132: One Small Habit That Can Transform Your Surface Pattern Design Career
If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels—trying to update your portfolio, pitch to clients, post on social media, and somehow still find time to create—this episode is for you.Today I’m sharing how I’ve built real momentum in my surface pattern design business… not by doing more, but by doing less—more consistently.I’ll walk you through how one simple micro habit completely changed the way I pitch, how I use this same approach to nurture clients at The Print Book, and why building self-trust through small actions is the real secret to building confidence as a designer.By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:Choose one big focus that matters most right nowReverse-engineer it into a small, doable daily habitBuild confidence and momentum by keeping small promises to yourselfYou don’t need to overhaul your entire business to make progress. You just need to start small, stay consistent, and let those tiny steps stack over time. ✨Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/
--------
19:21
--------
19:21
131: The Power of Choice: How to Build a Creative Life That Flows
Control is an illusion—but intention? That’s where your real power lies. In this episode, I’m sharing a vulnerable reflection on how life threw me off course and what it taught me about creative flow, focus, and letting go of the hustle.If you’ve been juggling multiple projects, feeling scattered, or telling yourself “I just need to do more,” this episode is your permission slip to pause and choose what actually matters.We talk about:The difference between control and intention (and how knowing that changes everything)Why staying busy feels safe—but keeps you stuckThe surprising freedom that comes from choosing one clear path (just for now)What to do when life pulls you off track—and how to come back with graceIf you’ve been craving creative clarity and direction, I hope this episode feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to change your mind. And it’s powerful to choose again—with purpose.Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/
--------
24:38
--------
24:38
130: Permission to Be In Progress — Jesse Rae Akin on Prints, Motherhood, and Letting Yourself Take Things Slow
This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Jesse Rae Akin, a print designer and new mama navigating creativity in the middle of life’s most tender transitions. We talk about how she discovered surface pattern design almost by accident, what it’s been like balancing art with early motherhood, and how she’s finding rhythm in the messiness. Jesse shares honestly about fear, feedback, and forging your own pace in a world that feels constantly rushed. A beautiful reminder that we’re allowed to take our time—and that beauty doesn’t require perfection.In this episode, we explore:Falling into surface pattern design (and staying for the joy)How new motherhood reshapes your creative time and energyThe pressure of pitching your work and the power of just startingLearning to trust your hand, even when a brief feels like pressureThe emotional boost of a good dress and a beautiful print🧡 To connect with Jesse Rae Akin:If you’d like to follow along on Jesse's journey or reach out, you can find her here:www.jesseraeakin.comwww.instagram.com/jesseraeakinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseakin/Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/
--------
25:09
--------
25:09
129: Start With the Artist – Style Before Strategy
We’re digging into the stage of the creative process most designers skip — the part where your actual style gets formed.Whether you're licensing, selling on Spoonflower, or pitching agents — rushing into repeat patterns and mockups without honoring your artist phase can leave your work feeling disconnected, no matter how good it looks.In this episode, we’ll cover:Why your signature style doesn’t come from finishing prints — but from what happens beforeThe real difference between the artist and the designer (and why you need both — separately)How to create the space your creative voice needs to fully emergeWhat to do if your portfolio looks finished but doesn’t feel alignedHow to spot which season you're in — and where to focus nextWhether you're still discovering your style or revisiting it for the tenth time, this is your reminder: you don’t need to start over. You just need to dig in a little deeper.Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/
--------
14:31
--------
14:31
128: Voice Before Visibility - Why Your Style and Message Matter More Than Your Metrics
If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to do all the things (more posts, more platforms, more pitching), this one’s for you. We talk about:Why clarity around your voice is more powerful than chasing metricsHow to identify your unique point of view through your art and processWhat clients really want to see in your workA 90-day focus shift that could change everythingA simple journaling exercise to strengthen your style and brandThe Print Life Membership – Where Design Meets Direction → https://printlife.io/Stay Connected: The Print Life Community: https://printlife.io Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printlifeofficial/
Welcome to the Print Life Podcast! A podcast created for surface pattern designers who want to get their foot in the door designing and selling exclusive art in the fashion industry. Host Leslie Kenehan brings you all things design, sales, marketing & mindset to support you in growing your creative business. Freelance? In House? Just getting started? You are in the right place. Welcome to the Print Life Podcast! https://lesliekenehan.com/
Ireland