In our creative journeys, the pressure to only showcase polished, final pieces can be overwhelming. Yet, there’s undeniable value in sharing the raw, the unfinished—the real process that often remains hidden behind the scenes.

In today’s Studio Chat, we delve into why sharing your sketches, concept work, and even your mistakes can open up unforeseen opportunities and enhance your growth as a designer.

The Magic of Sharing Early Work: Many of us initially cringe at the thought of exposing our unfinished work—it feels a bit like standing out there in our underwear! However, through experiences like the 100 Day Challenge, we’ve learned the incredible benefits of being open about our creative processes. Sharing early and often invites feedback, sparks inspiration, and can even lead to unexpected commercial opportunities.

Transforming Sketches into Successes: Every sketch or concept piece holds potential. For instance, during our 100 Day Challenges, sharing seemingly simple sketches led to licensing deals and requests for pattern development that we hadn’t anticipated. These experiences underscore that what might feel unfinished or imperfect to us can strike a chord with others, offering them exactly what they were looking for.

Learning Through Sharing: The act of sharing also accelerates learning. It pushes us into a zone where we must solve problems—like turning a sketch into a repeat pattern or digital piece under time constraints. This not only improves our technical skills but also boosts our confidence in handling professional challenges.

Encouraging Authentic Connections: When we share our process, we connect more authentically with our audience and potential clients. People love seeing the journey from conception to final product—it humanizes the work and the artist. It also provides a behind-the-scenes look that many clients love to see and share, adding an extra layer of engagement to your professional relationships.

Incorporating Feedback for Growth: Sharing your work invites feedback, which is crucial for growth. By showing your process, you open up to suggestions that can transform a good design into a great one. It’s about embracing the community’s input and using it to refine your artistry.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of turning your sketches into sellable art and embracing the journey from raw concepts to polished products, consider joining our Creative Brief Membership. This platform not only encourages sharing and feedback but also provides a supportive community to guide you through refining and marketing your designs.

So, what are you waiting for? Start sharing your work, no matter the stage, and watch as it opens doors to new possibilities and connections. Dive into the process, share your journey, and let’s grow together in the vibrant world of surface pattern design.