Print Life

132: One Small Habit That Can Transform Your Surface Pattern Design Career

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Power of Choice: How to Build a Creative Life That Flows

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

130: Permission to Be In Progress — Jesse Rae Akin on Prints, Motherhood, and Letting Yourself Take Things Slow

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 tende...

129: Start With the Artist – Style Before Strategy

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re digging into the stage of the creative process most designers skip — the part where your actual style gets formed.Whether you're licens...

128: Voice Before Visibility - Why Your Style and Message Matter More Than Your Metrics

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

127: Before You Burn It All Down: Is It Burnout or Misalignment?

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If everything in your creative business feels heavy or overwhelming, it doesn’t always mean you’re burnt out — sometimes, it’s a sign you’re...

126: Finding Creative Alignment with Elizabeth Rachael

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the Print Life podcast, I’m so excited to sit down with surface pattern designer and creative entrepreneur, Elizabeth Rachel. Liz (as many ...

125: Revisiting Old Work: The Prints You Forgot Might Be the Ones That Move You Forward

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your next collection didn’t require starting from scratch?In this episode, we’re exploring a mindset shift that could change the way you a...

124: Artist Interview ~ Woody Roseland: The Work Only You Can Do

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Woody Roseland—filmmaker, photographer, comedian, and all-around creative soul with a story that reall...

123: The Riches Are in the Niches (But Start Here First)

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I dive into the phrase “the riches are in the niches”—and what that really means beyond the buzz.We explore how defining your v...

122: Finding Your Place, Niche vs Versatility

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m diving into a conversation that’s been circling the design space for a while: Do you really need a niche to succeed—or is v...

121: What Really Shapes Your Income as a Surface Pattern Designer

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about income as surface designers, we often focus on how much designers are making—but the real question is why some designers earn mor...

120: Goal Setting & The Three Things That Matter Most

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Setting Goals That Actually Move Your Creative Business ForwardLet’s be real—most of us have set goals like “I want to sell more art” or “I ...

119: Do You Really Need a Niche?

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a lot of advice floating around about whether or not you really need a niche as a designer. Maybe you’ve heard people say, “You don’t ...

118: 5 Ways to Get Better Results by Doing Less

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I’m talking about something that so many of us struggle with—including myself: doing too much and getting nowhere. We often feel like w...

117: The Power of Letting Go

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal—how I decided to let go of parts of my business this year to create space for more freedom ...

116: Pricing, Money Mindset, and Adding Value as a Creative

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deep into the nuances of pricing your creative work, overcoming money mindset blocks, and building a sustainable business by ...

115:Artist Interview with Becky Dator

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Becky Dator, a creative manager with two decades of fashion industry experience a...

114: Artist Interview with Hollei Anne Hayes

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Finding Your Power in Surface Pattern Design: An Interview with Hollei Anne HayesIn this episode of The Print Life Podcast, I’m joined by Hollei Ann...

113: Artist Interview with Bec Oakes

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bec Oakes is a Sydney based print designer, her work is bohemian, vintage and earthy,  influenced by her experiences while travelling and nature.She ...

112: Artist Interview with Sara Torabi

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sara Torabi, owner of Papillon Patterns, is a surface pattern designer based in Canada. Her creative purpose is to create art that brings joy and hope...

111: From Audience to Client: How to Nurture and Convert on Social Media

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, we're diving deep into the art of turning your social media audience into loyal clients. We'll ex...

110: A Conversation with Karina Duncan on Getting Started, Consignment Design & Diving into Freelance

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, join me to sit down with Karina Duncan, a talented textile designer who has carved out a unique space in the womenswear, resort, and ...

109: Elevate Your Design Process with the Power of Market Research

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we dive into the crucial role of market research in connecting with clients and boosting your sales as a surface pattern designer. Und...

108: Niching Down: The Key to Gaining Traction and Streamlining Your Creative Business

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Print Life Podcast we are diving in to the power of niching down for creative entrepreneurs. Are you struggling to attract your...

107: Returning to Yourself: Reconnecting with Passion and Purpose

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we dive into a theme I am seeing not only within myself but within our creative community: the art of returning to ourselves....

