Print Life

Sustainable Design Practices for Surface Pattern Designers

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:01:00 GMT

Join me today to chat about our role in sustainable fashion and how we can implement design practices that are in line with slow fashion. Let's work toward intuitive and market led design in 2023 so that we can work more efficiently freeing up time to sharped our skillset and becoming better designers. If you are a surface pattern or print designer who wants to learn more about how you can build a creative business doing what you love...head over to lesliekenehan.com/freetraining and let's work together.

Your Word Of The Year

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 20:49:09 GMT

Join me today to chat about one of my favorite things to do at the start of the year...choosing a word of the year! Where could you be one year from today if you held yourself accountable to a feeling? Today I will share with you my process for not only choosing my word for the year, but how I can put small actions, habits or goals in place to support that word. To keep myself accountable in feeling into that word and embodying it in a way that keeps me on track all year long. When you choose your word for the year, don't forget to tag me so I can cheer on your progress. https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/

The Print Style Challenge Day 01

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 23:59:22 GMT

Uncover your unique style in 5 days!! Join the print style challenge to learn how you can best differentiate yourself in the marketplace doing the work you love to do! Having a signature style is key in attracting not just more clients, but the right clients as well as developing into your own brand. Join the FREE 5 day challenge below! See you inside. x

https://printlife.mykajabi.com/stylechallenge

Happy New Year!

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 22:40:40 GMT

Happy New Year! Join me today to chat all about getting grounded back into our purpose and passions in 2023. When building a creative business, it's not hard to get lost in projects, growth, income goals or building that social media following. We end up saying yes to a lot, over filling our plates and we might even find ourselves completely off course for our big picture vision. Today I am offering up the idea of grounding back into our purpose and to our passion to gain clarity on what to focus on this year. Being grounded in your purpose often allows us to build our creative career with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Giving us that much needed push toward our vision.

Possibility

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 22:38:04 GMT

Whether you are a freelancer, an in-house designer, or a small business owner, when we hear the hot words, recession, inflation or even pandemic, for some of us a fear that immediately follows. What will happen to the industry I'm in, will I continue to make sales, will companies continue to buy, can I still create a salary for myself, should I stay the course or ditch and try something else altogether? During these times that we must face ourselves with honesty…it can be brave to know when to walk away. But it can also be brave to stick it out. Join me today on the Print Life Podcast as we Discuss what's going on in the industry and how you can benefit from staying the course, remaining consistent and coming out the other side of whatever it is we think may be coming down the road.

Interested in joining me on the podcast? If you're a surface pattern or print designer in the fashion or home industry who would love to come on the podcast and chat with me all about freelance, marketing, business, or … life! I would love to hear from you. Please e-mail me at leslie@whitebuffalostudio.com with print life podcast in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!

Clearing the Clutter

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 22:37:48 GMT

As we ease our way towards the beginning of a new year it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of needing to create resolutions, a long list of goals or even intention setting. It's also easy to feel overwhelmed when we look back on our year if we feel like we did not accomplish what we set out to this year. Today we are going to talk about clearing clutter - physical, digital, emotional, or spiritual - with the intention to make space for what we want our future to be. And to allow us to see with clarity the steps we must take to get us closer to that vision. And then following up every quarter for accountability to keep them to keep these intentions from becoming overwhelming expectations that feel just out of reach.

If you're enjoying listening to the podcast, I would love to hear your feedback! Leave me a comment or a review and let me know how you are liking the content. Enjoy the rest of 2022!

www.lesliekenehan.com

Interview with Mon Hope

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 22:36:41 GMT

Join me today to chat with Australian surface pattern designer Monique Hope. Mon specializes in kids’ fashion and home print designs and her services are offered as ready-made prints or commissioned. She is a mother, designer and lover of vintage injecting her quirky sense of color and playfulness into her illustrations and textile designs. Mon is also a brand strategist who helps small businesses create their brand guides and content. Today on the Print Life Podcast we will be chatting all about branding, specifically for surface pattern designers. You can have a look at her work and follow along her journey below!

https://monhope.com/

https://www.instagram.com/monhopedesign/

Setting Yourself Apart

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 22:33:34 GMT

In the print life membership, we have monthly discussions around specific topics in the industry and trainings relating to those topics. I was reviewing our past months content and felt pulled to share our October chat with you all. It felt very relevant to where we are in the industry and some steps, we can take to begin tightening up our position and messaging in the marketing place. We can say the market is saturated. We can say competition is fierce. We can say how do I sell my designs when there are so many others selling. How can I retain my price point when other platforms are lowering theirs? OR…. we can ask better questions.

