How Learning Surface Pattern Design Started My Healing Journey.
Hello, my name is Thandi. In 2020, I embarked on a journey that transformed my life: learning surface pattern design. The story I'm about to share is about how this skill changed everything for me by showing me how there is Joy in the healing process of creative expression.
When I first sat down to learn, I was convinced I couldn't draw like many of us are. Following classes by inspiring instructors, my perception of myself shifted dramatically.
There was one distinct moment when I looked at a surface pattern design I'd created and thought, "This isn't me," yet it was. The me who was stuck in her patterns, wasn’t catching up to the me who was outgrowing them.
Indeed the surface pattern was my creation, and it was beautiful. The realisation that I could produce such work was shocking because I hadn't explored that part of myself. I set my mind to this task, and achieving it opened up a world of confidence. At a time when life seemed bleak due to health scares and personal struggles, drawing and creating repeat patterns became my light.
a time lapse of a surface pattern design created by Thandi.
As I shared my creations online, my joy grew exponentially. Seeing people interact with my work—commenting and appreciating what I did—was awe-inspiring. It brought back memories of a childhood dream I had to design fabric. This dream was now my reality, and it was overwhelming in the best way.
This journey has been influential in shaping who I am. During good times, I'm drawing intensely. When life turns difficult, my art supplies lay unused, gathering dust.
It's interesting to consider how we all have something that draws us in and fills our cup—our first love of sorts.
We tend to wander and stray from our first loves and get lost in the mire of life and chasing the new thing or the better thing.
Going back to your first love whatever the thing that lights you up may be is also a healing and deeply self accepting posture to take for yourself.
Art has provided me with a commercially viable skill, although I've often pondered whether to commercialise something so deeply personal and healing. I have learned that sharing can also be part of a wider healing journey.
Not just through my own personal journey but through the impact that the art we create has on others around us. Nevertheless, it offered me a path to professional growth in an area I once thought was unreachable.
This process of learning and creating has been deeply healing, allowing me to repair my self-esteem and uncover hidden aspects of my personality. Each piece I make is a reflection and expression of who I am, shining light on parts of myself I didn't know existed.
I now face a blank page with excitement rather than fear. Creating tangible outcomes fulfils one of my long-held wishes, making me realise that life can be incredible.
I challenge you to try something you've been longing to attempt. Venture into it and observe how it can transform your world, just as it did mine.
Embrace the change and growth that comes with stepping out of your normalcy. Because here’s what I’ve learned: there is joy in healing through creative expression—and that joy is waiting to find you too.
