As a surface designer, have you ever worried that the industry is too saturated? Or perhaps you’ve thought, “There’s no room for me in this field; it’s too crowded.”
Let me stop you right there.
If you consider the billions of people in the world and the billions of products available for sale, there is absolutely a market for your designs. The challenge isn’t about whether there’s space—it’s about defining your space. This starts with identifying your Quirk—your signature style, something that only you can bring to the table.
Let’s explore how to uncover your Quirk, embrace your individuality, and connect with your ideal clients.
Why Your Quirk Matters in a Saturated Market
In the surface pattern design industry, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of talent and competition. But here’s the truth: your uniqueness is your greatest asset. No one else has your perspective, your experiences, or your creative voice.
Your Quirk is the combination of characteristics that makes your work distinctly yours. It could be your use of colour, your approach to storytelling, your choice of subject matter, or even your methods of creating patterns. Identifying and owning your Quirk is what will make your work stand out in the crowd.
Start With a Simple Question
To begin defining your Quirk, ask yourself this:
What are 3 unique traits of my designs or design process that set me apart and are hard to copy?
Take some time to reflect on your work and think about what makes it special. Consider the following:
- Visual Style: Do you have a recognizable way of using color, texture, or shape?
- Themes: Are there recurring themes or motifs in your designs?
- Process: Is there something unique about how you create, such as the materials or techniques you use?
Jot these down and look for patterns. These unique traits are the foundation of your Quirk.
Embrace Your Uniqueness
The key to thriving in the surface design industry is to celebrate what makes you different. Stop comparing yourself to others or trying to replicate what’s already out there. Remember, copying someone else’s work will only result in something that feels second-hand and unoriginal.
Instead, focus on your way of interpreting the world. Think about how you can take inspiration from your surroundings, your culture, or your personal experiences and turn them into designs that feel authentic to you.
Your uniqueness lies not only in the final product but in the process of how you create it. Trust in your individuality and let it shine through in every pattern you make.
How to Identify and Build Your Signature Style
Finding your Quirk is just the beginning. Once you’ve identified the traits that make your designs unique, it’s time to cultivate and refine them.
1. Analyze Your Portfolio
Look back at your body of work. Identify the pieces that feel the most you and analyze what makes them stand out. Are there specific elements—like a particular colour palette or a type of motif—that appear consistently?
2. Experiment and Explore
Don’t be afraid to experiment with new techniques, materials, or styles. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone can reveal unexpected strengths. Use these experiments to push your creativity and discover more about what defines your Quirk.
3. Seek Feedback
Ask trusted peers, mentors, or licensing agents to review your work. They might see patterns or strengths in your designs that you’ve overlooked. Constructive feedback can help you refine your Quirk and make it even stronger.
4. Stay Consistent
Once you’ve identified your Quirk, incorporate it into every design you create. Consistency helps build recognition and establishes your signature style in the eyes of clients and collaborators.
Finding Your Ideal Clients
Your ideal clients are out there—they just need to know where to find you. Once you’ve defined your Quirk, it’s time to market yourself effectively and connect with the right audience.
1. Know Your Audience
Who would benefit from your unique designs? Are they in the fashion industry, home decor, stationery, or another niche? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your portfolio and marketing efforts to attract the right clients.
2. Work With a Licensing Coach or Agency
Collaborating with a licensing coach or agency can help you reach your ideal clients faster than you could on your own. They have the connections and expertise to position your work in front of the right people, giving you a head start in building relationships and securing opportunities.
3. Build an Online Presence
Create a professional portfolio and use social media platforms to showcase your work. Share your process, highlight your Quirk, and engage with your audience to build a strong online presence.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs can hold you back from achieving your full potential. Thoughts like “There’s no room for me in this industry” or “My work isn’t good enough” can be paralyzing.
Instead, remind yourself of these truths:
- The market is vast, with countless opportunities for surface designers.
- Your Quirk is your superpower—no one else can replicate what you do.
- Success isn’t about pleasing everyone; it’s about finding the right clients who resonate with your work.
Let go of self-doubt and focus on creating designs that align with your vision and values.
Your Journey Starts With Your Quirk
Defining your Quirk is about more than just standing out in a crowded market—it’s about embracing your individuality and using it as a foundation for success. When you lean into your unique characteristics and celebrate what makes your designs special, you attract the clients and opportunities that are the perfect fit for you.
Remember: you are a unique individual, and the way you create will always be one-of-a-kind. Trust in your process, focus on your interpretation, and stay true to yourself.
Your ideal clients are out there, waiting to discover the magic of your Quirk. It’s time to show them what you can do.
As your art and licensing coach, I assure you that there’s a market for your work. Define your Quirk, refine your craft, and step confidently into the surface design industry—you’ve got this.
- Find out more
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- Looking for exciting new Art and Designs to license.
We’re here to help you to take action, just like we’ve helped thousands of other entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative professionals all around the globe.
Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
Now is the time to Make Tomorrow Today!
To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