How can improve my brand, my messaging, my position in the market so that I am more visible. How can I sharpen my skills and craft so that I am the clear choice. How can I improve my messaging and tighten up my niche so that I am attracting the right types of clients?

And that is what will keep you in the game for many years to come. Interested in learning more about the Print Life? Head over to www.lesliekenehan.com/membership and get on the wait list

Interview with Harriet Ruscoe

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 08:00:36 GMT

Harriet Ruscoe is a print designer, illustrator & graphic designer based in the UK nestled between the British countryside and London in Berkshire. Working as a fashion print and graphic designer with ready-to-wear brands, high street retailers and suppliers for the past 7 years as well designing graphics and illustrations for a variety of businesses marketing and social media needs. Harriet has worked with White Buffalo Studio in the past and is now a contributing trend editor for the Trend Portal from White Buffalo Studio. Links below to learn more about Harriet Ruscoe and how to follow along her journey in print design and beyond.

https://www.harrietruscoedesign.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/harrietruscoe/

Consignment or commission based relationships between designers, studios and reps

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 07:00:27 GMT

Today we are chatting about the relationship between designer and studio, studio and rep and designer and rep when you're working together on a consignment or commission basis. This can look different from studio to studio and you always want to make sure you're reviewing those contracts you're asking questions and you have all the information that you need before you dive in. Interested in learning more about all the ways you can make a living selling your art in the fashion industry? Head over to www.lesliekenehan.com for free trainings, resources and course offerings. See you inside!

Q&A Series: What Should I Name My Business!?

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 07:00:17 GMT

When we first get started whether as freelancers or as studio startups one of the first things, we ask ourselves is... What should I name my business? Should I use my own name, or should I come up with a name? It's a common question and there's a lot of ways in which we can go about figuring out the best answer for our specific situation and our big picture vision. Join me today as we continue the Q&A series on the print life podcast. Want to learn more about growing your fashion print design business? Head over to www.lesliekenehan.com/links and get on the wait list to join the print life membership. A program that offers sales marketing and design support, community and coaching to help you along your path toward creating a sustainable career in fashion print design.

Q&A Series: How to Become a Competitive Fashion Print Design Assistant

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 19:12:17 GMT

This week we are kicking off the Q&A series!

In my free Facebook group, I asked our community if they wouldn't mind me jumping on the podcast and sharing the answers to their amazing questions with all of you! So, I'll be answering some of them on my own and some will be bringing on guest speakers for others. This week we are chatting about the different sets of skills you might need in order to get your foot in the door as an assistant in the fashion industry. Sometimes there is more to what we do than simply making prints. . . but it will be up to you ultimately what you want to learn, where you want to work and what you see in your big picture vision. I hope you enjoy the Q&A series!

Are you a print designer who wants to create sustainable income selling your art? Join the waitlist for the print life membership…doors open soon!! Head over to www.lesliekenehan.com/links and get on the waitlist!

10 Tips To Writing A Great Bio

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 05:00:15 GMT

Whether you need to write a bio for your website, portfolio or simply make some adjustments to your social platforms, there are things to consider to ensure you are communicating clearly to potential clients. If you want to grab and keep the attention of potential clients and get them to take the next steps in working with you, join me today to learn my 10 tips to writing a great bio! If you want to learn more about how to work with me to build a sustainable career in fashion print design, head over to www.lesliekenehan.com/freetraining and let's get started! See you there!

