Lindsey Slutz

Please tell us your work.

Like most freelancers and designers I have multiple sources of income. I design for clients in the greeting card industry and even local businesses. Throughout the year I create my own designs and then exhibit at an art licensing trade show. I’ve learned so much from being in this industry that I like to give back to those just starting out. Which is why I like teaching on platforms like Skillshare and Youtube. One bonus of teaching on Skillshare is that the royalties pay for my monthly Adobe subscription and the rest goes back into my business. Another way that I make money is from print-on-demand sites and my own Etsy page.

What is a surface pattern designer?

A surface pattern designer is someone that designs patterns or designs for fabric, gift wrap, stationery, and more. Basically, if you buy a product with a design on it, a surface pattern designer is the one that came up with it.

You have a lot of illustrations on Instagram, is that
created for clients or to sell?

It’s a mixture of everything. Most of the time its designs that I’m working on that will either get added to my portfolio or something that I will go on to show at a trade show to buyers. I do show client work as well, only if they give me permission to show it though.

Please tell us about your Skillshare classes?

As of right now, I have 12 classes on Skillshare. My classes range from creating repeating patterns to creating clipart. I teach classes for both Illustrator and Affinity Designer.

Why did you choose Skillshare as the platform for
your classes?

I found Skillshare as a student and really enjoyed the platform. It felt natural to start teaching on there. One of the drawbacks is that it doesn’t have as large of an audience as other sites, which is why I also teach on Youtube. Overall, Skillshare has a great community and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Please tell us about your RedBubble shop.

When I first started selling on Redbubble I focused on photography. Over the years I’ve switched more to my designs and have had better luck. I’ve mostly sold my designs on phone cases and t-shirts.

Can you give some advice on what products tend to
sell best?

Designs with words or quotes tend to sell better than other designs. I think it’s because it’s easier for someone to attach themselves to these.

Is RedBubble a good platform to sell your own
merchandise?

Redbubble is one of the better print-on-demand sites for designers. The quality of the products are great. As a designer you can set your own royalty rate and get a discount.

Do you have any career advice for aspiring
illustrators?

Create, create, and then create some more. The more you the do the better you get. And don’t forget to share you work because you never know who might see it.