My Library

SPD COURSE SYLLABUS

Welcome to the Surface Pattern Design Course for Creative Entrepreneurs 

Here you will find a complete guide to the Course Syllabus!

 

Welcome + Course Introduction

  • Welcome & a word from Cass

  • Setting an Intention

  • Meet your Instructor

  • Required Supplies

  • The Surface Pattern Design Roadmap

  • Course Syllabus and Time Planner

  • A few more things…

 

Module 1 | Mindset + Human Design

  • Master your Mindset

  • Powerful Visualisations

  • Dream Board

  • A Special Meditation

  • The Journey of a Surface Pattern Designer

  • The 11 Fundamentals for a Successful Creative Career

  • Overview of my Business and How it Looks - JAN 2022

  • Revenue Streams in 2025

  • Creative Archetypes

  • Human Design with Kate White

 

 

Module 2 | Crafting Your Style

  • Intro from Cass

  • Uncovering Your Artistic Style

  • Styles of Design

  • Creating a Moodboard for your Style

  • Trend Setting vs. Trend Following

  • Choosing an Industry

 

 

Module 3 | Introduction to Surface Design

  • Intro from Cass

  • Surface Pattern Design Explained

  • Patterns Explained

  • Advanced Techniques

  • Design Principles

  • Colour Explained

  • 6 Most Common Pattern Mistakes

  • Printing Techniques

  • Draw or Paint your First Elements

  • Colour Modes: CMYK vs RGB

 

 

Module 4 | Pattern Tech: Adobe Illustrator

  • Intro from Cass

  • Vectorising your Artwork in Adobe Illustrator

  • How to Create a Repeat Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

  • Removing White Lines in Adobe Illustrator #1

  • Removing White Lines in Adobe Illustrator #2

  • Pros and Cons of using Procreate for Patterns

 

 

Module 5 | Pattern Tech: Adobe Photoshop

  • Intro from Cass

  • Scanning and Perfecting Pixel-Based Artwork in Adobe Photoshop

  • How to Create a Repeat Pattern in Adobe Photoshop (Industry Standard)

  • How to Create a Repeat Pattern in Adobe Photoshop (Cass's Way)

  • How to Create an Advanced Pattern in Adobe Photoshop (Cass's Way)

  • How to Create a Repeat Pattern in Adobe Photoshop (A Third Way)

  • Adding Textures to Patterns in Adobe Photoshop

  • Scaling your Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

  • White Lines when Scaling in Adobe Photoshop

  • Adjusting Colours in Adobe Photoshop

  • How to Create Mockups in Adobe Photoshop #1

  • How to Create Mockups in Adobe Photoshop #2

  • Creating Mock Ups - an easy way

  • Specifying Pantones in Adobe Photoshop

 

Bonus Adobe Tutorials

  • Stripe Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

  • Stripe Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

  • Block Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

  • Block Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

  • Dot Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

  • Dot Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

  • Diamond Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

  • Diamond Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

  • Offset Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

  • Offset Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

  • Mirror Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

  • Mirror Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

 

Student Requested Tutorials

  • Intro from Cass

  • Advanced Pattern Layering in Adobe Photoshop

  • Watercolour on Dark Backgrounds in Adobe Photoshop

  • Watercolour Line Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

 

 

Module 6 | Showcasing Your Work

  • Intro from Cass

  • Busting the Myth about Collections

  • The Fundamentals of a Successful Collection

  • Creating a Moodboard & Colour Palette for your Collection

  • A Walk Through of my 'Wild Flora' Collection

  • Building and Organising your Library of Work

  • A Walk Through of my Online Pattern Library

  • Saving your Patterns for your Print Library

  • Tracking your Licensed Patterns

  • Commissions & Custom Pattern Process

  • Case Study: LJC Custom Pattern Process

  • Soft Homewares with Gemma Hyett

 

 

Module 7 | Art Licensing

  • Intro from Cass

  • What is Art Licensing

  • Agent vs. Self Licensed

  • Licensing through Third-Party Sites

  • Getting Paid as a Self-Licensed Artist

  • The Art Licensing Flow Diagram

  • What to Consider for a Brand Collaboration

  • My Experience (& some guidance) with Pricing

  • SPD Pricing Guide

 

 

Module 8 | Contracts + Legal

  • Intro from Cass

  • Copyright/IP/Trademarks

  • Copyright Basics with Sharon Givoni

  • Other Protection to Consider

  • How to Structure a Contract

  • Guest Expert Sharon Givoni

  • Using Iconic Symbols

  • Client Contract Template Opportunity with Sharon Givoni

 

 

Module 9 | Pitching + Onboarding Your First Clients

  • Intro from Cass

  • Building an Email List

  • Pitching to your Dream Clients

  • Pitching to Agents

  • Planning out the Next 12 Months

 

 

Module 10 | Marketing

  • Intro from Cass

  • Branding Yourself

  • Your Digital Presence

  • Other Marketing Strategies

  • Building Genuine Relationships

  • Selling with Soul (No Ickiness)

  • So What Now?

  • Guest Expert: Emily Osmond

  • Q&A Replay with Emily Osmond

 

 

GUEST EXPERT SESSIONS

  • Guest Expert: Sharnee Thorpe from Wandering Folk

  • Guest Expert: Brook Gossen

  • Guest Expert: Nerida Hansen

  • Guest Expert: Lauren Malone

  • Guest Expert Rachael King

  • Guest Expert: Leonie Dawson

  • Guest Expert: Jordan from Bare & Boho

  • Guest Session with Amie McNee from Inspired to Write

  • Money Mindset with Clare Wood

  • Guest Expert: Geordie from Lordie Dordie Art

  • Guest Expert: Maggi McDonald

  • Guest Session with Kate Knapp

  • Guest Session with Natalie Alaimo

 

 

BONUS MODULE | LAUNCHING

  • The 90 Day Launch Formula

  • 90 Day Social Media Planner & Content Guide

  • Checklist for launching a Pattern Collection

  • Checklist for launching an Original Art Collection

 

 

PORTFOLIO REVIEW & FEEDBACK

  • Portfolio Review by Cass

  • Testimonial & Feedback

 

 

Student Directory

  • About the Student Directory

  • Terms & Conditions of the Student Directory

  • How to Submit to the Student Directory

 

 

Resources

  • ALL the Printable Downloads in one place!

  • Terminology

  • Guided Meditations

  • Recommended Reads

  • Recommended Podcasts

  • Illustrator Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts

  • List of Australian Agents

  • List of Third Party Websites

  • Flodesk Discount Code

  • Procreate Resources

  • 5 Steps to a Published Squarespace Website