Print Life

Control is an illusion—but intention? That’s where your real power lies. In this episode, I’m sharing a vulnerable reflection on how life threw me off course and what it taught me about creative flow, focus, and letting go of the hustle.

If you’ve been juggling multiple projects, feeling scattered, or telling yourself “I just need to do more,” this episode is your permission slip to pause and choose what actually matters.

We talk abo...

This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Jesse Rae Akin, a print designer and new mama navigating creativity in the middle of life’s most tender transitions. We talk about how she discovered surface pattern design almost by accident, what it’s been like balancing art with early motherhood, and how she’s finding rhythm in the messiness. Jesse shares honestly about fear, feedback, and forging your own pace in a world that feels ...

We’re digging into the stage of the creative process most designers skip — the part where your actual style gets formed.

Whether you're licensing, selling on Spoonflower, or pitching agents — rushing into repeat patterns and mockups without honoring your artist phase can leave your work feeling disconnected, no matter how good it looks.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why your signature style doesn’t come from finishing prints ...

If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to do all the things (more posts, more platforms, more pitching), this one’s for you. We talk about:

• Why clarity around your voice is more powerful than chasing metrics
• How to identify your unique point of view through your art and process
• What clients really want to see in your work
• A 90-day focus shift that could change everything
• A simple journaling exercise to strengthen your style and ...

If everything in your creative business feels heavy or overwhelming, it doesn’t always mean you’re burnt out — sometimes, it’s a sign you’re ready for a realignment.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the moments when things feel out of sync — and how to reconnect with your true creative identity before making big changes.

We’ll cover:

• How to recognize when you’re ready for a shift
• Why simplifying your focus can reignite your ...

Today on the Print Life podcast, I’m so excited to sit down with surface pattern designer and creative entrepreneur, Elizabeth Rachel. Liz (as many of you might know her from Instagram) has built a vibrant, playful, and thoughtfully curated product-based business rooted in her years of experience as a print designer. Her work spans home goods, accessories, and art prints — all bursting with color and her own refined, joyful style.

W...

What if your next collection didn’t require starting from scratch?

In this episode, we’re exploring a mindset shift that could change the way you approach your portfolio, your pitch, and even your creative process.

Instead of chasing new ideas, Leslie invites you to look inward—to revisit the sketches, motifs, and half-finished prints that may already hold the clarity, connection, and style you’ve been looking for.

You’ll learn:

• Wh...

This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Woody Roseland—filmmaker, photographer, comedian, and all-around creative soul with a story that really moved me.

Woody shares his journey through multiple creative outlets, how surviving cancer shaped his path, and what he's learned about embracing experimentation, letting go of outcomes, and simply staying in the process. From commercial video work to painting rooftops in Oaxaca, ...

In this episode, I dive into the phrase “the riches are in the niches”—and what that really means beyond the buzz.

We explore how defining your version of a rich life is the first step to creating it, and how intentionality, clarity, and a focused process are what actually lead to aligned, sustainable success. Whether you're dreaming of collaborations, financial freedom, or simply the flexibility to do what you love—this episod...

In this episode, I’m diving into a conversation that’s been circling the design space for a while: Do you really need a niche to succeed—or is versatility the key?

There's been a lot of noise out there: "niche is dead,” “you are your niche,” “be the one-stop-shop.” And while there’s some truth in the intention behind those ideas, they can also create confusion. So, today I’m breaking it down.

We talk about the role of exper...

When we talk about income as surface designers, we often focus on how much designers are making—but the real question is why some designers earn more than others. In this episode, we’re diving into the factors that truly shape your income, from clarity and confidence to strategy and consistency. If you’ve ever hesitated to put your work out there, struggled with pricing, or felt stuck in a cycle of undercharging and overworking, th...

Setting Goals That Actually Move Your Creative Business Forward

Let’s be real—most of us have set goals like “I want to sell more art” or “I want to grow on Instagram.” But are those goals actually helping you move forward? If you feel like you’ve been setting goals but not seeing real progress, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m breaking down the key things that truly matter when it comes to goal setting as a designer. These are th...

There’s a lot of advice floating around about whether or not you really need a niche as a designer. Maybe you’ve heard people say, “You don’t need to niche, just focus on your style,” or “You don’t need to niche, just find your audience.”

Here’s the truth: That IS niching.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why choosing a niche isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about giving yourself a clear path forward. If you’re tired of feelin...

This week, I’m talking about something that so many of us struggle with—including myself: doing too much and getting nowhere. We often feel like we need to chase every opportunity, every revenue stream, and every strategy, thinking that the more we do, the more successful we’ll be. But the truth? Doing less strategically leads to bigger and better results.

So today, I’m sharing five ways to get better results by doing less—so you ca...

In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal—how I decided to let go of parts of my business this year to create space for more freedom and joy. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or defined by your work, this one’s for you.

I’ll walk you through my journey of balancing multiple creative ventures and how I finally decided to simplify my focus. We’ll talk about recognizing what lights you up, creating space for meaningf...

In this episode, we dive deep into the nuances of pricing your creative work, overcoming money mindset blocks, and building a sustainable business by adding value for your clients. Whether you’re struggling with confidence in charging for your art or feeling stuck in a cycle of chasing the money, this discussion provides a fresh perspective on aligning your creativity with financial success. Plus, we break down actionable strategie...

In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Becky Dator, a creative manager with two decades of fashion industry experience across apparel, textile, and color design. With her roots in Philadelphia, Becky’s journey spans well-known brands like Free People and Print Fresh, where she’s held roles from design and project management to art direction and team leadership. We dive deep into her incredible path, star...

Finding Your Power in Surface Pattern Design: An Interview with Hollei Anne Hayes

In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, I’m joined by Hollei Anne Hayes, the founder of Hollei Anne Design Co., who has spent over a decade honing her craft in the design industry. After working with esteemed brands like Toys R Us and Skip Hop, Hollei transitioned to full-time freelance and now runs her own creative studio, where her art has been se...

Bec Oakes is a Sydney based print designer, her work is bohemian, vintage and earthy,  influenced by her experiences while travelling and nature.

She discovered the world of print design while studying design at university and fell in love. She started out by interning and working in-house in the fashion and homewares industries but has found her place in her design business. Now her work can be found on fashion, homewares, lifestyl...