mel

P.S. If you find this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more insights and inspiration on surface pattern design and illustration

​Unsubscribe | Update your profile | PO Box 22062, Khandallah, Wellington 6441

Mel Armstrong

Illustrator & Surface Pattern Designer

Illustrator, Surface Pattern Designer and online educator empowering others to follow their dream of building an art career.

Read more from Mel Armstrong
Whimsical Forest Floor Fabric Collection

Hello Reader As we jump into March I want to talk a little about pattern collections for licensing. I see it all the time: A designer spends 10 hours on a stunning, intricate floral pattern. It’s a masterpiece! But when they show it to a client, the client asks, 'What else goes with this?' If you don't have an answer, you’re leaving money on the table. In the world of Surface Pattern Design, we don't just sell 'prints'; we sell stories. And a story needs more than one character. To build a...

24 days ago • 2 min read

Hello Reader I hope you're having a wonderfully creative week. Colour is the heartbeat of Surface Pattern Design. A mediocre motif can be saved by a killer palette, but even the most intricate illustration will fall flat if the colours don't harmonise. This is something a lot of us struggle with so I wanted to offer up a few tips. Today, I’m breaking down four pro-level colour tips that have helped me move past "default swatches" and start creating sophisticated, commercially viable designs....

about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Small Steps

Hello Reader Did coming back to the studio feel a bit… jarring? Same here! A week ago, my biggest "deadline" was finishing a book or deciding which snack to grab. Then suddenly I’m staring at a blank Procreate canvas and trying to remember how to draw a leaf. Blergh! If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, remember this: it’s okay to ease back into your creative practice slowly. "Baby steps" still lead to a finished artwork or pattern collection. For those of you staring at a blank page wondering...

2 months ago • 2 min read