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Ep. 41: From Coding Software to Designing Fabric: The Career Pivot That Worked for Mel Armstrong

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Ep. 41: From Coding Software to Designing Fabric: The Career Pivot That Worked for Mel Armstrong

In this episode, Stacie sits down with surface pattern designer, children's book illustrator, and educator Mel Armstrong. Mel shares how she transitioned from software engineering into surface pattern design, how a search for gender-neutral fabric while pregnant sparked an entirely new path, and why persistence mattered more than overnight success. The conversation also explores Mel's accidental entry into children's book illustration, the beauty of building a global online community for creatives, and the business lessons she learned the hard way. This episode is a refreshing reminder that creative careers are often built step by step with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to keep going.

Today on Art + Audience:

  • From Software Engineer to Surface Pattern Designer: Mel shares how a search for gender-neutral fabric during pregnancy led her to discover Spoonflower and ultimately transition into surface pattern design.

  • Building a Creative Career Slowly: Mel discusses growing her creative work gradually while raising children and balancing client work before going all-in on illustration and licensing.

  • Accidental Children's Book Illustrator: A publisher discovered one of Mel's fabric designs and invited her to illustrate a book. Launching a children's book career that now includes more than a dozen titles.

  • Understanding Book Royalties: Mel explains how advances, royalties, and library lending programs contribute to income for children's book illustrators.

  • Creating a Global Creative Community: Mel talks about how teaching on Skillshare unexpectedly grew into a thriving online community for surface pattern designers.

  • Learning the Business Side the Hard Way: Mel reflects on one of her biggest early mistakes, mismanaging the business and tax side of her creative career, and why business knowledge is essential for artists.

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