106: Turning Comparison into Inspiration

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever found yourself looking ourward and allowing yourself to get tripped up on your journey when you begin comparing youreself to others? ...

105: 150 Pitches and This is What I Learned

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Leslie discusses the intricacies of building an email list and maintaining it for surface pattern designers.  You will learn compreh...

104: Building an Authentic and Sustainable Creative Business

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me this week to dive into the importance of understanding yourself as a creative and a business owner before building your surface pattern design...

103: The Impact of a Market Aligned Portfolio

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I touch on the importance of creating a market-aligned portfolio, especially when pitching in the fashion industry. I als...

102: Artist Interview with Catherine Wise

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this inspiring episode of the Print Life Podcast, I sit down with Catherine Wise, a seasoned fashion, print, and graphic designer. Catherine shares...

101: 5 Key Areas of Focus for Surface Pattern Designers

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of the Print Life podcast! I'm Leslie Kenehan, Creative Director at White Buffalo Studio. In this episode, I dive into...

100: The Long Game - The Truth About Building Your Design Business

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone, I'm Leslie Kenehan, your host of the Print Life podcast. In our 100th episode of the Print Life Podcast, I found it fitting that we ...

099: Artist Interview with Rebecca Woolbright

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to the Print Life podcast! In today's episode we will dive into the story of Rebecca Woolbright.  Rebecca is a licensed surface pat...

098: Agent Interview: Nadine Stenovitch of The Scoop In Design

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for an exclusive conversation with Fashion Print Design Agent, Nadine Stenovitch. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Nadine ...

097: Letting Go And Leaning In To Your Creative Practice

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me this week as we delve into a crucial aspect of success: the art of letting go. Often, we find ourselves holding our goals so tightly, yearning...

096: Catwalk Reactive or Intuitively Led? Navigating Your Creative Process

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of the Print Life Podcast, where we delve into the realms of art, design, and the fashion industry. Today, we discuss a top...

095: Artist Interview with Betta Designs

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we get to know Roberta Montorfano, founder of Betta Designs. Roberta is an Italian-Mexican artist. Raised in Como, Italy, she grew up ...

094: Style Series Day Four: Tapping into Authenticity

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Exploring the soulful journey of authenticity. Join us to deep dive into the significance of authenticity—the key to unlocking a style that is uniqu...

093: Style Series Day Three: What kind of designer are you?

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we'll explore two distinct approaches to developing your signature style in surface pattern design. We'll discuss t...

092: Style Series Day Two: Uncover Your Artistic Origin

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to the Style Series! Today, we are reconnecting with our origin story to inspire us forward on our journey toward uncovering our signatur...

091: Style Series Day One: The Benefits of a Signature Style

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Print Life Podcast, we kick off the Style Series—a four-part exploration inspired by the 2020 Style Challenge. Having guided ...

090: From Passion to Profit: Embracing Your Journey as a Creative Entrepreneur

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of  The Print Life Podcast! This week we are diving in to the evolution from creative hobbyist to the creative entrepreneu...

089: Artist Interview With Kirsty Milloy

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are diving into another artist interview, join me to welcome Kirsty Milloy. Kirsty is a fashion print designer who while working in-house for...

088: Embracing Slow Progress

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello, creatives! In this week's episode, I'm diving into the chaos that often comes with January—the month packed with enticing growth op...

087: Big Visions & Small Steps

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the power of envisioning our aspirations, challenging self-imposed labels, and embracing consistency as a key to succes...

086: Moving Forward Fearlessly into the New Year

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this week's podcast episode! Today, let's dive into the concept of embracing the new year by fully committing to your creative vi...

085: You are Not Your Niche

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode of the Print Life Podcast, we dive in to the importance of understanding what a niche and target market truly represent in you...

084: Unlocking the Future of Online Print Sales: A Conversation with The Pattern Cloud Founders!

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's design landscape, establishing an online shop is more crucial than ever, whether you're a freelancer or a seasoned studio. The Pa...

083: #DesignTipFriday ~ The 80/20 Rule

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to learn how you can take just 20% of your time weekly to focus on tasks that will move the needle in your creative career. This is some...

