THE LIFE BEHIND IT ALL
THE LIFE BEHIND IT ALL
SNICKERDOODLE KNITS
Creativity, Clarity + Confidence in Knitting
Pattern Design Circle
The resource hub, learning center, and supportive community for knit + crochet pattern designers looking to amplify their business on their terms
Already a member? Log in here.
Elevate your knit or crochet pattern design business using strategies that are effective, authentic to you, and sustainable long-term
Doors to Pattern Design Circle are currently closed. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when doors open again ~ and receive helpful emails for designers in the meantime.
I find the Design Circle an incredibly valuable place to be with other folks, wherever we are along our own paths. Jessica continually (and helpfully) emphasizes that we are all on our own journey and reminds us to take in information at the pace that make sense for us individually. I have learned tangible, concrete things that I have been able to apply to my new business but the feeling of community, for learning and celebrating with colleagues, is perhaps my favorite aspect of being a Design Circle member.
- Molly, And Such Hand Knits
How would it feel to wake up each morning excited to work on your business and market your patterns with consistent, focused action that feels good?
Pretty amazing, right?
It is.
I know how gross it feels to market with a strategy that someone said you have to use.
And I know how easy it is to get burned out when you don't love what you create and share.
Which is why I'm so passionate about helping you create the business plan that is authentic and sustainable for you... all while providing the resources to support you when your path takes a turn and you choose to make some adjustments to your business or life.
Because business isn't about quick fixes. It's about the long run.
And I'm here for you each step of the way.
Right now you're...
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struggling to find the light at the end of the tunnel, doubting whether authenticity, sustainability, and success can exist simultaneously.
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frustrated by all the marketing strategies you're told you have to do but you don't enjoy. Will you ever enjoy marketing?
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getting caught up with comparisonitis, thinking you're missing the secret sauce to success while everyone else has it figured out.
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feeling lonely in your business, wishing you had a community of fellow designers that understand your struggles - and could share the solutions with you.
These feelings are dampening your joy, leading to burnout, and hindering the energy and mindset you bring to your business.
They're forcing you to look at other designers as competition rather than collaborators, friends, and cheerleaders.
And it leaves you feeling empty and hopeless.
It's time to stop navigating this journey without a support system.
To stop feeling embarrassed, lonely, frustrated and "less than."
You are worthy.
You are enough.
You deserve joy.
You deserve success.
You will achieve your goals; you just need clarity, guidance, and strategy.
Hello!
I'm Jessica, the knitting pattern designer and business coach behind Snickerdoodle Knits and Pattern Design Circle. I'm passionate about supporting knit and crochet pattern designers so they feel empowered, confident, and excited about their business.
As a pattern designer myself, I struggled to find other designers that I could build strong connections with, and I grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of wholistic support for pattern designers.
I craved a group where I could feel supported in my business, marketing, mindset, designing... and life as a whole. I wanted to find a group of designers who understood, were positive and supportive, and who were striving for success themselves.
After years of learning from amazing coaches outside the fiber industry, I finally created the group I was looking for: Pattern Design Circle. With a foundation of collaboration and community support, Pattern Design Circle empowers you to choose the best path for your business, acknowledges the nuances of our industry, and provides resources to support you as your needs and business change.
For me, it's all about support when you feel like quitting,
reassurance that you aren't alone - no matter what you're facing,
reminders of your unique values, goals, and strengths,
and growing in ways you'd never expected.
I invite you to join Pattern Design Circle.
Inside is a warm, welcoming designer community that encourages you to be your best self, celebrate your accomplishments, and follow your unique path.
You will also find the strategies and resources to cultivate and elevate your business, with individualized coaching, guest speakers, workshops, and accountability.
You'll receive:
Through guest discussions and course lessons you'll learn the strategies to uplevel your business, mindset, marketing, and designing.
With live group coaching and workshops you'll receive follow-up support to authentically and sustainably implement the strategies you learn.
Via community discussion spaces, focus groups, and accountability groups you'll connect with fellow designers - asking questions, sharing your experience, and celebrating your wins.
DC lives up to what it advertises - and that's a rarity in fiber groups that promise community and support, especially for designers. The resources are great, but not being alone on this journey and having a mentor-coach-friend who wants to see each person succeed on their path are really the things that set DC apart.
