Hi Guys - So I think a lot of you know that I spend most of my social media time hanging-out over on Instagram. I just can't enough of the eye-candy and lovely, chatty folks to boot. However, I have found myself pulled, quite often these days, back to a place I had almost written-off as past it's prime: Facebook.

The reason? Facebook groups! And not just any Facebook groups, but a wonderful batch of ones I've discovered that cater specifically to us creatives, us artists, us surface pattern designers!Now, there are a number of Facebook groups that are tied to subscriptions, such as the Roost Tribe hosted by Bonnie Christine, and the Rachael Taylor's Make it in Design course groups.

However, I have found a couple of really wonderful, dynamic and engaging Facebook groups that are free to join and that I think can act as great resources for those of us trying to make our way in the surface pattern design field.Over the next several weeks I will be highlighting my favorites as part of a special Facebook groups series.

First up...

Surface Pattern Design Community

This is a Facebook group created by an aspiring surface designer, for aspiring surface designers. It's a place where you can go for help and to ask questions. You'll find a lively and supportive community of artists ready and willing to help you move forward.I had a chance to connect with Gillian Grimmett, who hosts this Facebook group, to find out about her background and why she started the group.

Hi Gillian! Can you tell us a bit about your background and life as an artist?

I’ve always been quite crafty.I taught myself to sew when I was 14 and made a lot of my own clothes.From there I started dabbling, trying out a bunch of different crafts because they just seemed to interest me. I’m still dabbling now.

After I had my daughter, a quilting magazine in Australia held a competition to find a new designer to feature in their magazine.I decided I’d make an applique quilt despite never actually having made a quilt in my life.I ended up winning the competition and my quilt was featured as a pattern in their magazine.So, began my short-lived quilting career.

I did make one other quilt that they also published but then became more interested in painting and mixed media.The painting then in a roundabout way led to surface design. I watched numerous online classes before finally arriving at Bonnie Christine’s Into to Surface Pattern Design class offered through Skillshare.I was a bit of a tech dummy, so learning Adobe Illustrator was quite a steep learning curve.

Why did you start this Facebook group?

I would have found a group like this invaluable when I first started doing surface design, but there just weren’t any that I could find.There were a few groups hosted by Skillshare teachers and design schools to support students enrolled in their classes. However, I found that when the classes ended the group interactions dwindled, so I decided to start my own.

Who do you think would find value in this group?

Anyone interested in learning surface design or sharing what they've learned about the field. The technical aspects of surface design can be very daunting for those just starting out, so if people can come together in the group and share their knowledge, it will help us all grow and learn quicker.

I want the group to be a place where likeminded people can find support.I don’t have a lot of crafty friends, and none that are pattern designers, so it’s nice to be able to interact with other designers in the group.

How are you finding that folks are engaging in the group?

The group has exceeded my expectations.I didn’t think it would grow this big so quickly. There are many members that interact in the group daily.If anyone has a question usually quite a few members will jump in with suggestions to help them out.

What are some of the main topics discussed in the group?

Help for troubleshooting various software programs;
Links to tutorials or other surface design tips;
Freebies that people may find useful to help with the design process;
Info on surface pattern competitions or challenges.
Designer spotlight so folks can get to know each other.

A number of us will also be participating in a 9-week pattern challenge that starts next Monday.It’s actually quite challenging to stay on top of churning out a pattern a week, but I think participants will see that their skills will grow immensely as they participate in it. My hope is that it will help designers to understand what kind of patterns they really enjoy designing.

What are your plans for the future?

To be a famous surface pattern designer!Kidding, although that would be awesome!To be able to make a living off of surface design is my main goal and of course to see my designs in shops would be pretty cool.One day I would like to design a fabric collection...then maybe I will actually feel like making a quilt again!

My favorite Facebook groups: Surface Pattern Design Community