5 habits that build pitching confidence as a surface pattern designer

5 habits that build pitching confidence as a surface pattern designer

When I first started pitching my designs, I treated it like a high-stakes event.
Every email felt like a potential disaster.

What if they hate it?
What if I’m bothering them?
What if I never hear back?

Sound familiar?

Most surface pattern designers stall right here, right at the edge of opportunity, because the fear of rejection feels bigger than the possibility of a yes.

But here’s what I’ve learned: pitching confidence doesn’t come from suddenly feeling brave.
It comes from the tiny habits that make pitching part of your creative routine, not a once-a-year panic.

So, in the spirit of gifting yourself something that actually makes a difference this season…

Here are the small, powerful habits that changed everything for me.

The Gift of Preparation

Before I ever open my inbox, I make a list of 5 to 10 dream brands that actually fit my style.
I research them, look at what they license, and make sure my art aligns.

Because confidence comes from clarity, not guessing.

Knowing exactly who you’re reaching out to takes away the pressure of “what if I’m not good enough?”
You’re not sending cold emails into the void anymore. You’re connecting with brands that are already looking for what you create.

The Gift of Clarity

My old pitching process? A messy folder, an overthought email, and a prayer.

Now, I keep my portfolio link ready, my template prepped, and my message simple.
Introduce yourself, share what you love about their brand, and show how your work fits.

No fluff. No overexplaining.
Just clean, confident communication that feels natural.

Every time I do this, the fear quiets a little more because I’m not winging it anymore. I’m following a rhythm.

The Gift of Detachment

This one took me the longest to learn.
A “no” isn’t rejection. It’s redirection.

Every “no” means someone saw your work. Every “no” builds data. Every “no” moves you closer to the yes that matters.

The designers who grow aren’t the ones who never hear no. They’re the ones who keep showing up anyway.

The Gift of Confidence Through Action

You don’t wake up one day magically ready to pitch.
You become ready through practice.

Each email you send teaches you something about your voice, your art, and your audience.
And that’s the real gift: learning to trust yourself enough to hit send, even when it’s scary.

The Gift of Celebration

Every pitch you send is progress.
A reply isn’t the only win. Hitting send is.

Because every pitch builds your confidence muscle, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Small moments of action are what turn hesitation into momentum.

Ready to Feel Confident Hitting Send?

If you’ve polished your portfolio but can’t seem to get past the fear of actually pitching, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out alone either.

That’s exactly why I created The Confident Pitch Method, a step-by-step course designed to help surface pattern designers like you research, write, and send professional pitches without feeling salesy or pushy.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Find the right art directors and brands to contact

  • Write emails that stand out (templates included)

  • Follow up with confidence and know exactly what to say when you get a reply

By the end, you’ll have a system you trust, emails you’re proud of, and the confidence to finally hit send.

Because your dream clients can’t say yes if they never see your work.

Learn more about The confident pitch method here1
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