Today I am unboxing at SG500 Sublimation printer from Sawgrass! If you have ever wondered about sublimation before, this is going to be fun for you to watch!

Setting it up was SO easy! Sometimes I get nervous about putting in ink cartridges but this was a snap!

I know most of you like to use my SVG files (aka Silhouette and Cricut cutting files) so this new machine is going to be fun to play with! Sublimation uses a heating element to fuse png or jpg files all at once. I’m used to layering everything with my heat transfer and vinyl projects with my cutting machine!

I will for sure be playing with my print and cut SVG files with this sublimation machine!

Other things to note, Sawgrass has an amazing onboarding phone call that is FREE when you purchase a printer. Go to https://www.sawgrassink.com/ to set up the call.

The call was so helpful because they walked me through the paper, ink, and getting everything right on my computer to print! Whoopee!

So what am I going to use this sublimation printer for? I think I’m going to start with some tumblers and then make some t-shirts! I’ll make sure and document my process via video!

You can find all of my new crafting videos at www.youtube.com/carinagardner.

Want to find out more about sublimation? Check out my podcast episode with Sarah Cannon on sublimation! Here’s the link to Episode 180!

XOXO,

Carina

Twenty years ago while I was in the academic system, portfolios were a necessary part of getting design gigs. I still believe a great portfolio can be a job catalyst for designers just out of school. If you are a freelancer in my program, I will also encourage a portfolio. However, if you are getting into surface pattern design or a crafting specialty, I don’t recommend a portfolio.

The topic of creating a portfolio has come up in my Design Suite Program on numerous occasions, which is why I want to address this today.

When you’re in a specific field like surface pattern design, the best way to show your work is to be SELLING your work. Your portfolio IS the shop you are designing and selling in.

Experience as a designer is far more important than a portfolio. That’s because you will be learning from that shop which of your art is being sold. The main point of a portfolio is to get you a corporate design job or get you that freelance gig. If you are in a shop, you are past needing a portfolio.

Do you love this kind of design information? If so, come check out one of my Design  Bootcamps!

To hear more about why you don’t need a portfolio, check out the full podcast episode here:

Have you joined our Cricut and Silhouette bundle membership? $4.99 for our gorgeous set of files all inspired by Harry Potter for Witch and Wizard month.

Join the app to get access to this month’s download. Past bundles available at carinagardner.com for $9.99

Join the App for free here:: https://ink-club.passion.io/

We can’t wait to see what you make!

When I started surface pattern design 15 years ago, one of the things I wanted was a contract to work with a company. Options were limited, and I think that I was blissfully ignorant of how complicated this road was going to be.

Today, there are many ways that surface pattern designers can make money. Designers no longer need to rely on manufacturers alone to create income. Online marketplaces now provide ways to sell digital products and freelance work. The income is more stable and flexible than ever before!

There has never been a better time or more transparency about the process of becoming a designer as now. If you’ve been thinking about getting into surface pattern design, I want to challenge you to start learning the software, building networks, and learning where you can sell your designs.

It’s hard to predict the future. Many designers who took time off, wish they could go back and do something different. I want to emphasize that focusing on the NOW will propel you forward. This is exactly how I run my design business, and how I recommend you run yours.

While doing this, I look for lessons I’ve learned from the past to determine the opportunities in the future. It’s vital to be hopeful and positive to get those creative juices flowing!

The little steps you take add up. Perseverance and consistency are important attributes of successful designers. Oh, and this crazy little thing called adaptability. It’s an ever changing world and the faster you can pivot your designs, the better your financial future will be.

If you’re looking to fast track your design business, hang out with me at my next Design Bootcamp. Learn more at https://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp.

I can’t wait to see you there!

XOXO,

Carina

Want to learn more about design in 2022? Check out Podcast Episode 164 What Surface Pattern Design in 2022 Looks Like here:

It’s time for an Easter project round up. Happy springtime and “hoppy” Easter season! Today we’re going to take a look back at some of the fun projects that I’ve done over the past couple of years! These fun items to add a touch of Easter to any decorations or displays that you’re putting up to celebrate.

Happy Easter Banner

First up is this decorative Layered Easter Banner! Whether you hang it along a wall or in an archway, what better way is there to say “Happy Easter” than this banner? Its accordion cuts, fun textures, and optimistic messaging make it beam with “Spring is here, so let’s celebrate!”

Such a fun way to set the stage for a beautiful Easter display!

LINK TO A TUTORIAL FOR THE HAPPY EASTER BANNER

Table Top Easter Village

Next up in our Easter project round up, we have two pieces that you can display together or display separately. The Mini Tabletop Easter Village is perfect for putting on a cake plate. It can also serve as a centerpiece and will add decorative flair to any Easter display. Give little bunnies adorable places to live! Choose from the two houses or bunny den that lovingly overlook the cute easter garden in this colorful vignette.

LINK TO THE TABLE TOP EASTER VILLAGE TUTORIAL

Best Bunny House

The little village brings joy to any room as a standalone or it can be paired with my Best Bunny House to build a little Easter Bunny metropolis (well, the beginnings of one, at least!). Combined with the Village or on its own, the Bunny House combines cute flowers, adorable bunnies, and a double-decker design to add a flourish of Easter fun to any room or table top. The darling spring garden that surrounds the house makes this a fun and colorful way to celebrate springtime and the Easter season.

LINK TO BEST BUNNY HOUSE TUTORIAL

Flat Folding Bunny Box

Last up, we have an adorable little project that can be used in a number of ways!

The Flat Folding Bunny Box is the perfect way to package party favors or to wrap up a little Easter present you’d like to give someone! Stacking several of these boxes in different colors is also a cute way to create a stackable Easter display to add a touch of pastel panache to a room for the holiday.

LINK TO THE FLAT FOLDING BUNNY BOX TUTORIAL

I hope you’ve had as much fun revisiting the Easter project roundup as I have! If you’d like to join my VIP group so that you can get designs like these as freebies in your inbox every week, go here: http://eepurl.com/dN2RcY.  I regularly RESEND files to be sure to sign up so that you’re getting all my free tutorials!