Mockups in photoshop for surface pattern designers
Do you know how to use mockups to show off your patterns on products?
This is a great way to see how your designs look on real products and perfect for showing off your beautiful patterns on social media!
Today I'll show you how to use mockups, you wont believe what I did when I first used them. I would bring the pattern tile in and click it together to form a pattern and if I wanted a different scale I had to make them all smaller and add more - whoops!
Luckily it's very easy once you know how. I'll go over 3 different brands mockups so that you can see how they are set up and confidently use them.
Turn your artwork into polished product previews that help you get noticed and make sales
If you’ve created a pattern or illustration you’re proud of, don’t let it live unseen on your hard drive! One of the easiest and most effective ways to attract buyers, clients, and licensing opportunities is to show your designs on real products—and that’s where mockups come in.
In this post, I’ll walk you through why mockups matter for surface pattern designers, and how you can use them to elevate your portfolio, pitch to companies, or sell on platforms like Spoonflower.
👉 Full video tutorial included at the bottom of the post!
Why Mockups Are So Powerful
✨ They help potential buyers visualize your design on real products
✨ They make your portfolio look polished and professional
✨ They’re essential for Instagram, Pinterest, and email marketing
✨ They’re a game-changer when pitching to brands and art directors
You don’t need to wait for your pattern to be manufactured—mockups bridge that gap and let your audience see the potential of your designs right away.
What You’ll Learn in the Video Tutorial
In the video below, I’ll show you:
How to find and choose the right mockup files
How to insert your pattern into a mockup in Photoshop
Tips for scaling, placement, and making it look realistic
How to export your image for social media or your portfolio
🎥 Scroll up to watch the full tutorial video.
Bonus Tips for Designers
Use mockups that suit your target market (e.g. wallpaper, fabric, home decor)
Create multiple product views to build out a mini collection
Mix your mockups into your Instagram feed to give context to your patterns
Don’t forget to use your brand colours and fonts if you're sharing online!
Ready to Elevate Your Presentation?
Whether you're building your first pattern portfolio or refreshing your shop, mockups are one of the easiest ways to make your work stand out. You don’t need a huge budget or fancy photography—just a good mockup and your artwork.
👉 Watch the full mockup tutorial video above to get started.
And don’t forget to tag me if you share your designs—I’d love to see them!
I would love to know of you find this tutorial helpful and what other topics you would like me to cover in upcoming free tutorials.
You can join my free facebook group here where you can check out my other free tutorials and meet a supportive artist community.