082: Strategic Design for a Competitive Edge

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the world of surface pattern design, there's this funny idea that choosing a unique path boxes you in. But what if I told you that it is in ch...

081: Incremental Growth

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to chat about how a simple shift in the way you look at your numbers, where you spend your time and managing expectations can support yo...

080: The Future of Print Sales and Strategies for Success as a Surface Pattern Designer

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode of the Print Life Podcast, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of the surface pattern design industry and discuss essent...

079: #DesignTipFriday - Leaning in to imperfections in your motifs

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of "Design Tip Friday"! 🌟 Today's design tip revolves around the idea of creating multiple motifs for yo...

078: Artist Interview with Alex Solly

10 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to todays Artist Interview with  freelance fashion print designer, Alex Solly.Alex worked in-house as a designer for 10 years, working for a ...

077: Designing To A Brief ~ An episode pulled from the Print Life Members Area

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of the Print Life Podcast, we're bringing you an exclusive recording of one of our live workshops from the PLM members&ap...

076: #DesignTipFriday ~ The One Thing

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of "Design Tip Friday"! 🌟 Today's design tip revolves around a concept that can be a real game-changer f...

075: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence in the World of Design with Elizabeth Silver

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt the nagging pull of imposter syndrome? If you're a creative, chances are you have. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down ...

074: From Medicine to Design: Lisa Hawthorne's Journey and Insights into Surface Pattern Design

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a brand new episode where we have the pleasure of hosting Lisa Hawthorne, a remarkable surface pattern designer who tossed aside medical te...

073: Collection Development for Fashion Prints

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are many differences between industries and markets when you create surface pattern designs, but one of the main differences is the way we go ab...

072: #DesignTipFriday - Letting Go Of The Outcome

05 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt the weight of creative expectations—whether from clients or even from yourself? In this tiny episode, I share the importance of g...

071: The Power of Niching Down in Surface Pattern Design

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the crucial significance of having a niche in the surface pattern design industry. As a seasoned art director with a de...

070: #DesignTipFriday - Brushes Down!

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How many sketches, doodles, and paintings are piling up in your creative space, unrealized and unscanned? If you're like me, it's probably a...

069: My Journey Pt. 3: Shaping a Creative Career through Core Values

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What if the values we hold dearly could be the cornerstone to personal and professional growth? Today I share my personal journey of discovering my co...

068: Artist Interview with Carolyn Quan

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could transform your career, transitioning from one industry to another, while beginning to build a successful freelance business? Meet Ca...

067: #DesignTipFriday - If you are tired of pitching your portfolio and not hearing back, try this!

15 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why you pitch your designs and hear crickets? It is often due to the fact that we are forgetting to take the end use or market into consid...

066: My Creative Journey Part Two: A business of your own design

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today for part two of my journey into the world of surface pattern design for fashion! From In house to freelance to studio start up, there ha...

065: #DesignTipFriday Boosting Artwork Value and Longevity Through Color Use and Scale

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wish you could increase the longevity and value of your artwork? In todays Design Tip Friday, I'm sharing my top two strategies for doing ju...

064: My Creative Journey Part One with Leslie

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt stuck between the stability of a great job and taking the plunge into trying something new? In this revealing episode, I open up ab...

063: #DesignTipFriday - Creating Harmony between your Art & Your Income

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Dive into PrintLife Podcast's Short and Sweet Design Tip Friday Edition! 🎨Are you a surface pattern designer who desires consistent sa...

062: Using systems to successfully build your surface pattern design business with Shannon McNab

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode we have Shannon McNab from Sketch Design Repeat joining us to chat about licensing, systems, freelance and what it really takes t...

061: Be Relentless #DesignTipFriday

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for #DesignTipFriday on the Print Life Podcast! Today is all about the idea of not giving up, staying the course and making sure we are checki...

060: How to find the balance between being a multi passionate creative and creating consistent income as an artist

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to discuss being a multi passionate creative, without sacrificing income. If you are a surface pattern designer who wants to learn how t...