- Beth, Fig & Filament
What if you had a resource center where you could...
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receive a step-by-step roadmap for amplifying your business
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learn about marketing and business strategies as they apply to pattern designers
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ask for help
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receive individualized guidance for business, marketing, and design guidance
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share what it is you're struggling with, and fellow designers would understand
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receive encouragement and help from other designers so you can overcome your mental blocks
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have access to the business owners that can share the resources + tips you need right now
Imagine that feeling of support, empowerment, and confidence.
No matter your story, you are welcome in Pattern Design Circle.
You belong here.
What members are saying...
TRISH
It's an amazing group of very talented designers who function as a brain trust, sounding board, and friends all at the same time. One of the best choices I've made for my design journey.
BETH
DC lives up to what it advertises - and that's a rarity in fiber groups that promise community and support, especially for designers. The resources are great, but not being alone on this journey and having a mentor-coach-friend who wants to see each person succeed on their path are really the things that set DC apart.
IZA
It's a lovely designer community where successes can be celebrated and you can get advice to all things business!
Here's the thing: Pattern Design Circle is the resource center and community hub for knit and crochet pattern designers. We have loads of resources and content, supportive community members, and regular activities to participate in.
But you're running a business.
While many programs expect you to dedicate several hours a week, I get where you are. You're marketing, operating a business, designing, and juggling life all at the same time. You can't always spend hours on gathering resources, finding community, and learning how to grow and scale your business.
No matter who you are, how successful your business is, or how long you've been at this, you will go through seasons.
In some seasons you need accountability.
In some seasons you need answers for your questions.
In some seasons you're focused on implementing.
In some seasons you're focused on learning.
And I believe this is the way it should be.
That's why Pattern Design Circle is an all-in-one community.
I'm tired for you.
I'm tired of you wasting your time trying to chase down what you need.
I'm tired of your FOMO, thinking you have to follow the latest trend.
I'm tired of you feeling like you have to do everything.
So I beg you to focus. Focus on what you need in this season. We're in this for the long haul. The Pattern Design Circle resources aren't going anywhere. There's no reason to feel overwhelmed or frantic.
Slow down, consume what you need in this season, and know that we have you covered in your next season, too.
Join
The resource center + community hub for knit and crochet pattern designers
Choose the support level that best fits your needs.
Networking
Expand your business and design sphere
$4.99/month
$45/year
new level
Features:
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discussion spaces for connecting with yarn dyers, shop owners, and publications
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list of open calls for submissions
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discussion space for organizing collaborations (with collaboration ideas)
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early bird pricing to Pattern Design Circle networking events
Community Hub
Uplevel your pattern design business
$27/month
$297 $324/year
1 month free
Features:
everything in Networking, plus:
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coworking sessions multiple times per week
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weekly, monthly, and quarterly accountability check-ins
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discussion spaces for all questions, requests, and chatter about business and designing
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quarterly design challenges
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annual design along
Full Access
Elevate your business with authentic-to-you strategies
$47/month
$497 $564/year
save $67
Features:
everything in Community Hub, plus:
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monthly business + guest speakers: live calls and all past call recordings
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monthly group coaching calls
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monthly workshops
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access to all Pattern Design Circle courses*
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access to thorough resource lists for business and designing
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priority status for attending Pattern Design Circle events
I feel that having a place where I can speak up and say what my goals are out loud is a good motivator for me. I think I also feel very comfortable because I feel it is a place of true collaboration, where we can bounce stories or ideas, and where we all just really want to help each other.
Kam, Hand Knit by Kam
Jessica is just wonderful. We met because she watched a replay of a workshop I had attended about marketing – she reached out to me after seeing my question about knit design, I’m so glad she did. I need her proactive and supportive approach in my life! She is an excellent person to have in your corner. One of my favorite things about our check-ins is her thoughtful questions. She is always extending an invitation to take a closer look at things if I am glossing by too quickly or to take a step back if I am too in the weeds. I also appreciate her sharing her own ups and downs in our group, I learn as much from lessons others learn as from their successes. If you want feedback or just a listening ear, you can’t find a better knit designer to turn to!