Growth goals in your print design business

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 07:00:27 GMT

Join me today to chat about some of the key pieces that can support you in building a strong foundation for growth in your design business. Interested in learning more about how we can work together? Head over to https://lesliekenehan.com/freetraining

There Is Room For Us All

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 19:06:38 GMT

There is no best right one and only way to learn or to find your version of success. For me, it has been my experiences in life, fashion, art and busienss to land where I am now. It took tough choices, late nights and sacrifice. But success looks different for every one of us. My success was to have a business I can run on my own terms so I can be home part time with my family. To others it may be to license, to sell on their own, with an agent or to start a studio. And because we all have different needs, different goals and different ideas of success...there are going to be a variety of ways we can get there. But what I have seen to be the most powerful source of inspiration and motivation over the past few years is community and comraderie. Without it, what are we contributing? https://lesliekenehan.com/

The Benefits of a Blog

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 06:00:30 GMT

What are some of the ways that you drive traffic to your website or to your products? If you have ever considered starting a blog and want to learn more about how they can benefit you as a surface pattern designer, join me today to dive into the benefits of a blog and how you can utilize one in the future to grow brand awareness and increase traffic!! Head over to https://lesliekenehan.com/freetraining to learn more about how we can work together to grow you surface pattern design business!

What is the best platform to get started building my website?

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 07:00:17 GMT

One of the questions I am asked most frequently when it comes to having a website is, what platform is the best for our needs? The answer will vary depending upon the needs of the designer, how many revenue streams and your overall big picture vision for your business. Join me today as I cover some of the main platforms available to us out there, the pros and cons my favorite and why. After 5 years of now having a website that works, connecting us with the right clients allowing us to increase reach and sales, seeing so many designers struggle with theirs, I realized the big disconnect is in HOW you set up and layout your site. Not just to house your work, but to take your clients on a journey that gives them a peek into who you are, what you do and what the experience of working with you might be like. I’ve decided to teach my exact process for Websites that Work along with templates you can plug & play so more designers reach more clients they would be a great fit for. I will only be accepting a small group of 20 designers for our first round. To get on the interest list join the waitlist at https://lesliekenehan.com/platform

Your Look Book

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 21:40:47 GMT

When we begin thinking about building a look book, portfolio or online body of work the biggest challenge designers often come across is… editing. What do I include, what do I leave out and how can I have the most impact so that I can get aligned client interested in working with me? Join me today to dive into ways you can increase the impact and interest in your portfolio, collection or online look book. www.lesliekenehan.com/links for more on how you can grow your print business today!

Creative Space

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 17:02:36 GMT

For so many years we hear and ask the question, what do I do when I have a creative block? What do I do when I feel stuck? I have recently discovered a way to unblock and overcome those feelings with a little trick that I stumbled across by accident. And I know everyone is different and this might not work for everyone...but wow has it been working well for me! Join me today to chat about ways I overcome a heavy workload and the feeling of 'stuck-ness' I get from time to time to create more space to be creative and get things done. Looking for more info on how you can take your love of surface pattern and print design and turn it into a sustainable career? Head over to https://lesliekenehan.com/freetraining and take a peek at my FREE trainings. See you next time!

Gratitude

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 19:03:55 GMT

Join me today to discuss gratitude and the role it can play in your business. From social media marketing to your client list to your sales gratitude can play a big role in how we view the work we do, how consistently we show up, and even the results we get. If you are enjoying the podcast and want to hear more in the future, be sure to drop a review or comment and let me know what you think! For more on how we can get started working together today, head to www.lesliekenehan.com - see you next time! Leslie

Websites

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 07:44:21 GMT

Join me this week to chat all about your website, look book or online shop! Have you ever felt overwhelmed at the thought of getting your website up....not knowing whether you need a landing page, website or even an online shop? There are so many things to consider when it comes to having a website and when it comes to surface pattern and print design...I have tried every which way you can go and I hope what we cover today will help you to make a more informed decision before diving in to the world of building your own site. If you wan to be the first to know about my new promotion, your website in a weekend, join the waitlist at https://lesliekenehan.com/links

What is the BIG picture vision for your creative business?

