THE PATTERN DESIGN ACADEMY®
You’ve Discovered the Magic of Surface Pattern Design.
Now Master the System to Create and Sell Your Designs on Products.
The Pattern Design Academy® is a comprehensive deep dive into the world of surface pattern design. Using my proven framework and step-by-step teaching method, you’ll transform from a Curious Creative to a Confident Designer. You’ll emerge with a professional workflow and a clear path for selling your designs on real-world products.
YES! I'M IN!
Imagine walking into Target or a fabric store and seeing products with your designs on the shelves.
Your creativity wasn’t meant to stay hidden in a sketchbook. It was meant to be shared, celebrated, and transformed into beautiful products that bring joy to the world—and income to your business.
Imagine for a moment what you'll be able to achieve:
Master Illustrator
Gain total command of Illustrator so you can create technical, seamless repeats with speed, precision, and ease.
Build a Professional Portfolio
Showcase your unique style. You're ready for professional opportunities.
Bring Your Art to Life
Navigate the path to licensing & manufacturing. See your designs on fabric, wallpaper, stationery, and more.
There's just one problem...
After years of putting everyone else’s needs first and silencing your own creative spark, the path to becoming a designer can feel daunting. It’s not just about the investment; it’s about finally giving yourself permission to reclaim the artist you were always meant to be...
✔ The "Someday" Trap: You’ve spent years (or decades) telling yourself you’ll focus on your art "later," only to find that your own dreams keep slipping to the bottom of the to-do list.
✔ The "Tech-Wall" Frustration: You have beautiful sketches and a vision for your patterns, but Adobe Illustrator feels like a mountain you can’t climb without a guide.
✔ The "Not An Artist" Internal Voice: You still hear the echoes of a teacher or parent who told you art wasn't a "real" career, making you doubt if you’re "talented enough" to go pro.
✔ The Doodles-to-Dead-End Cycle: You know how to draw, but you’re stuck when it comes to the technical "magic" of creating a seamless, professional repeat that is actually ready for a manufacturer.
✔ The Lack of a Roadmap: You’re tired of piecing together random YouTube tutorials and want a single, supportive system that takes you from start to finish without the guesswork.
Here's the truth:
It doesn't have to be this way
You’ve spent years building everyone else’s dreams; it’s time to build your own. The "secret" to professional surface pattern design isn't found in a textbook or a random YouTube video. It’s found in a guided, supportive environment where the complex is made simple. You don’t have to struggle alone anymore. There is a faster, more joyful way to see your art on products, and it starts with giving yourself permission to say "YES" to yourself.
YES! I'M READY TO CLAIM MY SPACE!
"This program helped me start a bespoke wallpaper business. I succeeded as a direct result of learning Illustrator."
Robin Koza, PDA student
"I've already sold sportswear pieces with my designs on them. I never would have believed this was possible!"
Vicki Rudolph, PDA student
"I've licensed my first collection with The Texile District. This would never have happened without this program!"
Debby McLaughlin, PDA student
Introducing
The Pattern Design Academy®
The definitive 9-week course and coaching program designed to take you from a Curious Creative to a Confident Designer. This isn’t just a course; it’s your professional roadmap to turn your art into products you're proud to gift, wear or sell.
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Proven roadmap
Stop wasting time on "guesswork" or disjointed tutorials. You’ll follow a structured, step-by-step curriculum that demystifies the tech and gives you a professional workflow you can use for years to come.
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Weekly group calls
Get your questions answered in real-time. Every week, we gather virtually for live coaching sessions You’ll never have to wonder if you’re doing it "right"—I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
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Private community
A safe space to grow, share, and connect. You’ll gain access to our vibrant, private community of fellow creatives who are on the exact same journey. A place for us to celebrate your wins together.
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Portfolio ready
By the end of 9 weeks, you won’t just have "knowledge"—you’ll have a library of professional-grade patterns and the confidence to start pitching your work or launching your own product line.
