Meet Paola Guzowski
Before starting my journey with surface pattern design, I ran a handmade business creating party goods for kids like party hats, wands, banners, and even small purses and gift bags. Over time, I started feeling limited by the fabric options available. I wanted something more personal, something that reflected the creative ideas in my head. I remember wishing I could design my own patterns to use on my handmade products.
One day, I searched online if it was even possible to design my own fabric and that single search completely changed everything. The algorithm started showing me artists and fabric designers on Instagram, and that’s when I came across a post from Kiley Bennett, who was looking for sewists to make samples from her soon to be released first collection. I applied, not expecting to be chosen, but she picked me! I still cherish the pieces I made for her. That experience opened my eyes to the world of surface pattern design. I started following her journey and took her Skillshare classes. Not long after, I saw an ad for Immersion 2022, and it felt like the universe was nudging me toward something new.
At that time, I didn’t own an iPad or have the means to take the course, so I made a deal with myself: if I could stay consistent and create 100 drawings or more in 2022, then I’d sign up for Immersion 2023. I bought a very old and refurbished iPad for cheap and began experimenting in Procreate, learning through YouTube, and eventually began uploading some of my better designs to Spoonflower.
That same year, my husband got a new job and we moved to a new state, and with three little ones at home, I eventually decided to close my handmade shop. It was bittersweet, but it gave me space to pivot creatively. I entered my first Halloween art call and placed in the top ten out of over 250 entries. That moment gave me the confidence to keep going and dream bigger.
When I finally joined Immersion 2023, I was still new to digital art and other applications and the surface pattern world. I battled imposter syndrome and bounced between styles, but the course helped me find my footing. Bonnie’s advice to put away Pinterest and social media before drawing was a game changer as it helped me quiet the noise and reconnect with my own creative instincts.
The best part of Immersion was how it built my confidence and gave me a sense of community. Seeing others go through the same struggles made me realize I wasn’t alone. I learned not just the technical skills, like working in Illustrator, but how to show up as an artist and trust my creative voice.
Since completing Immersion, so much has changed. We welcomed our fourth baby, I started homeschooling, and with the added freedoms of location and time (both for the kids schooling and me not being tied down to an office) we have been traveling a lot more. I’ve had my first licensing deal, multiple collaborations, and working the P.O.D sector. I’ve licensed artwork with fabric, wallpaper, and stationery companies, and have also begun working one-on-one with clients to create designs for children’s clothing and accessories.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding my portfolio and licensing to other niche industries, growing my presence as an artist, and seeing my designs reach new spaces and audiences. Most of all, I want to keep creating art that brings joy and inspires others to believe that they, too, can turn a creative dream into something real.
