Starting My Surface Design Journey: Lessons, Fears, and First Wins

My Journey into Surface Design

By Kathleen Atkinson

I've always been drawn to patterns. I noticed them everywhere—in nature, in architecture, even in the smallest details of everyday life. One day, I created a pattern and thought, how can I fit this into my work?

For about four years (yes, four!), I kept searching for ways to weave pattern design into my projects, but it never quite fit with the type of work I was doing. Then, I stumbled across Bonnie Christine.

Wait... Surface Pattern Design is an actual career path?

That moment changed everything. Late one evening, searching for yet another way to stay creative. That’s when I found Immersion in 2022.

The course changed everything in my creativity.

The moment I signed up, (after a LOT of thought) I felt an undeniable urge to go all in. Keeping in mind, I also knew I had to pace myself. If I wanted to see my work on products, on walls—and I so badly did—I needed more than just creativity. I needed time, and a plan.

So, the journey started. I studied from Bonnie Christine, learned from fellow artists, and even found inspiration in beginners just starting their journeys. But learning alone wasn’t enough—I needed accountability. I joined a study group first, then about a year later a small coaching program. I knew if I didn’t have structure, overwhelm would creep in fast.

My introvert self was not one to join a community of strangers and talk about my dreams and goals... this was a hard one to adapt too. However, that’s when I realized the power of community. I checked in, asked for advice, and to my surprise, I found myself offering it too.

This community of artists was surprisingly just what I needed!

My biggest fan is never far when I am creating.

Finding creativity in life and career.

Once I had a few collections under my belt, a bit more confidence (still growing to this day) I knew the next step... branding. I needed to pull everything together to share my why.

I reached out to a photographer, without thinking to long about what I was going to shoot, and before you knew it, I had some beautiful photos to help me share my story. My why was becoming clear.

With those photos and my latest patterns, I built my website—my first big step in announcing to the world: I am an artist.

And let me tell you this... that lit one hell of a fire under me.

I was more determined than ever staying up late, working in the margins, sneaking in creative time whenever I could (without sacrificing family time, of course).

And my family? They were right there with me. My daughter started bringing me pockets full of rocks, leaves, and pinecones—little treasures she wanted me to turn into patterns. Cue the ‘aww’ moment!

The big picture.

Life moves fast. One day, you look around and realize—you’re a parent, a partner, a person who deeply values time with the people you love. And for me, this journey wasn’t just about getting my art into the world. It was about creating a life where I had the freedom to enjoy it.

I realized something for the first time in my career, in my life... When you’re focused on a goal—when you really put your heart into it—you push through the fear and uncertainty. (This time it was different and felt so new to me!)

I’m still working on it—still overcoming the fear of putting myself out there alongside artists doing incredible work. But I keep creating. I keep sharing, even when it’s uncomfortable. Which is almost daily I will admit still. But I keep learning, leaning on my community, and showing up for my dream.

I have a way to go yet, but it’s been exciting, scary, and overwhelming at times, but seeing the results—both in my work and in the relationships, I’ve built—has made every minute worth it.

So, if you’re in the messy middle, keep going. Push through the long days. The dream is worth it, and it’s within reach for everyone.

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