Plus a fast-action bonus
Available for a limited time only!Â
The Procreate-to-Illustrator Workflow with Beth Buffington
Love drawing on your iPad? In this exclusive bonus, licensed artist Beth Buffington shows you how to bridge the gap between Procreate and Adobe Illustrator. Learn how to create your initial motifs in Procreate's intuitive environment and then seamlessly transition them into Illustrator to finish your professional repeating patterns. It’s the best of both worlds!
Value: $697
YES! I WANT THE FAST ACTION BONUS!
Here's what you'll learn
Everything you need to achieve your goal
Module 1
Illustrator
We'll get the party started by diving deeper into Adobe Illustrator. You'll learn how to use new tools, set up your work space for different purposes, and gain insights into how to select the best tool for the job at hand.Â
Module 2
Color
Color makes all the difference. Picking color palettes and learning how to make your own is a critical part of your surface design journey. In this module, you'll establish a workflow that you can follow for years to come.
Module 3
Motifs
Motifs, which is just a fancy word for doodles or individual sketches elements come in all shapes and sizes. In this module, you'll learn how to create motifs in a variety of new and exciting ways. Some techniques don't involve drawing at all!
Module 4
Pattern Basics
This is the beginning of portfolio building. You'll learn five different pattern types, what they are called in the industry and why they are important. This is foundational to your understanding of surface pattern design.
Module 5
Advanced Patterns
Ready to dive even deeper? In this module, we'll expand your capabilities into more complex repeating pattern designs. You'll learn how to build designs in a variety of ways so that you can choose the best one for the job.Â
Module 6
Collections
Building a collection of patterns means creating four to eight, or more, designs that coordinate with each other. This demonstrates your knowledge of pattern types and greatly expands the marketability of your work.Â
Module 7
Business, Part 1
At this stage, you're ready to decide on one or more paths to monetize your designs. In this module we'll cover the business foundational elements you need to be set up for success. Â
Module 8
Business, Part 2
In this final module,  we'll work together to outline your unique roadmap ahead to sell your products at retail, wholesale, craft fairs, POD or bespoke. Whichever path(s) is best for YOU.
Graduation
Celebration!
It's time to celebrate your accomplishments and set your game plan going forward. We never take the time to look back and recognize the progress you've made. Congratulations!
Picture this...
Your life after taking this course...
✔ A Creative Workflow That Clicks: You no longer stare at a blank screen in Adobe Illustrator wondering where to start. You have a go-to system that turns your sketches into seamless repeats with total ease.
✔ The "Artist" Identity Reclaimed: You’ve silenced those old voices that said you weren't "talented enough." You now walk with the confidence of a professional designer who knows exactly how to bring a vision to life.
✔ A Growing Portfolio of Patterns: You have a library of industry-standard designs ready to be licensed, sold, or printed on products—no more "folders of unfinished ideas."
✔ The Freedom to Design Anything: Whether it’s a delicate floral for fabric or a bold geometric for wallpaper, you have the technical mastery to create any pattern you can imagine.
✔ A Community of Creative Peers: You aren't designing in a vacuum anymore. You have a lifelong network of fellow designers and mentors who "get" your passion and support your growth.
"I never thought I would be able to create a professional portfolio. I did it! It never would have happened without Anne and this fabulous program."
Denise Chavez, PDA student
"Learning how to translate my ceramic art into repeating patterns is a dream come true. I can now expand my sales beyond art shows."
Rebecca Love, PDA student
Class starts on Monday, April 27 and ends Friday, June 26. Weekly coaching sessions take place on zoom on Fridays at 10am PT / 1pm ET.
JOIN TODAY BY SELECTING THE OPTION THAT'S BEST FOR YOU.
PAY IN FULL & SAVE!
