Meet Katie Ryde

I found surface pattern design and Bonnie while looking to improve my pattern design skills. I run a business designing photo albums and memory books for people and wanted to improve the end pages that I was designing as part of my offering. I'd never really realised that surface design was a thing before then, but the moment I discovered Bonnie and the upcoming Immersion course I knew it was exactly what I was looking for.

My only real worry was how I was going to find the time to fit it all in, but I gave myself permission to go at my own pace. As someone who had never even opened Illustrator, it was all completely new to me, but I learnt the programme and how to make repeat patterns. Plus, Bonnie's coaching opened my eyes to the possibilities out there. With the support of my peer group, I decided that I wanted to try and make surface design my new business, and that's what I'm now working on.

Since taking the course, I've made over 100 patterns, created a website, and am working towards completing my new portfolio. Most exciting of all, I actually have some products in shops!! I designed some notecards which I've managed to sell wholesale and they are now brightening the shop windows of my local town! This year, I am excited to concentrate on growing the business and creating more products to sell!