Hi, I’m Telva Chase, a surface pattern designer, educator, and general enthusiast for all things prints and patterns. I created this challenge not just to hand you a list of prompts, but to give you a companion to return to whenever you want to reconnect with your creativity.
I know what it’s like to stare at a blank screen, hoping inspiration will strike (spoiler: sometimes it doesn't). This prompt list is a tool I wish I'd had when I was building my portfolio and finding my voice as a designer. It’s playful, purposeful, and full of prompts that nudge you to think like a working designer, not just an artist, but someone shaping patterns for products, textiles, and prints that live out in the world.
Think of this as your creative warm-up routine, your pattern design workout, or your daily artistic stretch (with much cuter results). Here’s how to get the most out of this challenge:
• Start wherever you like. There’s no rule that says Day 1 has to be your starting point. Flip through and find a prompt that speaks to you today.
• Work at your own pace. It’s a 30-day challenge, not a 30-days-in-a-row challenge. Life happens. Skip a day, skip five—come back when you're ready.
• Use your own tools + process. Whether you love watercolors, vector, collage, or Procreate magic, bring your style into the prompts. These are meant to inspire, not dictate.
• Explore different formats. Don’t feel limited to repeat patterns. Some days a placement print, motif sketch, or colorway exploration might be the win.
• Document your progress. Snap photos, post on socials, or keep it private—whatever fuels your motivation. If you’re sharing, tag me so I can cheer you on!
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s momentum, exploration, and remembering why you love creating in the first place.