-Nicole Smith
As someone who works by herself, one of the hardest things about running my own business is not having a team to work with and bounce ideas off. Jessica’s ability to build community and invite people in to those communities has been invaluable in helping me solve that problem. In our group that she drew together I’ve gained a set of friends who I can trust to listen when I need to vent, provide suggestions when I’m stuck and celebrate my wins with me. Plus Jessica’s ability to actually keep our conversation on track is amazing.
-Kat, Oliphant Kat
Marketing
Social Media
Branding
Mindset
Designing
Learning how business works for you will inspire and empower you to grow your business in ways you'd never imagined.
Additional Details on What's Waiting Inside
Group Coaching
Each month we host a group coaching call. Submit your questions - about anything related to your business - ahead of time to receive individualized support and clarity. Think of it like a short coaching call with me - plus you get to learn from the questions of other designers at the same time!
Can't attend live? Want to refer back to past coaching calls? Don't worry - all coaching calls are recorded and available for replay.
Group coaching calls are available only to the Full Access tier.
Live Workshops
Attend monthly workshops to receive collaborative feedback specific to your business and bounce ideas with other designers.
Attendees are invited to share their questions, thoughts, ideas, and suggestions around the topic, leading to honest conversations filled with helpful tips, tricks, and feedback. The topics covered in the workshops aren't easily answered inside the chat threads on Discord and benefit from peer feedback.
All workshops are recorded and replays available to re-watch.
Past Workshops Include:
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Organizing & Prioritizing Ideas
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Content Ideas & Content Planning
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Understanding Your Ideal Customer
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Establishing Your Brand Pillars & Containers
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Typography in Your Patterns
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Peer Social Media Audits
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Amplifying the Reach of Your Designs
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Diving into Your Lead Magnet & Email Funnel
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Adding Streams of Revenue to Your Business
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Ending the Year on a High Note
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Fine-tuning Your Design Submissions
Live workshops are available only to the Full Access tier.
Guest Discussions
Dive deeper into business, marketing, mindset, and designing with monthly guest speakers who share their expert knowledge in the areas you're looking to grow. Attend sessions live and watch over 30 past discussion replays.
Not sure where to start with past discussions? Don't fret! Inside Pattern Design Circle you'll find a Skills Assessment that directs you to the content you need for marketing, business, and designing.
Past Discussions Include:
Business
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Getting Seen in a Saturated Market and Promoting Yourself with Brandmerry (Michelle Knight)
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Overcoming Perfectionism as a Business Owner with Joeli Kelly
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Showing Up Online as a Business with Feel Good Social
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Branding: Brand Theory, How Brands are Created, and How to Look at Your Brand with Dr. Tricia Farwell
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Planning and Goal Setting with The Knitter's Planner
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Goal Setting, Habits + Time Management with Ash Wylder
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Attracting Your Ideal Customer with Lead Magnets with She's Making an Impact
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Cohesive Branding with Summer Lee Knits
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Growing and Cultivating Your Email List with Snickerdoodle Knits
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Keeping Motivated and Staying Authentic with GGmadeit
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Money Mindset with Tani Morgan
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Accounting, Taxes, and Staying Legal as a Digital Business with Empowered Profit
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Making Consistent Pattern Sales with Tian Connaughton
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Marketing without Social Media with Leonie Dawson
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All About SEO: Websites & Beyond with Brandmerry (Michelle Knight)
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Adding Patreon as a Stream of Revenue with Twin Stitches Design (Julie Ann Knitter)
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Adding Teaching as a Stream of Revenue with Salt and Stone Knits
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Hosting a YouTube Channel as a Designer with Knitting Expat
Designing
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Collaborating with Yarn Dyers with Explorer Knits, Campfiber Yarns, and Tippy Tree Yarns
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Working with a Tech Editor with Tech Tip Talks
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Understanding Fit of Garments with Sarah Walworth
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Sizing with Spreadsheets with Swanky Emu Knits
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Working with Third Party Publishers, from the Publisher's Perspective with Making Stories
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Working with Publishers & Magazines, from the Designer's Perspective with Oliphant Kat
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Photographing Your Designs with Anna-Lisa Miller
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Publishing Your Own Book with Larkspur Knits
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Accessibility in Patterns with Renee van Hoy
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Inclusive Sizing with Kim McBrien Evans
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Designing Raglan Sleeves with Natalie in Stitches
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Pattern Layout with Erineen Designs
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Figure Drawings with Yellowcake Shop
Have a specific guest and/or topic you'd like to have featured? Just let me know, and I'll do my best to get it on the schedule if it aligns with the Pattern Design Circle's mission.
