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Community Over Competition: How to Find Community and Mentorship as A Small Business Stationer
So, if you’re feeling a bit lonely and worn down, unsure if there’s anyone out there who feels the same . . . this article is for you.
Calling all surface pattern designers everywhere who want to turn artwork into stationery! From pillow covers to aprons to wallpaper, pattern design plays a huge role in home décor all around the world. But what if those gorgeous patterns could exist on paper? Spoiler alert: they can!
As a surface pattern designer, you may or may not have felt pigeonholed into the world of fabrics, but we want you to know that there’s a whole wide world of stationery out there, just waiting for your designs. . . and we’re here to help you bridge the gap.
Why Stationery Is a Perfect Fit for Surface Pattern Designers
You’ve heard of Rifle Paper Company (who hasn’t?). They’ve put their floral and whimsical patterns on everything from aprons and pillows to rugs and even wallpaper. Not only do their patterns show up in home decor, but they’re also found on stationery goods from note pads, greeting cards, and pens. We know we just mentioned one of the largest stationery brands out there, but Rifle seems to have figured out how to bridge the gap between industry worlds seamlessly . . . and you can too.
So, if you’ve been designing patterns for textiles, we want you to know that you can bridge the gap to paper easily. Here’s a few reasons why surface pattern designs on stationery just makes sense.
1. Patterns already designed for fabrics translate beautifully to paper goods.
If you’re already working with fabrics, why not work with paper products as well? Those same patterns that you’ve printed on pillowcases and wallpaper would look beautiful on notepads and planners too.
2. Stationery thrives on patterns.
Think: florals, geometrics, hand-drawn motifs, seasonal themes, etc, those same beautiful motifs look great on recipe cards, thank you cards, notepads, and stationery.
3. Stationery collections allow designers to express their style and build brand recognition.
Are you known for a particular pattern in the textile industry? Is there a pattern that your customers keep coming back for? If so, expanding that design into a bigger line of other items (like paper products), will give your customers something to keep coming back for.
Popular Stationery Products for Pattern Designers
Ready to start designing stationery with your patterns but don’t know where to start? Here’s a list of stationery products that work well with pattern designers.
- Greeting Cards: think holidays, special occasions, and more.
- Note Cards & Sets: think pattern-forward thank you card sets.
- Gift Tags & Stickers: these are sure to spice up any gift.
- Envelopes Liner Patterns: it’s the surprise pop of color that will brighten someone’s day.
- Notepads: grocery lists, weekly planning, to-do lists, and more.
- Art Prints: think seasonal prints, clever quotes, and more.
- Mini Calendars or Desk Cards: one pattern design can create a slew of products.
Licensing vs. Self-Published Products
Now that you’re considering expanding your line into stationery products, let’s talk about how you can get your patterns out to the world. Which is better? Licensing or self-publishing?
According to Merriam Webster, licensing is, “a grant by the holder of a copyright or patent to another of any of the rights embodied in the copyright or patent short of an assignment of all rights.”
As a surface pattern designer, you’re probably already familiar with the world of licensing and copyrights and all of the fun that entails. But if you’re new to this, it’s an important thing to consider. When you license your work, you’re basically giving away the rights to use your pattern freely on anything they want to produce (within the confines of the licensing contract). Many designers choose to license surface patterns for paper goods to get more recognition with bigger brands and have lower production responsibility.
One thing you might consider if you’d like to license your patterns is an art licensing agent. Art licensing agents function as the middle person between wholesale clients and brands and your patterns. They take a percentage of each sale as a commission for acting as your liaison and helping you gain new contracts.
What Is a Self-Published Stationery Line?
This one may be self-explanatory, but owning a self-published stationery line means that you are the designer, publisher, and everything in between. If you like owning creative control of your patterns and designs, licensing may not be for you—and that’s okay! Owning your own self-published stationery line is a fantastic way to grow at your own pace while being able to keep 100% of your profits. Many stationery designers publish their products on their own without the burden of juggling contracts and copyright issues. You get to choose what designs you publish, where you publish them, and how you want to sell them.
Many stationery designers choose both, depending on their business goals. If they want to see their brand expand and are okay with releasing a few patterns to other brands, they’ll license that and keep selling their other patterns on their own websites or in their own store fronts.
At PrintsWell, we love to celebrate community over competition. In this industry, there are so many incredible stationers and designers who learn from each other, lean on each other, and continually inspire each other to keep going and keep growing. So, if you’re a surface pattern designer looking for some great internet mentors, we think these two entrepreneurs are a great follow:
Stacie Bloomfield
Stacie is a pattern designer, an educator, and a guru of all things business strategy. She’s got some incredible courses on her site that can help you grow as a pattern designer and grow in your business—no matter if you’re just getting started or if you’ve been designing for years. Check out her website here.
Elizabeth Silver
Elizabeth is a surface pattern designer, educator, and guru for all things pattern design, licensing, and portfolio building. She’s successfully bridged the gap from textiles to stationery. Check out some of her courses.
We love partnering with you as you learn how to turn your artwork into stationery. We love seeing you grow and walking alongside you as you become the best designer you can be. If you’re looking for more educational content like this, check out PrintsWell University. We’re honored to help you take the next step in your business, whatever that might be. And if you’re looking for a quality and trustworthy partner in fulfillment, we’ve got you covered. Fill out an application here, and let’s get started!