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Stop Making āNiceā Patterns.
Start MakingĀ
Patterns They Canāt Forget.
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You donāt need to do more. You just need to say more ā through work that feels honest, hits deep, and doesnāt get ignored.
In 4 weeks, you'll have a portfolio-ready mini collection you're proud to pitch, not just post.
Ā Be the first to know when doors to the 4-week course open ā and get early access goodies. š
Does this feel like you?
You're technically solid, but something's missing...
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Youāve got the skills. You can build a repeat, use Illustrator/Photoshop/Procreate/Affinity (etc.), and follow a trend.
But when you look at your work, somethingās still missing. It feelsā¦ fine - but just fine. It's sort of flat. Like it couldāve come from anyone.
And honestly? No oneās engaging with it. No oneās really buying. You feel like you're lost in a sea of designs.
You're not alone. I've been there too.
But hereās what Iāve learned:
Itās probably not that you need to work harder.
Itās likely not even a skill thing.
Itās almost certainly aĀ storytelling thing.
And once you add storytelling? Everything changes.
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I'M READY TO TELL UNFORGETTABLE STORIESYour story is your style. And your style is what makes people remember you.
From Motif to Magic is a live, 4-week online course for surface pattern designers who want to move beyond just making pretty patternsĀ - and start creating designs with heart, meaning, and storytelling magic.
Through:
- video lessons,
- downloadable resources,
- weekly live calls, and
- a private community
Youāll learn how to find your story, turn it into compelling motifs, build thoughtful pattern repeats, and use color with purpose.
By the end of the course, youāll have:
- a complete, story-infused 3-piece mini collection: a hero print, a coordinating print, and a blender print, and a
- reusable storytelling framework you can return to again and again, so every design you create feels intentional, cohesive, and unmistakably you.
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I WANT TO MAKE WORK THAT FEELS LIKE MEWhat you get during the course:
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A 4-week, 6-module course
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Weekly Live Q&As
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A private communityĀ
What you'll walk away with:
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A story-driven, 3-piece mini collection
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A reusable framework to design story-driven designs again and again
Let's make some magic, babe.
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"Okay that sounds awesome," you say, "But what is actually in the course?!"
From Motif to Magic is a live course withĀ 6 Modules released over a 4-week period.Ā Along with the lessons, there will be weekly Live Q&As with me where we can chat about what you're learning and I can answer your burning questions. You will also have access to a temporary private community to share your journey with me and your fellow FMTM students! Oh, also, I LOVE surprises, so there will be some surprise BONUSES too! What are they? Well... that's part of the surprise, silly! You'll just have to wait and see! š
WeekĀ 1
Modules 1 + 2
Find Your Story
Learn how to spot storytelling
in design by breaking down real patterns into their core elements. Then, use what you've learned toĀ brainstormĀ personal, meaningful themes to guide your mini collection and craft a narrative thatās bothĀ authentic to youĀ andĀ willĀ resonate with your audience.
WeekĀ 2
Module 3
Craft Memorable Motifs
Design powerful motifs that carry emotional weight, visual cohesion, and narrative clarityĀ - the building blocks of your hero, coordinate, and blender prints.
WeekĀ 3
Modules 4 + 5
Patterns + Palettes with Purpose
Transform your motifs into a visually compelling hero print by mastering layout, flow, and layering that brings your story to life.Ā Then, create story-driven color palettes that unify your mini collection and deepen its emotional impact through intentional, expressive color choices.
WeekĀ 4
Module 6
Discover Your Magic by Bringing It All Together
Refine, package, and present your story-rich mini collection with clarity and confidenceĀ - and walk away with portfolio-readyĀ work that feels unmistakablyĀ you.
Lisa
@liseereedesigns
"Jillian captures the essence of a scene with her designs, and it's that captivating journey you take with her that keeps you coming back for more. Learning the art of storytelling through your pattern work makes so much sense when Jillian teaches you her hierarchy for creating compelling stories through art."
Hi, Iām Jillian - and Iāve been exactly where you are.
Iāve supported hundreds of surface pattern designers through other courses and workshopsĀ - and again and again, Iāve seen them stuck in the same spot I was: technically skilled in setting up repeats, but unsure how to make their work truly connect.
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Back when I first started designing patterns, I couldnāt figure out why my work wasnāt getting noticed.
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I had solid skills, I was making things that looked fine... but they just werenāt connecting. No sales. No licensing bites. Just crickets and a whole lotta self-doubt.
