Feeling Overwhelmed as a New Surface Designer? Start Here.
Hey friend, if you're new to surface design and feeling completely overwhelmed… you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just starting something new.
Between learning the software, building a portfolio, trying to “find your style,” understanding licensing, and figuring out where to even share your work, there’s a lot.
But I want you to know: you don’t have to do it all at once. You’re allowed to go slowly, take your time, and grow in a way that actually feels good.
Let me tell you where it started for me.
My Pattern-Loving Origin Story
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with patterns.
I remember being at my grandparents’ bach (that’s NZ slang for a humble little beach holiday home, in this case, a caravan with a lean-to), lying on the couch and studying the wallpaper. I’d trace the lines with my eyes, trying to figure out where the pattern started and ended. I didn’t know it had a name back then, I just knew I loved it.
Fast forward to 2020, I discovered I could digitise my watercolour paintings. Then in 2021, I found out about surface pattern design... and I was instantly hooked.
But let me tell you, it’s been a steep learning curve.
There were so many moving parts: Photoshop, repeats, licensing, building a portfolio… and that sneaky voice whispering, “You’re behind.”
If that’s where you are now, this post is for you. A gentle starting place when everything feels like too much.
First: Know That Overwhelm is Normal
If you’re thinking:
“Everyone else seems to have it all figured out…”
“I don’t know where to start, so I’m doing nothing.”
“There are too many tutorials, I’m lost.”
You’re not alone. Overwhelm is part of learning something new. You’re building a creative language, and that takes time.
Step 1: Focus on Creating, Not Perfecting
When I was starting out, I thought everything had to be “portfolio-worthy.” But that mindset kept me stuck.
Here’s what helped instead:
Sketching or painting a little every week
Playing with colour palettes just for fun
Making patterns I never showed anyone, just to practice
You don’t need to know your style right away. You just need to start making things.
Step 2: Clear the Noise
If your brain is buzzing from too many free challenges, tutorials, and designer accounts, it might be time to pare back.
Try this:
Choose 1–2 people or platforms to learn from for now
Mute the rest (you can always come back later)
Write a shortlist of what you want to learn next (like digitising, or building a mini collection)
Focus creates calm.
Step 3: Pick One Project to Start With
Instead of trying to build your full portfolio right away, choose one small, satisfying project.
Try:
A mini collection with 3 patterns and 2 colourways
Uploading a single design to Spoonflower
Starting a Pinterest board to share your work (even in-progress screenshots)
One project at a time is plenty.
Step 4: Organise (Even Just a Little)
I used to have layers everywhere and files called “finalFINAL_v3.psd” 🙈
It only took a tiny bit of structure to feel way less scattered.
Try:
A folder for each project or collection
Clear file names (like “Peony_HeroPattern.ai”)
Saving different stages as you go
Not perfect, just tidy enough to keep moving forward.
Step 5: Share Before You’re Ready
It took me a while to feel confident sharing my work. But the more I shared, the more I found my people, my style, and my voice.
Start small:
Post a sketch or motif
Try a mockup (even if it’s just for you!)
Pin your own work to a public or private board
Sharing helps you grow, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s yours.
What Helped Me Most
When I was starting out, I had a preschooler and baby at home and was running a product-based business. Most of my art happened during nap time.
What kept me going?
Tiny steps: One motif here, one repeat there
Mini collections: Small, achievable projects I could finish
Treating my art like it mattered, even if it was just 20 minutes a day
Letting go of the need to “catch up” and just learning at my own pace
You don’t need to do everything at once. Just start somewhere, and trust that it’s enough.
Start Here, Gently
If you're feeling overwhelmed, here's your reminder:
You are not behind
You don’t have to do it all right now
You’re allowed to go slow
You’re still a “real” designer, even if you're still learning
Pick one next step. Sketch. Digitise. Open Illustrator. Upload something to Spoonflower. Pin your favorite piece.
Start where you are. That’s more than enough.
Over to you:
What part of surface design feels most overwhelming right now? Leave a comment or share what small step you’re taking this week, I’d love to cheer you on.