$1997
BEST VALUE - SAVE $385
AND
You get an EXTRA bonus:Â
My Comprehensive Guide to Licensing ($597 VALUE)
6 MONTH PAYMENT PLAN
$397
Total Cost $2,382
Pay $397 today
Followed by 5 additional payments of $397 each, 30 days apart
Monthly payments over 6 monthsÂ
And there is more!
When you enroll, you'll also get these awesome bonuses:
01
9 Weeks of High-Touch Group Coaching & Community Support
Don’t let a technical "glitch" stop your momentum. For the entire duration of the Academy, you’ll have direct access to me in our private, student-only community and during our weekly live coaching calls. Whether you need a portfolio review or a quick Illustrator fix, you’ll have the expert guidance and peer support to ensure you cross the finish line with confidence.
Value: $997
02
From Watercolor to a Dress with Maria Ahl-Zanier
Ever wondered how to turn a physical painting into a high-end garment? In this exclusive masterclass, Maria walks you through her exact process of transforming original watercolors into repeating designs for linen dresses. From digitizing delicate brushstrokes to navigating the manufacturing process and reviewing samples, you’ll learn how to take your art off the page and onto the runway.
Value: $497
03
Quilting 101 for Surface Pattern Design with Ally Ryde
Scale is the "secret sauce" of successful surface design. Join designer and quilter Ally Ryde as she shares her professional framework for measuring motifs and perfecting scale for quilting and sewing projects. You’ll learn how to ensure your designs aren't just beautiful on screen, but technically perfect for the makers who will eventually use your fabrics.
Value: $497
Meet your teacher
Hi, I'm Anne
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Today, I am a Professional Surface Pattern Designer and the founder of The Pattern Design Academy®, where I’ve helped thousands of women around the world turn their "doodles" into professional, saleable art.
My days are spent in my creative studio in Mill Valley, California, designing for my own brand and teaching others how to master the technical "magic" of Adobe Illustrator.
I’m obsessed with the intersection of creativity and technology, and there is nothing I love more than seeing my students’ faces light up when they create their very first seamless repeat.
I’ve built a business that allows me to be my own boss, set my own schedule, and—most importantly—spend my time bringing more color and beauty into the world.
But it wasn't always this way...
For years, I followed a traditional path as a high-level executive. But in my late 50s, the unthinkable happened: I was laid off. Suddenly, the "security" I had worked so hard for was gone, and I found myself at a crossroads, wondering if my best years were behind me.
I decided then and there that I wasn't done. I chose to reinvent myself by leaning back into the creativity I had set aside for decades. I went from being a corporate executive to a "Curious Creative," teaching myself the complex world of surface pattern design from scratch.
I know exactly what it feels like to start over, to feel "too old" for new tech, and to hear those voices of doubt. But I also know the incredible freedom that comes with building something of your own. I created this Academy so you don’t have to struggle through the "reinvention" alone—I’m here to give you the roadmap I wish I’d had when I started.
This is possible for you too
If I can reinvent myself in my late 50s, I know you can too. You don't need a lifetime of traditional art school or a 'tech' background—you just need the right roadmap and a little bit of courage to say 'yes' to yourself.
01
Commit to Your Creativity
Say goodbye to the "someday" trap. Once you join the Academy, you'll get immediate access to the foundational tools and our supportive community so you can start your 9-week journey with momentum.
02
Master the Professional System
Move through my proven, step-by-step framework to conquer Adobe Illustrator. You’ll stop "guessing" and start creating seamless, industry-standard patterns with a professional workflow.
03
Launch Your Design Future
Emerge with a finished portfolio, a clear path to seeing your art on products, and the unwavering confidence of a designer who knows exactly how to bring their vision to life.
Our money-back guarantee
Try our program for a full week, risk-free
Enjoy the entire first week with us. Dive into Module 1 which is all about mastering Adobe Illustrator. At the end of that first week, if you decide it's not the right fit, email us and we'll refund your money. Â
This is for you if:
✔ You’re ready to reclaim your creative identity. You’ve spent years (or decades) prioritizing everyone else’s dreams, and you’re finally ready to say "yes" to your own.
