I'm thinking of designing some patterns. It is something I've been thinking of doing for a long time, just keep putting it off. I have so many ideas in my head that I know I'll never have time to make them all myself. I would love put them to paper (or rather file) and see people create them out there in the big wide world.
The first would be my Boobook ribbon owl. I'm still selling these like hotcakes at markets. Everyone loves them. Would this be something you would like to make yourself at home?
Then after that, the possibilities are endless! And I guess it depends on the success of my first outing.
Now a few questions:
- Is there any special programs that I should look at (I'm not a designer!)? I do have InDesign (easier), Photoshop, Illustrator (no idea!) and of course good old word.
- What do you love most in a pattern/tutorial (for me it is lots of pictures!)?
- Where is the best place to sell patterns? I guess I could just use my website when I'm starting just starting out although it wouldn't be an instant download.
- Any advice for a newbie pattern designer?
Scary stuff!
Can't help with all of the questions, but I love patterns with lots of pictures, and I buy heaps of mine from Etsy. Most aren't immediate downloads, but are emailed through within 24 hours.
ReplyDeleteAlso, make sure you give them to a few people to test first. Sometimes you know what you mean, but other's may not!
Thanks Shelley - hadn't thought of testers. Great idea!
DeleteI agree with Shelley, lots of pictures and definitily pattern test it (waves hand in the air! pick me, pick me)hehehe
ReplyDeleteI'll keep that in mind Nicole ;)
DeleteHi Jane
ReplyDeleteI'm in the process of teaching myself Illustrator so I can digitize my own patterns. My background Is in fashion so I know how to Patternmake and grade by hand, but not on the computer - yet.
I've lined up a few testers, so agree with Shelly.
Good luck :)
I prefer Tutorials (lots of pics), sometimes the way something is written doesn't make sense until its shown
ReplyDeleteSo cool! I love patterns that come with the materials ready to go - it kind of takes the thinking out for me!
ReplyDeleteMake sure you get someone to proof read them!! A side effect from my job is picking up the many many spelling mistakes when reading through patterns. One lady had so many that I ended up emailing her as it made the whole pattern look tacky!
ReplyDelete