Guest discussions are available only to the Full Access tier.
Design Challenges
Participate in quarterly and annual design challenges to challenge your creativity and work alongside fellow designers.
Creativity Bursts
Creativity Bursts are week-long quarterly design challenges that encourage you to develop at least one design idea per day, using a given prompt that helps you "think outside the box" a bit.
Design Along
Annual Design Alongs are your opportunity to create a full design from start to finish alongside fellow designers. It's a great chance to push yourself to try something new, knowing you'll have a group of designers to lean on for extra support! The 2023 Design Along is scheduled for February 2023.
Members give Creativity Bursts a 5-star rating, sharing...
"So. Much. Fun. AND I've got several legit ideas I will be using! I didn't quite get the chance to do all of them but I have the ones I didn't get to saved to work through later. Can't wait for the next one!!" - Trish
"I participated in Creativity Burst for the 1st time. It was very interesting, fun, and unusual for me, and definitely different from my routine of creating design ideas. After a week of prompts, I got 5 solid ideas that I plan to convert to patterns. If you have never done it before, it's worth the try to look at the creative process from a different angle." - Natalia
"I’ve worked my way through a few series of creativity prompts with Jessica now, both in the Design Circle and as part of 52 Weeks of Creativity. I love the intentionality of setting aside a small block of time for design on whatever day I approach them. The prompts are great too, but a little guidance while establishing the mindset that it’s worth making time for yourself to just sit and be creative - with no deadlines, goals or pressure - is irreplaceable." - Beth
Design Challenges are available only to the Community Hub and Full Access tiers.
Accountability
Whether you struggle to make time for your business, have difficulty focusing and following through on your plans, or you'd just like to have some company, Pattern Design Circle is here to support you.
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Weekly, monthly, and quarterly check-ins give you the opportunity to declare what you will be working on and reflect on how it went. It helps you keep focused each week while maintaining your bigger picture view.
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Weekly coworking sessions provide a dedicated time and space for you to focus on your priority tasks and goals.
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Monthly focus groups create a space for designers working toward a similar goal - be it a sweater design, website overhaul, or consistent marketing - to connect, answer questions, and ensure your project gets done.
As with anything in the Design Circle, you choose how involved you are in each area. Seek out the help you need - the help that will support you in achieving your definition of success.
Accountability is available only to the Community Hub and Full Access tiers.
Alright, lovely, it's time for a heart-to-heart chat.
You've scrolled all the way to the bottom of this page. Clearly you're looking for something. You feel like something is missing, even if you're not quite sure what it is.
You know you need help. You want support, community, and success. You're tired of chasing trends and looking for the secret sauce. And you're ready to settle in and commit to the long haul by securing your business foundations and building up sustainably and authentically.
Maybe you see other designers you think are super-successful, and you doubt that you'll ever be able to make it. Sometimes you even feel like giving up.
In the Pattern Design Circle, I give you the permission you won't give yourself.
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I give you permission to feel the things, but I also give you permission to leave those feelings behind you so you can live a life of joy.
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I give you permission to change your definition of success.
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I give you permission to define what you want your future to look like.
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I give you permission to change your mind if a part of your business is no longer serving you.
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I give you permission to take your time - you don't have to "keep up" with everyone else. You're on a journey completely unique to you.
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I give you permission to put some time aside for you -- time that's outside of your designing, your marketing, and your job as the CEO of your business. (Yes, even though it is your fun hobby business!)
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I encourage you to find the things that rejuvenate you -- and to spend your time doing those things, and allow them to fuel your designs.
You're desperate for some help, you need someone to talk to who understands. You're overwhelmed, feeling like you don't have time to do all the things you need to do in order to run a design business. You question if all this work is even worth it.
Now you have the opportunity to make powerful and meaningful connections with fellow designers - connections that will grow your business and you as a person.
You have the opportunity to finally participate in the concept of Community Over Competition, because a rising tide really does lift all boats.