059: The June Refresh! #DesignTipFriday

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Design Tip Friday Edition of the print life podcast! If you want to access the workbook from todays episode, YOUR NEXT 90 DAYS, head o...

058: Artist Interview with Natasha Gulliford

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today for an interview I had with floral artist and mentor, Natasha Gulliford.Natasha is an artist, designer, mother, and fellow educator. She...

057: Consignment Design: Pros and Cons

02 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've been working with designers on consignment for over a decade and have come to love this type of relationship and truly feel it can benefit d...

056: Artist Interview with Tanya "Schatzi" Brown

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast join me for an interview with surface pattern designer, teacher, and artist Tanya {aka Schatzi} Brown.Hailing from Long Island, T...

055: Two Types of Design

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to chat about two important ways you can increase sales and boost confidence in your design business.  For more on how to grow your sur...

054: Artist Interview with Nicole Tamarin

05 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today for an interview with Nicole Tamarin, a watercolor artist from the east coast who has been licensing her artwork since 2012. What starte...

053: Sustainable Design Practices for Surface Pattern Designers

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to chat about our role in sustainable fashion and how we can implement design practices that are in line with slow fashion. Let's w...

052: What is Your Word of the Year?

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to chat about one of my favorite things to do at the start of the year...choosing a word of the year! Where could you be one year from t...

051: Your Signature Style in 5 Days

01 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Print Style Challenge!Uncover your unique style in 5 days!! Join the print style challenge to learn how you can best differentiate yourself in the...

050: Happy New Year!

01 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! Join me today to chat all about getting grounded back into our purpose and passions in 2023. When building a creative business, it&apo...

049: Possibility

11 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you are a freelancer, an in-house designer, or a small business owner, when we hear the hot words, recession, inflation or even pandemic, for ...

048: Clearing the Clutter

04 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we ease our way towards the beginning of a new year it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of needing to create resolutions, a long list of...

047: Artist Interview with Mon Hope

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to chat with Australian surface pattern designer Monique Hope. Mon specializes in kids’ fashion and home print designs and her service...

046: Setting Yourself Apart

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the print life membership, we have monthly discussions around specific topics in the industry and trainings relating to those topics. I was reviewi...

045: Artist Interview with Harriet Ruscoe

13 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Harriet Ruscoe is a print designer, illustrator & graphic designer based in the UK nestled between the British countryside and London in Berkshire...

044: Relationships between Designers, Studios & Reps

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are chatting about the relationship between designer and studio, studio and rep and designer and rep when you're working together on a c...

043: Q&A Series: What Should I Name My Business!?

23 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When we first get started whether as freelancers or as studio startups one of the first things, we ask ourselves is... What should I name my business?...

042: Q&A Series: How to Become a Competitive Fashion Print Design Assistant

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are kicking off the Q&A series! In my free Facebook group, I asked our community if they wouldn't mind me jumping on the podcast...

041: 10 Tips For Writing A Great Bio

09 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you need to write a bio for your website, portfolio or simply make some adjustments to your social platforms, there are things to consider to ...

040: Growth Goals In Your Print Design Business

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to chat about some of the key pieces that can support you in building a strong foundation for growth in your design business. Interested...

039: The Benefits of a Blog

11 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are some of the ways that you drive traffic to your website or to your products? If you have ever considered starting a blog and want to learn mo...

038: Which platform is the best for landing page, website or online shop?

04 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the questions I am asked most frequently when it comes to having a website is, what platform is the best for our needs? The answer will vary de...

037: Your Look Book

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When we begin thinking about building a look book, portfolio or online body of work the biggest challenge designers often come across is… editing. W...

036: Creative Space

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For so many years we hear and ask the question, what do I do when I have a creative block? What do I do when I feel stuck? I have recently discovered ...

035: Gratitude

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join me today to discuss gratitude and the role it can play in your business. From social media marketing to your client list to your sales gratitude ...

034: Websites

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join me this week to chat all about your website, look book or online shop! Have you ever felt overwhelmed at the thought of getting your website up.....

033: What is the BIG picture vision for your creative business?

24 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to the Print Life Podcast! This week we will be diving in to a very important question that was asked from one of our designers in the Pr...