How to Make Time for Your Pattern Design Dream (When You’re Busy With… Everything)
Life is full, work, family, responsibilities, laundry that never ends. Finding time for your surface design dream can feel like trying to catch a butterfly with your bare hands.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress. You just need small, consistent pockets, and a gentle plan to keep you moving forward.
Let me tell you how I know this…
A Quick Backstory
When I first started growing my surface design business, I was a stay-at-home mum with a toddler, a baby and a product-based business I ran from my kitchen table.
Nap times became my golden hour.
Sometimes that meant digitising a single motif while my baby slept. Other days it was sketching on the floor next to a pile of blocks or creating art with tiny hands helping. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was progress.
I built this dream slowly, in the in-between moments. And if you’re juggling all the things, I want you to know: it’s possible for you too.
1. Start Small, Stay Consistent
Don’t wait for the perfect moment or a wide-open schedule—it rarely comes.
Try this instead:
Sketch for 10 minutes while dinner simmers
Open Illustrator for a quick colour tweak before bed
Snap a photo of your WIP to pin or save for later
Small steps compound. You’ll be amazed what adds up over time.
2. Treat Creative Time Like an Appointment
It doesn’t have to be daily, but putting it on your calendar makes it real.
Block two or three 30-minute sessions a week (even 10 minutes counts!)
Add a reminder to your phone or planner
Choose a time of day you’re least likely to be interrupted (nap time? early morning?)
Protect it like you would a doctor’s appointment or coffee with a friend.
3. Set One Clear Intention Per Week
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your to-do list includes "build portfolio" or "get licensed." Let’s simplify.
Choose one goal:
Finish a single motif
Try a new pattern layout
Scan and clean three sketches
One focused task is far more doable (and satisfying) than ten vague ones.
4. Create a Simple Weekly Rhythm
You don’t need a strict routine, just something that gently guides you.
Here’s one to borrow or adapt:
Monday – Set your creative goal for the week
Wednesday – 20-minute design session (sketch, digitise, colour)
Friday – Reflect + share a tiny win or upload a pin
This rhythm gives you structure without pressure.
5. Embrace Imperfect Progress
Not every design will be a masterpiece. Not every week will be productive.
Some weeks, I only managed to pick a colour palette. But I reminded myself: that’s still progress.
Celebrate the small wins:
You opened your sketch book and started sketching, even if it was only for 3 minutes
You uploaded a pattern to Spoonflower
You posted one pin
Progress, not perfection. Always.
6. Use Pinterest or Mood Boards to Stay Inspired (Not Overwhelmed)
It’s easy to fall into the scroll. Try this instead:
Curate a Pinterest board with colour palettes, pattern layouts, and styles you love
Use it to guide your next sketch or layout
Set a timer if you need to keep it intentional
These visual cues can reignite your creative energy when time is short.
7. Connect With Others on the Same Path
You don’t have to do this alone. Find a creative buddy or online community where you can:
Share what you’re working on (even half-finished things, people love seeing behind the scenes!)
Talk through what’s working and what’s not
Cheer each other on
That little nudge of accountability can keep you going, especially on tough days.
You Don’t Need a Lot of Time, Just a Little Intention
Whether you’re working a job, raising a family, or doing both (with a side of sleep deprivation), your creative dream is still valid.
You can build something beautiful in the in-between moments.
You can make art without waiting for a perfect schedule.
You can take that next small step, even today.
You’ve got this.
Tell me in the comments:
What’s one small shift you could make this week to carve out a little creative time?