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 19:07:25 GMT

Welcome back to the Print Life Podcast! This week we will be diving in to a very important question that was asked from one of our designers in the Print Life Membership Community. The question is about clarification between being a freelancer, being a boutique studio and which is more accepted over the other when it comes to pitching to companies. Are companies more willing to look at what a studio has to offer rather than a designer? What are the pros and cons? These are great questions! Though it might come as a surprise that the answer really has nothing to do with what the clients prefer or what gets you more appointments...it has to do with YOUR big picture vision and what type of creative business you want. Ready to dive in?! Let's go! Want to learn more about creative a sustainable creative business with your designs? Head over to www.lesliekenehan.com and let's work together! See you next time.

June Bloom!

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 19:21:11 GMT

Join me today to chat about taking a look at the year so far, goals for moving forward and making the most of the next half of the year! If you are like me, June can feel like a beautiful time to take a step back, recharge, reground, regroup and hitting the ground running. Get ready to think about your big picture goals and then set aligned actions toward them.

Interview with Kellie Barry of Detour Design Studio

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 07:00:18 GMT

Join me this week to chat with Kellie Barry about how she got started as a print design studio during the pandemic. Kellie is the creative director and owner of Detour Design Studio as well as Co-Founder of The Print Book. The Print Book is an online digital print shop representing boutique print studios across the globe.

Stepping Into The Role Your Business Needs

Mon, 16 May 2022 07:00:16 GMT

Join me this week to chat about the 4 roles we must show up in our business to get more clients, more sales and have consistency without the burnout. If you are a surface pattern or print designer tired of spinning your wheels with no results, you might be out of balance in one of the four key roles your business needs you to step into. Let's chat!

Interview with Maayan Alper-Swan

Mon, 09 May 2022 14:58:46 GMT

Interview with surface pattern designer Maayan Alper-Swan, a Brooklyn-based artist, illustrator and textile designer working at the intersection of art and fashion. Join us for our chat today discussing how she got started in and sustained a career in surface pattern design. To learn more about Maayan - http://www.maayanalperswan.com/

The Power Of Taking Action Now

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 07:00:19 GMT

Today I am going to share a personal story with you that I felt really highlights the importance of taking action, big or small. There is one major difference between those of us who DO and those of us who DREAM. Dreams are amazing as long as we are taking action to realize them. It is in the doing that our dreams become our reality.

Your Print Style

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 07:00:16 GMT

What does it mean exactly to have your own style and why is it important? Join me today to dive into what I believe our 'style' is rooted in, why it is important and how it can help you to connect with your clients.

Identify Your Industry

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 08:00:17 GMT

Join me this week to get super clear on identifying the industry that you serve with your artwork as a foundation or platform to support you in attracting core clients so that you can build a sustainable design business.

Your designs will be in demand with this simple mindset shift

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 08:00:17 GMT

Join me this week to chat about what I think is key in creating a lasting career as a surface pattern & print designer. Second to having a market focus, becoming a specialist within that market will support you in creating a lasting career. Freelance, in house or studio start up....it is all about understanding every aspect of what it is you want.

The Artist & The Designer

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 20:06:03 GMT

Join me this week to chat all about how you can get your inner artist and your inner designer to work together to support growth in your creative business. Whether you think you are better at one or the other, you must nurture them both to find success in monetizing your artwork as a surface pattern or print designer.

5 tips for working with a studio on consignment

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 19:17:15 GMT

On the podcast today I am sharing with you my top 5 tips for working with a print studio on consignment. If you take the time to practice and implement these you will see an increase in sales, creative confidence and the quality of your client relationships.

Batching Motifs

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 20:43:08 GMT

Join me today to chat all about batching motifs and all the ways in which it can lend itself to being a more effective and profitable designer.

The Licensing Path with Jocelyn Sipowicz

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:00:21 GMT

Join me this week as we dive into the world of licensing. Interview with designer Jocelyn Sipowicz, or as you may know her from Instagram, Just Jos, chatting all about her experience getting started on the licensing path. @just__jos on social to take a peek at her work.

