May 2025

I decided to become a full-time artist and designer. I made a conscious choice to work hard and persevere for at least a full year to see how it goes. The year started with learning how to make seamless pattern repeats in different tools using Skillshare and YouTube.

I am so grateful to Catcoq, Mel Armstrong, Liz Kohler Brown, and Elizabeth Silver, who helped shape my foundation.

June 2025

I signed up for Jehane’s Golden Thread and started creating patterns. I uploaded a few of them and had my first sale in the first week of June 2025!

While following new artists and trying to reverse-engineer the best venues to sell my art, I found Minted. At the last minute, I decided to participate in the Pottery Barn Kids Art Challenge and submitted a few pieces. Although none of my work got picked, I resolved to participate in every challenge that came my way going forward, regardless of whether I knew how to design for them or not. This mindset helped me keep moving forward despite the initial setback.

July 2025

I attended The Profitable Artist Summit by Vanessa Stoilova, which was incredibly insightful.

My "Dreamy Coastal" pattern collection, which I had submitted earlier, got me published in The Pattern Journal—the July newsletter of Uppercase Magazine. This milestone made me feel truly acknowledged as a professional surface pattern designer.

Grateful to Janine.

August 2025

I joined Melanie Johnsson's pattern challenge in August and created a lot of new patterns. This challenge really pushed my creativity and made me experiment with different styles.

Around this time, Krissy Mastoras offered a free workshop that served as a prelude to Art Licensing Unlocked. It was so impactful that I decided to double down on a specific style and began redesigning my portfolio with a clear voice.

Afterward, I pitched to companies that matched my new aesthetic and style.

September 2025

One of my patterns was featured on Surface Design News by Stacie Dale. Thank you Stacie. Simultaneously, I participated in the Mini Challenge hosted by Creative Studio Collective, where I learned a lot about building collections from Ryann and Fleur.

To my surprise, I received my first Editor’s Pick from Minted for the Everyday Greeting Card Challenge! As a cherry on top, I was also awarded a special prize for that same design. This win was so special and opened up a brand-new revenue stream in my career.

October 2025

I was in the hunt for a course to take my business to the next level.

Around the same time, Erin opened the doors for her monthly membership in the Power Sellers Academy (PSA). I had read great testimonials from various artists I follow, so I decided to take the leap. By this point, I had made a small amount of money from my Spoonflower shop, and I kept in mind that those earnings would be reinvested into learning how to make even more sales on the platform. After giving it a lot of thought, I joined the membership in the third week of October.

November 2025

The membership changed everything to an incredible degree. I gained insights from artists who were further along the exact path I wanted to travel.

I understood the value of niching down, along with so much more. Erin’s lessons covered everything possible-from strategy and mindset to the practical approach of generating income from your art beyond just Spoonflower. I learned how to run my practice as an Art Business. I started applying everything on the go from Day 1, prioritizing strategies to drive solid sales on Spoonflower.

December 2025

I got accepted onto Happywall as a Designer! I pitched to them after making changes to my portfolio based on the feedback from my initial rejection, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. It was December 2025, and I ended the year with three distinct revenue streams.

January 2026

The New Year began, and the magic started to happen: my Spoonflower shop began gaining real momentum. My first product on Minted went live for sale, and I got my first sale on Happywall.

February 2026

Slowly but steadily, the shop grew. Every sale matters to me-be it a wallpaper swatch, a yard of fabric, or a throw pillow. I am endlessly grateful to everyone who purchased my designs. It is life-changing.

March 2026

I had my first Nursery Artwork go up for sale on Minted. Meanwhile, the streak of regular sales on Spoonflower continued. Having at least one sale a day became my new normal.

April 2026

One of my collections, "Vibrant Summer Market," got featured on Spoonflower’s official website! My first year concluded with a few awards from Minted, a few sales on Happywall, consistent sales on Spoonflower, and some exciting collaborations in the pipeline.

A Special Note

I am truly grateful to everyone, starting with my partner, family, friends, and all the artists who shared their knowledge without gatekeeping. Most importantly, a special mention goes to Erin Kendal for the amazing membership she built and the wonderful artist community within it. Consistent sales on Spoonflower wouldn't have been possible without PSA. To name just a few of the amazing, helpful, and generous artists from PSA: Amber Gibbins,Emily Grogan, Bele Mata, Kim Morrow, Atlas Greene, Gomathi Thiyagarajan, Rumana Jain, Shamini Atuko, and Jacky Hood.

Thank you to every fellow artist, small business owner, influencer, and interior designer who constantly supports me on Instagram. To name a few: Meehan Giacone, Amina (AOA Interiors), Katie (MonarchlaneHome), Katie (DecoratewithKatie), Erika (CustometotesbyErika), Rebecca (RebeccaRollinsInteriors), Riya (Aler Design Studio), Cecilia Battani, Ann Woodlucker, and Savannah (DesignsbySavi).

I ended this year with a heart filled with nothing but gratitude and happiness.