what I’m drawing nowadays: january
anyone else in the mood for a pumpkin spice latte?
One thing you’ll hear me talk about a lot is my current pursuit of art licensing. If you don’t know anything about art licensing, it’s essentially the act of creating art to be rented out to companies who are looking for artwork to put on their new product lines. Companies like Target, Anthropologie, Home Goods, TJ Maxx and all of the best places for cute new home goods and clothing depend on independent artists to create artwork for them to license each season. Everything from spot graphics on shirts to patterns on blankets and sheets and clothing are created by these independent artists and I want to be one of them.
My background is in graphic design (graphic communication design to be exact) and I’ve had a long meandering career of jobs from dog clothing packaging to signage design at architectural firms. But more recently I’ve fallen in love with surface design (aka pattern design) and through this love, discovered art licensing.
With this new pursuit comes a whole new process of creation and part of that is matching up with production timelines for these companies.
So…. I’m currently designing for Fall 2025.
It’s been quite the adjustment period to get used to designing so far ahead and completely out of season. I’m currently wrapped up in a warm sweater with snow on the ground outside as I muse about autumn inspiration where the leaves are beginning to turn and you’re likely to sweat to death if you put on anything thicker than a t-shirt.
But I’m diving into the pumpkin spice flavored inspiration and getting in the mood for all things fall. Honestly I’ve created so many plaid patterns it feels like…too many. But nothing says autumn like plaid and I plan on having lots of options for my licensing portfolio.
Another part of art licensing that’s a no-brainer is the existence of floral patterns. You can’t have a portfolio without them and I’m currently lacking in that department. So I have a floral and fall leaf design on my to do list that will help fill that gap and hopefully bring some of the autumnal vibes we’re looking for.
Here’s a sneak peak at the color palette for this month’s collection. I can’t tell you how long it took me to come up with the name and I’m still not sure I’m in love with it. But as I always tell myself — done is better than perfect.
Keep an eye out for a more formal post of all these designs to come. I’m still establishing my posting routine, but I think it will be fun to share my designs once they’re available in my stores so you can check everything out. For now, I’m musing on all the inspiration. Let me know in the comments below what you think needs to be a part of my fall themed collection! I’d love to hear from you.