The Print Studio Path

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 13:00:19 GMT

Join me this week as we move on to part three of the Design Path series where I chat all about things to consider and how to proceed if you think that the idea of forming a print studio is the right option for you.

Collaboration Over Competition

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 21:41:42 GMT

Happy New Year! Join me today to chat all about the idea of collaboration over competition and how it can open up a world of possibilities in 2022 and beyond!

The Freelance Design Path

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 08:00:17 GMT

Join me this week as we move on to part two of Your Design Path series where I chat all about things to consider and how to proceed if you think that the idea of being a freelance print designer might be the right path for you.

The In House Design Path

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 08:00:17 GMT

Join me in a 4 part series where I will chat about the different paths you can take that lead you to building a career you love selling your art or utilizing your creative and artistic abilities in the apparel industry. Join me this week to kick things off chatting about where I got started....the in house design path.

When To Diversify

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:00:21 GMT

Join me this week as I chat all about the unpopular opinion I have that there is such a thing as having intention, focus... and multiple revenue streams! And that knowing not if but when to diversify is key.

Getting ready for 2022!

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:00:19 GMT

Join me this week to chat about using this time in December to reflect, review, repurpose and refresh. This month is all about creating clarity as the year comes to a close, taking inventory of where we are and what we want so our 2022 gets off to a great start.

Your Handwriting

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 11:30:16 GMT

Join me this week to chat about one of my favorite topics...and artists unique style, hand or as we often refer to in surface pattern & print design ... your handwriting.

Pricing Your Prints

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:00:18 GMT

Wondering how to price out your prints? If you are charging enough? How you can charge more? Join me this week as I discuss all things pricing for print design.

Interview with Jac Slade

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:41:42 GMT

Listen in today as I chat all about getting started as a print designer with Jac Slade, surface pattern designer from the beautiful Central Coast near Sydney, Australia.

Imposter Syndrome

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:00:21 GMT

Join me this week as we discuss ways you can overcome imposter syndrome and self doubt in your creative business.

Creating Flow

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 05:48:59 GMT

Join me this week to chat about the method I use to help me create a schedule that supports flow, balance and growth in my creative business.

Reps, Agents & Tradeshows

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:00:24 GMT

Have you ever thought about working with a rep or an agent? Dreamed about attending a tradeshow? Join me this week to chat about the pros and cons of each as well as how you can determine if now is the right time.

Is Your Portfolio Profitable?

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 22:07:26 GMT

Join me this week to chat about what I think are the three key components to a more profitable portfolio.

Using POD sites to create an additional stream of revenue in your business

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 17:16:09 GMT

Curious about getting started with printing on demand sites? Looking to boost visibility on work you already have up? Join me and fellow creative, Rebecca Rueth as we discuss the importance of intention and merchandising before getting started using printing on demand sites.

Exclusive and Non Exclusive Design

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 07:58:31 GMT

Join me this week as we chat about the difference between exclusive and non exclusive designs and how to incorporate them into your business successfully.

Imperfect Action

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:43:49 GMT

This week we are chatting all about the importance of taking imperfect action. It is in that messy imperfect action that we build momentum, gain confidence and learn those lessons that move us forward.

What is Consignment Design?

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:00:17 GMT

This week we are chatting all about working with a print studio as a consignment designer. Find out what that entails, if it is a good fit for you and how you can begin to supplement your income with this unique relationship.

Build an Authentic Brand

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 21:58:51 GMT

This week we are chatting all about how to build an authentic brand. When it comes to branding I am a firm believer that YOU are your brand. And putting yourself out there consistently - your style, your craft and your unique point of view - is what will support you in building a beautiful and authentic brand.

Your Niche

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 21:05:30 GMT

This week I am chatting about what I think are the three key components to increasing visibility, sales and clients!

The One Where Leslie Starts A Podcast

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 23:32:46 GMT

Host Leslie Kenehan brings you all things surface pattern & print design, sales, marketing and mindset to support you in growing your creative business. Freelance? In House? Just getting started? You are in the right place. Welcome to the Print Life. @printlifepodcast // https://whitebuffalostudio.com/