How I’m Preparing for My Next Pattern Launch
As summer begins to wind down, I’ve been spending time reflecting on where my creative business is headed and how I want to show up in it for the rest of the year. The next six months are especially meaningful because I’ve set a clear intention: to design and release a new surface pattern collection by October 2025.
This post is a peek behind the scenes into how I’m planning for that — both creatively and strategically.
Looking Back Before Looking Forward
Before diving into planning, I took time to review what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in the past few months. Some highlights:
I’ve grown more confident in my design voice.
I completed my first pattern collection and launched this website.
I’ve gotten better at managing my time around creative energy rather than forcing productivity.
At the same time, I’ve realized I need more structure to bring my big ideas to life — especially when it comes to product development and staying on track with deadlines.
The Vision: A New Collection by October
The goal is to create a fresh, cohesive pattern collection that feels aligned with where I am as a designer right now — something that reflects my evolving style and values.
My hope is that this collection will be:
Artistically fulfilling: something I truly love making
Commercially ready: something I can pitch to licensing partners or sell directly
Deeply intentional: rooted in a theme or mood that tells a story
October feels like the right timeline — not too rushed, but with enough urgency to keep me focused.
Breaking the Next 6 Months Into Phases
Here’s how I’m organizing the work:
August – Ideation + Moodboarding
Brainstorm themes and color palettes
Research trends, art from the past, nature, textiles, etc.
Start sketching motifs and experimenting
September – Design + Development
Begin building repeat patterns
Test layouts, iterate, and refine
Narrow down the collection scope (6–10 patterns?)
October – Finalization + Launch
Polish patterns and create mockups
Prepare marketing materials and visuals
Share the collection (via website, newsletter, Instagram or platforms like Spoonflower)
November–January – Pitching + Promotion
Reach out to potential partners or brands
Explore licensing or product options
Continue sharing behind the scenes and process
Systems to Support the Creative Flow
To stay organized and motivated, I’m setting up a few structures:
Weekly creative blocks in my calendar (non-negotiable design time)
A project tracker in Notion or Asana to break down tasks
Monthly reviews to reflect, adjust, and stay accountable
Staying Inspired + Avoiding Burnout
One thing I’ve learned is that creative momentum isn’t about hustle — it’s about consistency and care. I’m planning to:
Take regular breaks from screens and spend more time in nature
Visit art museums, read design books, and soak in inspiration offline
Connect with other creatives for feedback and encouragement
Closing Thoughts
This next collection feels like an important step in my creative evolution. Sharing the process publicly is part of what keeps me grounded and motivated — and maybe it inspires you to map out your next big project too.
If you're planning something for the next six months, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to send me an email or connect with me on Instagram.
Here’s to a focused, fulfilling season of making.
XOXO,
Shabya