It wasnāt until I really started leaning into storytelling that everything changed.
Here's a little about me: Iām an illustrator, surface pattern designer, and full-time magic-maker based in Providence, Rhode Island.
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My work is whimsical, vintage-inspired, and a little bit weird (in the best way)Ā - and Iāve licensed overĀ 100 designs across industries from fabric to stationery to apparel to wallpaper.Ā
Iām going to be your cheerleader/guide (Gandalf-through-Middle-Earth-style) through this course.
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I createdĀ From Motif to MagicĀ because I know how frustrating it is to feel like your patterns areĀ fineĀ but notĀ special.
I want to help you bring more heart, meaning, and YOU-ness into your work, so you can stop second-guessing your style and start creating designs that truly resonateĀ - with your audienceĀ andĀ yourself.
You donāt need fancy tools or a background in fine art...
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You just needĀ a desire to tell stories through your designs and a willingness to dive a little deeper. And Iāll be with you every step of the way.
Letās make some magic, babe.Ā
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I'M READY TO MAKE MAGIC!Ā
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Here's why it matters.
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Adding storytelling to a theme can take your work from "fine" to unforgettable!
This first design is not terrible. Is it groundbreaking work - no - but it is technically fine. It repeats. The motifs are varied and somewhat interesting. It even has decent movement. But it's also kind of flat. Anyone could have made this design.
So I took the overarching idea and I went deeper.Ā The trick was really setting the sceneĀ - creating a whole world for my viewer to step into.
This first pattern? Never got licensed.
This second iteration? It was one of my first licensing deals.
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If your work feels like itās missing somethingā¦ this is probably it.
"Great, butĀ is this course for me?"Ā
Let's take a look. ;) This course is for you if...
- āļøYouāve got the technical skills down but your patterns still feel... kinda forgettable
- āļøYouāre tired ofĀ feeling like you have to follow trends that donāt feel like you
- āļøYou are motivated to improve your design skills and not afraid of a little hard work
- āļøYou want to create work that resonatesĀ - with buyers and with yourself
- āļøYouāre craving a clearer process for turning ideas into full, cohesive collections
- āļøYou want your designs to stand out, tell a story, and actually get noticed
- āļøYouāre done with ājust prettyāĀ - you want powerful, personal, portfolio-worthy
However -Ā Letās be honestĀ - this course isnāt for everyone. And that's kind of the point.
š«This course isnāt for you if:š«
- š«Youāve never made a repeat pattern before (this isnāt an intro-to-software-or-design course).
- š«Youāre looking for step-by-step Illustrator/Procreate/Affinity/Photoshop/etc. tutorials. There will be none of that here!
- š«You just want to make whatās trendy without thinking too hard. Trends can be fun, but they're even more fun if you give them the spin only YOU can give them!
- š«Youāre just here for fast results or passive income hacks. I have none of those for you. We're here to work hard and take the time.
- š«Youād rather copy than create. If you don't want to do the work to find your own voice, you're not in the right place.
- š«Youāre allergic to creative introspection, hard work, and consistency. This is, like, what this whole course is about! š
ErinĀ
@erinsillimandesigns
"Learning from Jillian is magical! She has a deep understanding of how to take surface pattern design to the next level with the element of story. Access to her knowledge, talent, and infectious personality will give you the confidence to create stronger, more compelling collections going forward. I treasure lessons and advice from Jillian, and you will too!"
You just get me, Jillian... I'm in!
I WANT TO TELL MY STORIES
Still got questions? Don't worry, babe, I've got answers for you.
Is this course beginner-friendly?
Do you offer refunds?
How much time will I need each week?
Do I need to be good at drawing to take this course?
Do I need any special or specific programs to do this course?
What do I actually get when I enroll?
What if I donāt have a clear story or theme yet?
What if Iām overwhelmed or not sure I can finish?
Will there be feedback or community?
Will I be able to use what I create in my portfolio or for licensing?
Will you offer this course again?
What do I get as a Founding Member?
Will this course make my art go viral?
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GabrielaĀ
@gabrieladachin
"Jillian is a warm, generous teacher who shares her knowledge and supports fellow artists.Ā Her kind, uplifting spirit shines through in every interaction.
So... what do you think? Are you ready to make some magic?
Get on the waitlist now to be the first to know when the doors open for enrollment! I can't WAIT to see you inside and absolutely drink in all the stories you're going to tell!
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