This month Darlene May of Monashee Illustrations and Designs generously volunteered to have her work reviewed. Thank you, Darlene!

In this recorded session, I walk through Darlene’s portfolio in real time and share honest, kind, market-focused feedback on her patterns and overall direction as a designer.

We talk through:

• Whether bold color choices help or hinder work in interiors markets

• Why color must align with the market you want to sell into

• How motifs and pattern elements affect whether a design feels usable to buyers

• Why unintended grids can cause problems in upholstery and interiors

• The difference between designing what you personally love and designing for a specific market

• How identifying your target market can clarify everything from color to motif choices

Darlene asked for an honest review as she continues developing her portfolio and seeking direction, and this conversation explores the kinds of questions many designers face as they move from creating patterns to positioning their work for real markets.

If you're a surface designer hoping to break into interiors, textiles, or home decor, this review offers a behind-the-scenes look at how a buyer/designer with 30+ years of experience evaluates patterns and thinks about market fit.

It’s thoughtful, practical, and full of insights that may help you see your own work in a new way.