As I have been learning about pattern design and running a business, there was one activity I did that really helped me focus my art creation, marketing, and clients to approach. That activity was deciding on an industry to design for.
The industry I chose was swimwear, particularly sustainable swimwear. I have been thinking why exactly this industry appeals to me so much and why I get so much enjoyment out of designing patterns for swimwear.
The first reason is quite selfish really, swimwear is one of the few items of clothing I buy new and I do a lot of swimming both at the pool and beach – so of course I want to buy swimwear with my own art!
But when I started to think about it a bit more I realised:
- everyone should feel comfortable to go to pool or beach and so I want to create patterns that people love and make them happy to wear swimwear
- if my art is on sunsafe swimwear I can help to encourage people to protect their skin from the sun
- swimwear allows you to be adventurous with colour and print and have fun with what you wear
- there are safety reasons for wearing bright colours in water – brighter colours are much more visible!
- swimwear traditionally is made from synthetic fabrics that are not great for the environment, but there are many eco-friendly options now for swim fabric. So I hope to provide pattern designs to sustainable swimwear brands to create unique and bold swimwear that their customers will love!
If you have been reading this and think oh yes I love bright fun swimwear too AND you can sew then head over to my shop page as I have a heap of designs available on eco-friendly swim fabric yay!
And if you are an eco-friendly brand looking for some fun, bright and unique pattern designs or artwork I’d really love to hear from you! I have a heap of prints ready to licence or you can get me to create your very-own super unique pattern that your customers will love!