This episode is perfect for any of our listeners who are interested in surface pattern design. Today we're speaking with Elizabeth Silver, a professional surface pattern designer and a licensed artist for the stationery, gift and textile markets. With 18 years in the industry and hundreds of designs in her portfolio, she also teaches beginner surface pattern designers how to move past overwhelm and obstacles to create a profitable creative business. She's passionate about keep it real business advice, and moving forward even in a messy way. She's also passionate about ice cream. TOPICS DISCUSSED: Elizabeth's Startist story and favorite ice cream flavors Her path to discovering surface pattern design and becoming a freelancer Balancing freelance work and growing a licensing portfolio The process of working on clients briefs How to know when you’re ready to put your work out there. Hint: don’t overthink, just do it! What you should include in your first art portfolio Transitioning from freelance work to teaching Elizabeth's Start Your Surface Pattern Design Business course and what’s included (contracts, websites, portfolios, pricing and more!) How to decide which product categories and markets you want to work in and Elizabeth's helpful "Design Niche" quiz What we can do to get past fear and just get started Elizabeth's personal design challenge (prompted by our interview with Lisa Glanz!) and how to get past a creative funk  How to identify industry trends Elizabeth's amazing free resources on her website and YouTube channel (interviews, tutorials, trend reports, business advice and more!) Elizabeth's words of advice to those just getting started Read the transcript in the STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES: startistsociety.com/elizabethsilver JOIN THE STARTIST SOCIETY FB GROUP: facebook.com/groups/startistsociety/ FOLLOW STARTIST SOCIETY ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/startistsociety/ LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? BUY US A COFFEE BOURBON: buymeacoffee.com/startistsociety/