When I first started uploading my surface pattern designs to Spoonflower, I had no idea what to expect. Like many emerging surface designers, I was excited, nervous, and full of creative energy—but also unsure if my work would ever be noticed.

Fast forward 12 months, and my VERY FIRST design upload was featured on Spoonflower’s homepage—a moment that felt like a dream come true. If you’re a new Spoonflower artist wondering how to stand out or what it takes to get featured, I want to share my story, the strategies that worked for me, and a few things I wish I’d known from the start.

Spoonflowers homepage featuring my design — *the very first design I uploaded, was featured on Spoonflowers homepage.*

Starting Out: A Year of Quiet Consistency

I began my Spoonflower journey as a side project. I was juggling motherhood, a design business, and life between Australia and Indonesia. I wasn’t uploading every day or promoting heavily on social media. But I was consistently creating, drawing inspiration from the ocean, tropical flora, and the slow island living that’s so close to my heart. This I knew was my Niche, and I dug deep.

For the first few months, my designs barely got any traction. Tiny sales, no hearts, no visibility. But I reminded myself: this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Here’s what I focused on:

Uploading at least one new collection a month
Writing keyword-rich titles and descriptions for every design (I enrolled in Erin Kendal’s Power Sellers Academy - I highly recommend)
Participating in Spoonflower’s design challenges (BUT, only when I felt called to)
Sharing my work occasionally on Instagram and Pinterest

The Turning Point: my work feels like me

My very first design upload was actually the one that got featured, 12 months after uploading. Looking back, I think that happened because I was fully rooted in my unique style right from the start.

I didn’t follow trends or try to mimic what was popular. I created from a place of personal experience: surfing in the Maldives, island living, and raising wild-hearted boys near the sea. That grounded, tropical aesthetic has been my north star ever since.

Instead of trying to pivot or chase what might sell, I stayed true to what felt authentic. I kept uploading designs in the same spirit—earthy, ocean-inspired, and organic—and over time, my portfolio began to grow with cohesion and heart.

What Helped Me Get Featured on Spoonflower

Here’s what I believe made the difference:

1. Authentic Design Style

My work wasn’t trying to be like anyone else’s. It was rooted in personal experiences—surfing, travel, island life. That authenticity helped my designs stand out.

2. Well-Written Descriptions & Tags

Spoonflower is a search-driven platform. I spent time learning how to write strong titles and use relevant keywords like ocean-inspired fabric, tropical pattern, and boho coastal print.

3. Professional Presentation

I mocked up my designs on bedding, wallpaper, and home decor using Spoonflower's preview tools and my own lifestyle images. This helped people visualise the final product.

4. Patience and Perseverance

I uploaded for over a year without being featured. But every design I posted built my portfolio and improved my skills. I kept showing up—and eventually, it paid off. Today, a year later, I still only have 440 designs in my shop! Quality over quantity!

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process

Getting featured on Spoonflower wasn’t about going viral. It was about staying true to my style, being consistent, and letting my work evolve naturally over time.

If you’re just starting out or feeling stuck as a Spoonflower artist, know this: the platform rewards patience, passion, and persistence. Keep creating from the heart, tell the story behind your art, and trust that the right people will find it.