How to sell your pattern designs and make more money

If you’re wondering how to start selling your pattern designs, you're not alone, and you’re in the right place. Whether you’ve got a portfolio bursting with bold florals or you're just dipping your toe into the surface pattern world, let me walk you through a few ways I (and many other designers) sell our work, and the pros and cons of each.

Selling through an pattern agent or print studio

This is where I started, and it’s still a big part of how I sell today.

Agents and studios do the heavy lifting when it comes to selling, freeing you up to focus on what you do best: designing. They know what’s trending, what clients are asking for, and what’s working in the market. Often, they’ll guide you, so if you’re unsure how to read the market or pitch your work, this could be a perfect fit.

But yes, there is a catch: they take a cut. Typically 40–50%, which sounds like a lot, but consider this:

• Do you already have industry contacts?

• Do you have time to find clients and pitch?

• Can you afford to attend trade shows?

• Do you even want to sell?

If the answer is no to any of these, working with an agent might be your best route. For me, it’s a trade-off I’m more than happy with, because I know my work is getting into the right hands while I stay in my creative zone.

Direct-to-brand. Your patterns on their product

This is where things get exciting, and a little more personal.

Working directly with brands lets you collaborate on incredible projects, build long-term relationships, and often command higher prices for bespoke work. You get to shape your designs around their needs and ethos, but keep in mind, there’s less freedom here. Deadlines, meetings, revisions and tight timelines can be part of the package.

The upside? Creative partnerships. Growth. Industry visibility. The downside? You’ve got to put yourself out there and sell yourself. If you love the idea of working closely with a brand and shaping a design specifically for them, this can be so rewarding.

Your own online print/pattern shop

I now sell ready-to-buy prints in my online shop, which gives me the freedom to create what I want, when I want.

This is ideal if you want to attract your own clients and grow a little design empire of your own. The demand is different, you might not sell daily, but when you do, it’s direct, passive, and personal.

You’re in control here. But you’ll also need to market yourself, show up, and consistently keep your shop stocked and fresh. For me, it’s the perfect third stream of income, and another way to get beautiful designs out into the world.

Why I don’t sell on online marketplaces (Like Spoonflower)

I get asked about this all the time. And here’s the truth: it’s just not where my work belongs.

Those platforms are huge, saturated spaces filled with incredibly talented people, but the audience is different. Think craft enthusiasts, DIYers, small-batch makers. Beautiful work? Yes. But it’s not my niche.

I design for brands. Industry leaders in fashion and interiors who need standout, client-driven designs. Work that feels intentional, strategic, and sells. That kind of focus helps me create designs with a clear purpose, and brings more predictable, consistent results.

I’m yet to meet a surface designer making a sustainable full-time income from sites like Spoonflower. It’s brilliant for exposure and experience, but not always the most viable long-term business model. (Don’t just take it from me...there are plenty of articles and threads online that say the same.)

So, which route is best for you?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all. You can license with an agent, go direct-to-brand, open a shop, or mix them all like I do. But the common thread?

Know your strengths.
Know your audience.
Know your goals.

Designing for different industries, different clients, and different selling platforms has taught me that versatility is power. And understanding how each path works means you can choose what fits best—for your creativity, your business, and your life.

Design intention so every pattern speaks to it's customers

No matter what route you take the most important factor is to speak to your intended customer. Something that's hard through online market places.

If you don't know where to start download my FREE guide, the Ultimate Guide to Floral Design here.

Got questions about where your work fits best? I’d love to help.