And you have the opportunity to dive deep into your business, clean up any messes from the past, and create a beautifully aligned business that fits you and feels good. A business that doesn't lead you to overwhelm, frustration, and burnout; but instead fills your cup, brings you joy, and will last for the long haul.
So what's holding you back?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I am a knitter thinking about learning how to design patterns. Will Pattern Design Circle walk me through the design process?
A: No, Pattern Design Circle will not teach you how to design. Pattern Design Circle provides the resources to help designers fine-tune and enhance their design processes, including the design challenges, which foster creativity and design inspiration. Beyond designing, Pattern Design Circle provides resources to uplevel your marketing strategies and grow your business. If you are brand new to designing, my 1-on-1 coaching sessions will be a better fit for you right now.
Q: I am a crochet pattern designer. May I join Pattern Design Circle?
A: Absolutely! The principles of designing and running a pattern design business apply to both knitting and crochet. In fact, I love to see knitters and crocheters working together in Pattern Design Circle to create some fun and unique collaborations!
Q: Will Pattern Design Circle enable me to create a full-time income with my designing business this year?
A: Creating a full-time business takes a time and effort, especially in the knitting pattern design business. There are a lot of factors that come into play: where you're at in your business, what marketing strategies you're using, your mindset, and so much more. So, no, I can't promise you will end the year with a full-time income from designing. What Pattern Design Circle does include, however, are the resources and support system to grow your design business in a way that is authentic to you and will provide long-lasting success.
Q: Who is Pattern Design Circle for?
A: Pattern Design Circle is for crochet and knitting pattern designers who are ambitious, motivated, and passionate about transforming their pattern design business into an income. They are already running a pattern design business, and they are craving the support, connection, and resources that will help them reach the next level.
These are designers who desire to run a business that is unique and authentic to them. They're tired of fitting into the mold of "everyone else" and as a result, fitting into their business rather than their business fitting into them.
And these are designers who value collaboration. They are eager to support and work with other designers. They don't want to view their peers as their competition, and they treat all humans with kindness and respect.
Q: Who is Pattern Design Circle not for?
A: Pattern Design Circle is not a good fit for designers that are uninterested in putting work into their business, or are expecting a magical secret to overnight success. It is also not a good fit for designers who prefer to dwell in overwhelm and negativity. And Pattern Design Circle is not for designers who are disrespectful or unkind to others.
Q: What happens after I sign up? When will I have access to Pattern Design Circle content?
A: Within a few minutes of submitting your payment, you will receive an email that includes the access link to create an account on Circle, Pattern Design Circle's platform. Once inside, you will find a welcome video, which walks you through the platform, as well as next steps for getting involved. If you ever have any questions, you are more than welcome to email me.
Q: If I get into Pattern Design Circle and decide it's not for me, may I get a refund?
A: Inside the Design Circle, we want designers who are excited about their business, ready to ask questions, and interested in growing. If you have any questions before joining, please contact me. Because you receive immediate access to several resources inside the Design Circle, I am not able to offer a refund on your purchase. However, you are welcome to cancel your subscription any time. When you join, you may choose between a monthly subscription and an annual subscription.
Q: What is the approximate worth of Pattern Design Circle?
A: While it's impossible to put a number to the value of confidence and clarity in your business (characteristics that will serve you for your entire life), here is a breakdown of what you receive inside Pattern Design Circle:
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1-3 guest speakers each month, providing educational resources with actionable and applicable steps, plus an opportunity to get your questions answered by an expert in their field.
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Weekly, monthly, and quarterly accountability check-ins.
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Weekly coworking calls to help you stay focused and get your work done.
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Monthly live coaching calls for live individualized support.
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Monthly workshops that allow you to receive live feedback and support from fellow designers.
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Quarterly design challenges that inspire creativity and a new way of generating design ideas.
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Annual design alongs that encourage collaboration with and learning from fellow designers.
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24/7 access to a community of fellow designers that deliver support, understanding, collaboration, answers, and unique perspectives.
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Accountability and focus groups that provide in-depth and individualized feedback and support with goals, achievements, and setbacks.
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Resource lists for designing, business, collaborating with yarn dyers, finding a tech editor, and beyond.
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Access to the content from all past guest discussions, workshops, coaching calls, reflection prompts, and design challenges.
© Snickerdoodle Knits 2021-2023