Hi Guys! Today I’d like to introduce you to the work of illustrator and pattern designer, Sam Pernoski. Many years ago Sam lost her creative spark, and walked away from art after the passing of her Mom. She just couldn't bring herself to create. But then slowly, over time, she found a way to overcome this block and reconnect with the joy art once brought her.

This is a lovely interview and one that I think will be inspiring for all of us who have gone through a rough patch...one where we just did't feel we had it in us to be creative.

Even though this is a bit of a heavy topic, I promise it is a sweet and inspiring interview. Enjoy!

Hi Sam! Please tell us a little bit about your background as an artist and how you got into surface pattern design.

I’ve been a creative type ever since I can remember. As a child I drew, colored and glued whatever I could get my hands on. It wasn’t until I reached my mid 20’s that I began to create with a bit more purpose. I spent a lot of time working on paintings that I sold online. I also sold bits of jewelry and smaller paintings at a local gallery gift shop.

After the passing of my mom in 2005 I stopped all artistic ventures . I just couldn’t connect to my art in the way that I needed to.

Although I had no idea at the time if I would ever feel creative again, I did keep all my supplies. Little did I know.Years passed and life moved on. After a lot of inner work and soul searching I found myself smack dab in front of my supplies again.

I found a painting class online that looked interesting so I signed up. And while I never finished that class, it did lead me to another online program that I would not have know about otherwise. The program was all about learning to make patterns.

I began to study pattern design in September 2016. The moment I finished making my very first repeat I was hooked! I knew that pattern design was for me, it was what I was meant to do.

I wasn’t thinking about a career at that time, I was just thrilled that I’d found a happy space. I continued taking classes and the further I got into pattern design the more I started thinking a career might be possible.

Today, nearly one year later, I’m working to finalize my portfolio and plan on sending out shortly. It’s all very exciting.

I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. How were you able to reconnect to your creativity after her passing?

I’d love to say that there was one simple thing I did to help me reconnect with my creativity after my Mom's passing. Instead, it was more likely a series of steps that brought me to that point.

I became naturally drawn to things that made me happy inside. I wanted to feel fulfilled and inspired again. In my personal time I began to study meditation and spiritual practices which I’d always had an interest in but never pursued fully. I became a care aide and worked (mostly) with seniors for about 4 years. The creativity didn’t resurface during this time but I could feel that this place was preparing me for something much bigger.

Although incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, I chose to leave that job to begin my own business. I became a medium, meditation teacher and reiki master. I’ve always been one to live a little ‘outside of the box’. I enjoy that perspective on life and it’s one I use daily as a designer.

Looking back, I realize that through helping others, I found inspiration and helped myself heal. Those years awakened my creative spirit.

As I worked with clients, helping them uncover their hopes and dreams, I time and time again channeled messages that were both encouraging and supportive. I found myself relating to these clients - they were people just like me who were for whatever reason unsure or unclear about what path to follow. Between them and Spirit, I came to believe that truly anything is possible. This became so clear to me that it was obvious I needed to start creating again. I knew that was my ultimate calling.

On a whim I tried a painting night with a friend. The moment the teacher turned up the music and said to go to it, something happened inside of me. For over 10 years I’d kept that part of myself tucked deep within. I think I thought that my emotions and feelings were ‘safer’ inside. It was such a release when I let it all out. I was finally free.

You will find my current work carries light and happy vibes. It’s where I am at this point in my life.

What advice would you give to others who may be feeling that, due to life circumstances, they just can't connect to their creative side right now?

I’d suggests that people struggling to find their creative energy start filling the moments of their day with things that make them happy. For some people that can be a difficult to do, but I promise it’s a game changer and will impact your creative self in the most amazing way.

This might mean changing up your schedule or introducing something new into your life. If it’s a positive shift, it will be worth it. It might not even be design related. However it will start bringing you into the frame of mind that you need to let in that creative energy.

I try to check in with my surroundings too. Color can have such an impact on us! I love to slap fresh paint on the walls, pick up new pillows or even treat myself to a brightly patterned top. All of these things help to encourage the artist within.

Where do you find inspiration?

I meditate a lot which has helped me strengthen my intuition. That’s probably the first place I go to for inspiration. Mixed imagery and colors come to me during daily thought or through dreams. On occasion I have even dreamed of fully planned patterns! I love it when it comes easy like that.

I also enjoy being in my garden or near the water. There is so much inspiration all around us; textures, patterns and colors. I always make sure that when I walk my dog, I bring my phone along so I can snap any pictures that catch my eye.

We all have those days or weeks were we don't feel creative or feel distracted from our work. How do you refocus?

On the days that I can’t seem to get it together, I will give myself a break. That is not always easy for me. I like to get things done so taking time off can be a hard one to swallow.

I might look at work by artists I’ve admired over the years or go into a favorite store to see the latest displays. I have a friend who makes jewelry, I love to sit and look through her work.There are so many styles of art out there, you really can’t help but be inspired by it all. I find it motivates me to design my own pieces.

What advice can you give others who interested in surface pattern design? What have you learned so far?

Advice wise I’d say just take it all step by step, whatever that means for YOU. There is no one right way to get there. Life gives us lots of nudges, some subtle and others more obvious. It’s so important to pay close attention and follow that direction. It may be taking you in a way that you hadn’t thought of before.

I also think it’s better to be yourself. There is no one else exactly like you. So whatever your strengths are, work with those. Work to better your weak spots but always be you. People will recognize your authenticity in your designs and connect with that special part of you that shines through.

I’ve learned that life is not a competition. I’m simply here to channel joy and to be the best version of me.

Want to see more of Sam's work? You can visit her website or find her on Instagram.

Reconnecting to Your Creativity with Sam Pernoski