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Closing The Door on Fashion Print Design… What’s Next?



If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I recently decided to close the books on client work and commissions as a freelance fashion print designer.


Closing this chapter in my creative business was a huge decision. But it was necessary for my mental health. (If you missed it, you can catch up here.)


First, thank you for all the love and support! When I announced it, over 100 comments and DMs flooded my inbox, reminding me that despite working in isolation, there are people out there who truly care.


Freelancing can be lonely and challenging. It might seem like a dream job, but many of you can relate that finding balance is much more complicated than it looks! So many designers shared their stories with me. They’ve also struggled and made similar decisions, such as returning to a day job, taking part-time work, or even stepping away from fashion print design entirely.


It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone. Thank you so much to everyone who reached out. 


Well, it's been a few weeks since I made the call, and I'm happy to say I am well on my way to healing.


Releasing my print design client work and concentrating on my day job has alleviated the stress and overwhelm from being overextended. These days, I'm feeling:


  • Less overwhelmed

  • Free to experiment with personal projects

  • More present in the moment

  • More secure financially


While returning to my Art Director role in gaming has replaced freelance print design, for now, the creative work is essentially the same…


  • Managing multiple projects

  • Leading a small team remotely

  • Collaborating with designers and stakeholders

  • Overseeing production timelines

  • Creating design solutions and mockups

  • Documenting processes

  • Organising a massive library of art assets and templates


The big difference? I get a regular paycheck now, and I have more time to work on my passion projects... with no pressure to design for others, follow trends, or monetise immediately from my art.





So… What’s Next?


While I’m not taking any new client work or commissions, my pattern library is still available for purchasing or licensing. You can browse my exclusive designs here.


For now, I’m focusing on healing and finding the next steps in my art practice and mental health journey. The daily practices that help me stay grounded include:


  • Gratitude journaling

  • Yoga and meditation

  • Deep breathing and tapping

  • Positive self-talk


The most significant help, though, has been painting just for fun – with no pressure to earn immediate income from it (well, yet!)





Exploring new techniques and letting my creativity flow without expectations has been a joy. Painting calms my mind and helps ease my anxiety. It’s been so healing.


I hope to sell prints and originals one day, but I’m taking it slow. This time, I’m prioritising the creative process and enjoying the journey. It’s been grounding and meaningful, and I hope you appreciate it too.


If you're interested, follow my art journey on my new Instagram account here: carolynquan.art


Want to know when my new website and shop will launch? Join the waitlist here.


Thank you for your continued support – it means the world! With love and gratitude, Carolyn

 
 
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