074: From Medicine to Design: Lisa Hawthorne's Journey and Insights into Surface Pattern Design

Welcome to a brand new episode where we have the pleasure of hosting Lisa Hawthorne, a remarkable surface pattern designer who tossed aside medical textbooks for a paintbrush. With her vibrant, hand-painted floral designs, Lisa's journey is sure to spark inspiration. In today's conversation, Lisa takes us behind the scenes of her work with high profile brands like Free People and Chufy and the launch of her own kid's label, Rocks in Our Pockets. 

Ever wondered how to navigate the changing waves of the design industry?  In this episode, Lisa candidly discusses her explorations into a homeware line, wallpaper collaboration, and kid's product line as responses to customer needs. Listen carefully as Lisa highlights the importance of building connections, injecting authenticity into your work and developing the discernment to say yes or no as a designer.

We also tap into freelance design as Lisa imparts valuable insights on defining your brand, setting goals, and maintaining confidence in the face of rejection. We also get down to the nitty-gritty of the industry, dissecting the nuances of buyouts, licensing, and brand ownership. This episode is a treasure trove of insider knowledge for designers aiming to break into surface pattern design or anyone keen on hearing from a successful freelancer. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with Lisa Hawthorne!

You can follow along her journey below:
https://www.instagram.com/by_lisamhawthorne/
https://msha.ke/lisamhawthorne

For more information about working together, visit:

https://lesliekenehan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/