Meet Gabby Rios

My 2024 new years resolution was to create more artwork for myself and stumbled upon the Immersion course. I signed up on a whim and from the course learned I could use the artwork I make for myself for licensing and my side hustle grew from there.

I really loved all of the lessons, and am so grateful to have all of these new tools and videos to reference when I need them but I really enjoyed the community of artists the most.

Before beginning my Surface Pattern Design journey, I worked in-house as a graphic and packaging designer. When my company went through a restructure, I wasn’t laid off but it made me realize how little control I had over my own career. I knew I wanted to create art for myself and build an artistic side hustle, but I wasn’t sure where to start. When I discovered the Immersion Course, it felt like the perfect opportunity to take that first step.

Going into the course, I was already very comfortable with Adobe Illustrator since I use it daily for my design work, but I was pleasantly surprised by how many new skills and techniques I learned. I especially appreciated the Weeds & Seeds segment at the start of the course. I’ve always struggled with imposter syndrome, overwhelm, and creative burnout, so beginning with that mindset work really helped me navigate those challenges early on.

Since completing the course, I’ve been creating art and patterns that truly bring me joy, and I’ve opened my own Etsy shop. I’m continuing to grow my portfolio with the goal of licensing my artwork and eventually partnering with an art licensing agency. For now, I’m focusing on growing my Etsy shop—and I’m thrilled with how well it’s been going!