✔ You’ve always felt like an artist "inside" but lacked the technical roadmap. You have the sketches and the vision, but you need a mentor to show you how to turn them into professional, industry-standard patterns.
✔ You’re tired of the "YouTube Rabbit Hole." You want a structured, step-by-step system that takes the guesswork out of Adobe Illustrator so you can spend more time designing and less time Googling "how to."
✔ You want to see your art on real products. Whether it’s fabric, wallpaper, or stationery, you are motivated by the dream of walking into a shop and seeing your designs on the shelves.
✔ You value a supportive, high-touch environment. You want to learn alongside a community of like-minded women and have direct access to a teacher who actually cares about your success.
This is not for you if:
✗ You’re looking for a "get rich quick" scheme. Surface pattern design is a rewarding professional skill, but it requires practice, patience, and a genuine love for the creative process.
âś—Â You aren't willing to open Adobe Illustrator. This program is specifically designed to make you a master of the industry-standard tool. If you aren't ready to dive into the software, this isn't the right fit.
✗ You prefer to work entirely in isolation. A huge part of the Academy’s magic is our collaborative community and live coaching. If you don't enjoy learning with others, you’ll miss out on half the value!
✗ You’re looking for a "push-button" solution. While I make the tech simple, you still have to do the work. This is for the woman who is ready to roll up her sleeves and build her design future.
"This program taught me how to sell profitably at craft fairs and launch my creative membership. I'm beyond grateful. "
Kathleen Lambert, PDA student
"I'm a children's book author and can now do my own illustrations! I never thought I could master Illustrator. Your program made all the difference."
Vicki Rudolph, PDA student
Are you ready to finally prioritize your creativity?
You’ve spent years wondering "what if" and silenced your inner artist for far too long. The roadmap is ready, the community is waiting, and your unique designs deserve to be seen by the world. It’s time to stop doodling in the margins and start building the creative life you’ve always imagined. I’ll be with you every step of the way.
YES! I’M READY TO BECOME A DESIGNER
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the program start?
Do I need to be a 'real' artist or have a degree to succeed?
Do I really need Adobe Illustrator? Can’t I use Procreate?
How much time do I need to commit each week?
What if I get stuck on a technical step?
I'm busy right now—can I start later?
Will I actually be able to sell my designs after 9 weeks?
Is there a payment plan available?
Real talk, my friend
It's your time to become a Confident Designer.
For years, you’ve put your creative dreams on a shelf while you took care of everyone else. You’ve listened to those old voices telling you it’s "too late" or that you aren't "tech-savvy" enough to be a professional. But the truth is, those dreams haven't gone away—they've just been waiting for you to say yes.
Reinventing yourself isn't about becoming someone new; it's about finally becoming the artist you were always meant to be. Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, you have a unique creative voice that the world needs to see. Don't let another year go by wondering "what if."
Here's what's waiting for you on the other side:
✔ The Pride of Mastery: That incredible "aha!" moment when Adobe Illustrator finally clicks and you realize you can create anything you imagine.
✔ A Professional Identity: No more calling yourself a "hobbyist"—you’ll have the skills, the portfolio, and the confidence of a working designer.
✔ Your Art in the World: The unmatched joy of seeing your unique patterns on real products, from fabric and quilts to stationery and home decor.
Class starts on Monday, April 27 and ends Friday, June 26. Weekly coaching sessions take place on zoom on Fridays at 10am PT / 1pm ET.
JOIN TODAY BY SELECTING THE OPTION THAT'S BEST FOR YOU.
PAY IN FULL & SAVE!
$1997
BEST VALUE - SAVE $385
AND
You get an EXTRA bonus:Â
My Comprehensive Guide to Licensing ($597 VALUE)
6 MONTH PAYMENT PLAN
$397
Total Cost $2,382
Pay $397 today
You'll make 5 additional payments of $397, each 30 days apart.
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