I love it when I find other designers as passionate about shining a light on our industry, so when I came across Rachel and her book Pattern Pulse that highlights Australian surface designers and their artwork, she felt like a kindred spirit. And I’m proud to introduce her as this month’s spotlight designer.

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Please Introduce Yourself

I am from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. I have been designing since 2015 after completing a graphic design diploma at 42 years old!

Tell us a little bit about your design journey.

I had been searching for a way to become a fabric designer since the early 2000s and it wasn’t until I got my graphic design diploma that I felt I had the skills to be able to make the dream come alive. I then completed the Make it in Design modules and travelled to New York to visit the Printsource tradeshow.

I was committed to making surface design my career from then on. I was represented by Nerida Hansen at Surtex in 2017 and got my first big licensing deal with Spotlight Australia. Since then I have not looked back.

What advice about the surface design industry has been most helpful to you in your career so far?

To stay in your own lane and to seek out multiple income streams.

What has been your favorite client collaboration to date and how did you find them?

I love working with John Sands Cards who found me through Instagram! They really liked one of my designs, Watermelon Xmas, and have used it in their upcoming International Christmas card range. They are fantastic to work with and love their briefs.

When you look back at your design journey so far, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my book Pattern Pulse. I wanted to shine the light on our incredible Australian Artists in the Surface Design space and now there is a way for them to be appreciated in a coffee table book.

What advice would you give to surface designers who are struggling?

Well, it has taken me a long time to find my way in this space so I would say please be patient. Keep creating beautiful art and you will find your target market. The digital printing world is evolving at such a rapid pace that new opportunities will continue to become available.

Create the art that comes easiest
and most authentically to you.

Where can we find you?

Website: www.rachaelking.com.au | www.patternpulse.com.au
Instagram: @rachaeldoesdesign

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P.S. If you’d like to be featured on the SDR blog, you can always submit your story right here!