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Dear Reader,*

I'm just popping in as a reminder that Sarah Watts' FREE workshop is happening! She'll be live at noon EST today, but don't worry—if you can't make it live, sign up,​ and you'll get access to the replay hub. (Her first session was nearly two hours, so having the replay is very helpful so that you can rewatch to get the how-to details.)

Sarah Watts' From Paint to Pattern course about using Adobe Photoshop for surface pattern design will be open for enrollment this month, August 20–27. I'm happy to be an affiliate for Sarah again this year! When you sign up via my link, you'll get access to my bonus: a group call and portfolio review, plus tips on how to submit to the upcoming UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide. The course itself will run from September 3rd to November 8th, 2024.

* I've migrated my list to a new email platform, so if your name isn't appearing, please scroll to the bottom of the message to "Manage your email preferences" and add it in. Thanks!

Submit your surface pattern design work to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or in UPPERCASE magazine.

Pattern Journal Submissions curated with a "summertime" theme (celebrate it while it lasts!)

Patterns by
Erin Hanson

I am an illustrator, wordplay enthusiast, and nostalgia junkie living in Austin, TX. My work borrows from the colour, shapes, and text of childhood, blending those elements with grownup feelings, a splash of quirk and a dash of a smirk. Surface pattern design is a relatively new passion, and I enjoy the infinite possibilities and applications it offers. When I’m not telling stories with my designs, making products for my brand, Recovering Lazyholic, or penning a to-do list, I’m spending time with my favourite people — my 7-year-old daughter and husband. Instagram / Website​

"Beside the Seaside"
Pippa Hiscock

Part of my pattern collection is inspired by trips to the seaside. Long summer days spent splashing in the sea, sandy picnics, searching rock pools, picking up interesting shells and flowers, and sitting on the beach with a bucket and spade. All motifs are handmade using paper, scissors and glue before being put into Photoshop to make repeat patterns. My stripe pattern is hand-cut paper, too, giving it a more natural look. Nostalgic, 1950s-inspired, and with a bit of humour. The colour palette was inspired by colours found at the beach - bright lichen yellows and greens, crustacean reds, oranges and pinks, and ocean froth blues and whites. Instagram / Website​

"Zesty Citrus"
Sarah Melendez

My Zesty Citrus collection captures the sun-kissed essence and zing of bright citrus fruit, making it a lively addition to any space or project.The dynamic patterns are not just visually striking, but so infused with the joy and passion that went into their creation. The whole collection brings a splash of zest to your living space or crafting corner! Instagram / Website​

Kara Peters Design

Kara is a versatile freelance surface pattern and graphic designer based in a cheerful home studio in Johannesburg, South Africa. After living in 4 different countries, she returned to her home country with her family a couple of years ago. Her predominantly colorful designs are influenced by the vibrancy and geometry of African design, a love of the natural world and a desire to spread some optimism and fun through her work. Many of her designs feature abstract botanicals, geometric shapes, and cute animals and are created digitally on her trusty iPad (which goes everywhere with her) or using traditional media. She is mostly self, friend and internet taught, through lovely communities online, tons of designer tutorial videos, and by taking part in many an online challenge, but has been drawing since she was a kid (when she was particularly fond of markers). Instagram / Website​

"Knoll Collection"
Sue Perry

Knoll captures some of my fondest childhood memories from my grandparent’s farm on the state line in the Pacific Northwest. They say cousins are your first friends and that was true for me. When the eight of us gathered together, adventure soon followed – from running through the wildflowers to learning about farm animals and how to tie shoes. We fed the animals, played games, splashed in the creek, climbed the knoll, collected honey and blueberries, and more. But some of my favourite moments were times I spent one-on-one with my grandmother, Alice. You see, she was an artist as well as a farmer. Strong and creative, silly and devoted, accomplished and beautiful – a role model. Instagram / Website​