Issue #65 is the April-May-June 2025 edition, and so it is officially the current issue. The flip-through video and low-res preview of this issue are now playing in my shop.
But, even better, is experiencing the magazine in person—the smoothness of the paper, the sound it makes as you flip a page and the waft of fresh ink.
The finished printed issue is in the mail for subscribers as of Friday, and was just delivered to my fulfillment partner this afternoon, so they'll be able to start shipping out recent subscriptions and new orders soon.
Please subscribe, renew or purchase a gift subscription starting with #65, the current issue, or with #64 (butterfly cover). The code patternlove gives 10% off.(This message is sent to a general list and is not segmented based on past purchases.)
Back issues are on sale! Save 25% off back issues when you purchase three or more. Offer ends April 4 at midnight MDT.
SPDG6 cover by Lisa Deighan
From over 700 entrants, 100 artists at various stages in their design career were selected for publication in the Surface Pattern Design Guide (inside issue #65). My generous partners also selected recipients for some fantastic opportunities. Let's see...
“The submissions for the UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide were exceptional!” says Kait Witte, marketing director at Windham Fabrics. “We were blown away by the incredible variety of creative concepts, technical finesse and meticulous attention to detail. It’s always such a pleasure, and a true privilege, to review all of the unique Design Guide submissions. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed—your creativity continues to inspire our team!”
Gargi’s work stood out for her ability to “seamlessly blend interesting colour palettes and layouts with intricate details. Gargi creates designs that are not only visually striking but also versatile—excellent for creating collections that our customers will appreciate.”
Gargi lives in northern India in the foothills of the Himalayas. “I love to draw stylized interpretations of natural elements, often inspired by historical or traditional art,” says Gargi. “Creating detailed fantasy florals brings me absolute joy and there are plenty in my work. That aside, I also enjoy working with geometric shapes and travel-inspired elements. I work with digital or hand-painted motifs, sometimes both. I believe this incredibly rewarding creative journey is a lifelong learning experience and my purpose is to create beautiful and timeless art for this world.” Indeed, the team at Windham also noted that her work is “both modern and timelessly appealing.”
Gargi’s stylized interpretation of natural elements often includes detailed fantasy florals inspired by references she gathers through photos taken with her phone or simply from her imagination. She begins with sketches on loose pages, so that she can easily edit the work.
“When starting on new artwork, I often turn to these sketches. I use black marker pens, brush pens, black ink and occasionally watercolours to make motifs to be vectorized later. Sometimes, I redraw motifs on Illustrator for iPad or Fresco before taking them to Illustrator to create the final repeat. The final pattern could be all digitally drawn, hand drawn or both.”
In being selected by Windham, Gargi has realized a dream: “One of my big goals for 2025 was to have my first pattern collection licensed with a fabric or wallpaper company and I am delighted that Windham Fabrics made it come true for me with this collaboration. So, yay! It’s a big win for me and I couldn’t have had a better start to the year. It’s truly an honour to be selected by them and I’m grateful to UPPERCASE for providing this platform to artists for showcasing their work.”
Congratulations to all of these artists and all 100 whose portfolios are featured in this issue.
My gratitude to everyone who entered their work for consideration in the Surface Pattern Design Guide. Even if you weren't published, you demonstrated confidence in your own talent by submitting your work. Keep going!
I hope this issue will provide encouragement, inspiration and insight on how to make a go of a career built on pattern design, whether you're interested in licensing your work or building your own business with pattern-covered products.
OTHER THINGS OF NOTE
Martina Flor's Lettering Design Roadmap
This week! Catch this free workshop from a lettering expert.
Connect with other Circle members. Join this meeting on Thursday afternoon to share a creative project you're working on.
"On dark days, it’s easy to think that there’s no room for art, because the work of survival is so demanding. But art doesn’t merely take time—it gives time and energy back. It renews our spirits and the spirits of everyone who sees or hears or experiences the art, who receives the art as it’s intended: as a gift." — Mandy Brown
