What does it take to build a creative career that feels true to you? In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, artist and surface pattern designer Elizabeth Olwen joins Leslie to talk about art licensing, developing a signature style, and staying connected to your creativity as your career evolves. Known for her colorful patterns and playful approach, Elizabeth shares her journey from graphic design to licensing her artwork—and how moving from Canada to Lisbon opened up new space for creativ...
Oct 6
36 min
If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels—trying to update your portfolio, pitch to clients, post on social media, and somehow still find time to create—this episode is for you. Today I’m sharing how I’ve built real momentum in my surface pattern design business… not by doing more, but by doing less—more consistently. I’ll walk you through how one simple micro habit completely changed the way I pitch, how I use this same approach to nurture clients at The Print Book, and why buildi...
Sep 16, 2025
19 min
Control is an illusion—but intention? That’s where your real power lies. In this episode, I’m sharing a vulnerable reflection on how life threw me off course and what it taught me about creative flow, focus, and letting go of the hustle. If you’ve been juggling multiple projects, feeling scattered, or telling yourself “I just need to do more,” this episode is your permission slip to pause and choose what actually matters. We talk about: The difference between control and intention (and how kn...
Aug 25, 2025
24 min
This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Jesse Rae Akin, a print designer and new mama navigating creativity in the middle of life’s most tender transitions. We talk about how she discovered surface pattern design almost by accident, what it’s been like balancing art with early motherhood, and how she’s finding rhythm in the messiness. Jesse shares honestly about fear, feedback, and forging your own pace in a world that feels constantly rushed. A beautiful reminder that we’re allowed to ...
Jun 2, 2025
25 min
We’re digging into the stage of the creative process most designers skip — the part where your actual style gets formed. Whether you're licensing, selling on Spoonflower, or pitching agents — rushing into repeat patterns and mockups without honoring your artist phase can leave your work feeling disconnected, no matter how good it looks. In this episode, we’ll cover: Why your signature style doesn’t come from finishing prints — but from what happens beforeThe real difference between the artist...
May 26, 2025
14 min
If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to do all the things (more posts, more platforms, more pitching), this one’s for you. We talk about: Why clarity around your voice is more powerful than chasing metricsHow to identify your unique point of view through your art and processWhat clients really want to see in your workA 90-day focus shift that could change everythingA simple journaling exercise to strengthen your style and brandThe Print Life Membership – Where Design Meets Direction → h...
May 19, 2025
22 min
If everything in your creative business feels heavy or overwhelming, it doesn’t always mean you’re burnt out — sometimes, it’s a sign you’re ready for a realignment. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the moments when things feel out of sync — and how to reconnect with your true creative identity before making big changes. We’ll cover: How to recognize when you’re ready for a shiftWhy simplifying your focus can reignite your creativityThe power of authentic connection in building a susta...
Apr 29, 2025
17 min
Today on the Print Life podcast, I’m so excited to sit down with surface pattern designer and creative entrepreneur, Elizabeth Rachel. Liz (as many of you might know her from Instagram) has built a vibrant, playful, and thoughtfully curated product-based business rooted in her years of experience as a print designer. Her work spans home goods, accessories, and art prints — all bursting with color and her own refined, joyful style. We talk about everything from how she got started in the fashi...
Apr 21, 2025
35 min
What if your next collection didn’t require starting from scratch? In this episode, we’re exploring a mindset shift that could change the way you approach your portfolio, your pitch, and even your creative process. Instead of chasing new ideas, Leslie invites you to look inward—to revisit the sketches, motifs, and half-finished prints that may already hold the clarity, connection, and style you’ve been looking for. You’ll learn: Why constantly creating new art can become a form of avoidanceHo...
Apr 16, 2025
13 min
This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Woody Roseland—filmmaker, photographer, comedian, and all-around creative soul with a story that really moved me. Woody shares his journey through multiple creative outlets, how surviving cancer shaped his path, and what he's learned about embracing experimentation, letting go of outcomes, and simply staying in the process. From commercial video work to painting rooftops in Oaxaca, his story is full of wisdom, warmth, and a whole lot of heart. One...
Mar 24, 2025
28 min
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