How Pinterest Can Help You Get Your Surface Design Work Seen
When I first started creating patterns, I thought the hardest part would be learning the technical skills. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. The real challenge came after I’d made work I was proud of — and no one was seeing it.
I’d post to Instagram, refresh my feed, and… crickets. No licensing enquiries, no collaborations, no email pings. It was like shouting into the void.
In those early years, I was doing what so many new surface designers do:
Tweaking my collections instead of sharing them
Waiting to feel “ready” before showing my portfolio
Stalling because I didn’t know what was “good enough”
And behind all that? A quiet fear that maybe my work just wasn’t being noticed because it wasn’t good enough.
That’s when I discovered Pinterest. Not as a place to collect recipes and holiday ideas, but as a search engine for creative work. I realised that art directors, manufacturers, and potential collaborators were already there, typing in keywords like “floral repeat pattern” or “kids’ fabric design” and finding artists.
Pinterest became the tool that helped my work get seen while I was still creating it.
Why Pinterest Works for Surface Designers
If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of creating but not getting noticed, Pinterest can help in five big ways:
It’s search-based, not algorithm-based. People are actively looking for the kind of work you make.
It works in the background. Pins you post today can drive traffic for months or years.
It builds professional visibility. Art directors can find your portfolio without you having to constantly promote yourself.
It rewards consistency over perfection. You don’t need a huge portfolio to start.
It’s not just for product sellers. Licensing artists are using Pinterest to get in front of the right eyes.
The Problem Is… Pinterest Feels Overwhelming
Maybe you’ve thought:
“I don’t have enough work yet.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I’m scared I’ll do it wrong and waste time.”
I hear this all the time from designers in their first few years. That’s why I created my Pinterest for Surface Designers workshop, to take away the guesswork and give you a clear, simple plan you can follow.
In the workshop, I walk you through:
Setting up your Pinterest profile for professional visibility
Choosing the right keywords so your work is searchable
Pinning strategies that build traction over time
How to link everything back to your portfolio
It’s the exact process I use to keep my work discoverable without spending hours on social media every day
Start with My Free Pinterest Guide
If you’re not ready for the full workshop, I’ve put together a free Pinterest guide that will help you take your first steps. It’s designed for surface designers who want to start building visibility without feeling overwhelmed.
Download it here and start getting your work seen, even while you’re busy creating your next collection.
