Interested in the Advanced Color Mastery Course?

I'm Telva, and I'm going to tell you something most "gurus" won't: this business is harder than it looks, takes longer than you think, and requires more business savvy than artistic talent.

​

I know because I've lived it.
​

I've been an artist for over 50 years—starting as a child studying with the Bay Area Figurative Movement and somehow ending up teaching surface pattern designers how to turn their artistic vision into actual, sustainable income. My journey reads like a creative odyssey: Color Me Beautiful consultant in 1980s England, makeup artist for Vidal Sassoon and cable networks like HBO, color theory instructor at prestigious art schools across England, and now, a successfully licensed surface pattern designer working primarily with international menswear companies and fabric print-on-demand sites.

​

Today, I'm the founder of Telva's Toolbox and author of The Solopreneur's Guide to Surface Pattern Design (Volumes I and II). I combine deep expertise in color theory with an entrepreneur's practical wisdom—because in this business, you need both.
​

Here's my teaching philosophy: I create inexpensive courses for struggling artists because I remember what it's like to invest in education that overpromises and underdelivers. I give you practical advice delivered with warmth and just enough wit to make the business of creativity feel a little less daunting and a lot more joyful. No fluff. No false promises. Just the real tools you need to build something sustainable.

​

When I'm not designing bold prints for menswear or mentoring fellow artists, you'll find me quilting, coaxing hydrangeas to bloom in my garden, or exploring new corners of the world—always with an eye for the next pattern inspiration.

​

I don't believe everyone should become a surface pattern designer. But if you're one of the ones who should? I'm here to make sure you do it right.

The Color Mastery System teaches you three phases: Trend Intelligence (market research with built-in timing analysis), Strategic Filtering (deciding what fits YOUR business), and Palette Application (creating market-ready color systems). This integrated approach is how professionals actually work, not separate tools you piece together later.

PHASE 1: TREND INTELLIGENCE (Week 1)

Learn to research trends with lifecycle awareness and timing analysis built in.
​

Build integrated intelligence about what's trending, where it's headed, and when
​

to act. This is one professional skill set, not three separate steps.
​

PHASE 2: STRATEGIC FILTERING (Week 2)

Filter market intelligence through YOUR business reality. Not every trend is

right for you. Learn to evaluate trends through 5 strategic questions that

reveal business fit.
​

PHASE 3: PALETTE APPLICATION (Week 3)

Transform Strong Fit trends into actual palettes and production plans. Use

professional tools to create market-ready color systems.

​

PHASE 4: COMMERCIAL SUCCESS (Weeks 4-6)

Apply your strategic color expertise to build collections, ensure technical excellence, and transform your portfolio for commercial success.
​
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Before taking this course, I relied on intuition and personal preferences alone, which often led to unsatisfactory results. Now I strategically select colors based on their psychological impact and suitability for my target market. I'm able to identify emerging trends early and incorporate them into my signature style. Telva is an outstanding instructor who demonstrates extensive expertise." — Advanced Color Mastery Student
​

​