Arts

Print Life Podcast: For Surface Pattern Designers

by Leslie Kenehan

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About the show

The Print Life Podcast is for surface pattern designers who want to design and sell prints for the fashion industry. Host Leslie Kenehan, an art director and print designer with over 15 years of experience in fashion, shares practical advice for building a textile and print design career: how to pitch fashion brands, sell exclusive artwork, build a portfolio that gets noticed, find and keep clients, and price your work with confidence.Whether you're freelancing, working in-house at a print studio or brand, or just getting started in surface pattern design, you'll hear honest solo episodes and conversations with fellow designers about creativity, sales, marketing, and the mindset it takes to grow a sustainable creative business.Resources and more at https://printlife.io/

Latest episodes

133: Artist Interview ~ Elizabeth Olwen: Color, Art Licensing, and Trusting Your Creative Voice

October 6, 2026 · 36 min

What does it take to build a creative career that feels true to you? In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, artist and surface pattern designer Elizabeth Olwen joins Leslie to talk about art licensing, developing a signature style, and…
132: One Small Habit That Can Transform Your Surface Pattern Design Career

September 16, 2025 · 19 min

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

August 25, 2025 · 25 min

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

June 2, 2025 · 25 min

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…
129: Start With the Artist – Style Before Strategy

May 26, 2025 · 15 min

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

May 19, 2025 · 23 min

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

April 29, 2025 · 17 min

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 ready for a realignment. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the moments when things feel out…
126: Finding Creative Alignment with Elizabeth Rachael

April 21, 2025 · 36 min

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 of you might know her from Instagram) has built a vibrant, playful, and thoughtfully…