Artist Interview with Betsy Mitten

I am so excited to share this month’s Artist Interview with you. Betsy Mitten is a wonderful artist and teacher based just outside of Chicago, IL. I love watching her design and inspiration gathering processes on Instagram, especially her beach walks. I hope you enjoy reading through her interview answers as much as I did.

Tell us about your art practice (if you have one) and the type of designs you create. 

First, thank you so much for having me! I’m a surface pattern designer, artist, and teacher. I create surface patterns designs and illustrations using a variety of analog and digital processes. The patterns are used on fabric and products such as mugs, napkins, pillows, notecards, wallpaper, anywhere you might find a design. I love to start with hands-on materials and techniques: pencil and paper, india ink with brushes or pens, and sometimes I hand print my designs, too. I use Procreate for some of my sketching and design work – it’s especially handy if I’m traveling and so much easier than bringing all of my materials along!  I finish the patterns in Adobe Illustrator. I love combining the hands-on analog processes with the ease of digital fabric design. 

I also love to make things and I teach classes such as my Mini Box Collages on Skillshare and in the future, on my own platform. Creating an engaging class and teaching is its own art form and is very much a part of my art practice. 

Where do you find inspiration for your work? Are there specific sources, techniques, or experiences that influence your creative process?

Nature is my biggest inspiration. I love it all, but I have a special place in my heart for the Arizona desert, the ocean, especially the Southern California coast, and gardens everywhere. My childhood was spent outside in rural Wisconsin and Arizona with summer visits to the lake and ocean. We had time and space to play, roam and observe. It was truly magical and that time has a big impact on me even today. 

Two other important experiences were studying scientific illustration in undergrad and then later earning a BFA in Textiles and Fibers at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Scientific Illustration taught me to observe and hone my illustration skills. The art school is physically connected to the world-class Art Institute of Chicago, and we spent a lot of time there studying and learning, as well as the amazing experience of being in Chicago! These experiences broaden my thinking and have had a lasting effect on me. 

Quieter, but equally important in my process are taking long walks, sketching, and taking photos. I love to travel, but closer to home, I enjoy walking at our local arboretum and botanic garden. 

Can you share a memorable project or collaboration you’ve worked on? How did it impact your artistic growth or challenge you creatively?

I’ve worked on many different projects over the years, from freelance illustrations for Klutz books to hand printing a silk organza wedding veil, but recently I made my first Skillshare Class which pushed me way, way past my tech comfort zone, and was a steep learning curve. I’ve taught for decades and developed family and visitor programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden and other museums and schools, but I opened Adobe Illustrator for the first time in 2020 and I made my first 30-second iMovie tutorial in the fall of 2022! I was accepted into one of the Skillshare Teach Challenges and matched with a wonderful coach. It was still challenging, but I’m currently working on my second class. I’m so glad I stretched myself. Figuring out how to bring the unique aspects of my teaching style and my love of making information accessible to a recorded class was a huge creative growth. I’m so excited about the possibilities of online education and see it as a big part of my process going forward.  

What advice would you give to emerging artists or surface pattern designers looking to establish themselves in the industry?

It’s never too late to start and each person’s path is unique. If one idea doesn’t work, try another! I’ve found that consistently showing up, practicing and learning independently and with others, sharing my work over time, and finding a supportive community, and mentors have all been important to me. When I try something I remember it’s all feedback – if one idea or product doesn’t resonate with my audience, it’s information, not a failure. 

There are so many opportunities to learn online and be part of supportive communities. I look to people who have been where I want to go and learn from them. 

At the same time, it’s important to balance work and renewal. Make sure you make time for what fills your well. 

How do you engage with the artist or surface pattern design community? Are there any resources, events, or platforms you find particularly helpful for networking and staying connected with peers?

I’m involved in several online learning communities, take classes and courses, and participate in peer groups. I love reading about creativity, business, and time management and I often listen to Podcasts when I walk. I’m also in Sarah Rafferty’s Mastermind Wonder and have benefited from one-on-one Coaching. 

Instagram is my favorite social media platform with Pinterest a close second. Instagram has been a great place for me to learn about and get to know other creatives. You can start by engaging in their posts, signing up for their newsletters, and supporting their projects. I often reply to newsletters saying what I liked – it helps their algorithm and it’s always nice to get feedback. 

In 2020 I learned Adobe Illustrator in Bonnie Christine’s Surface Pattern Course, Immersion, and kept the momentum going with her membership Flourish. I also joined a peer group and we still meet weekly! I consider these women close friends even though we’ve never met in person! 

Other teachers and courses that have made a big impact are Stacie Bloomfield’s Leverage Art and her Creative Powerhouse Society and as I mentioned earlier, Sarah Rafferty’s Wonder Mastermind. 

Skillshare is a terrific place to start to get to know a variety of teachers and learn skills. You can search by topic and by instructor. Many teachers have classes on their own platforms. I’ve taken courses with Genna Blackburn on InDesign and Ashley Paggi is terrific for learning about Brand Photography. Two of my favorite creative podcasts are the Tillage Podcast with Shirlee Fischer and Bonnie Christine’s The Creative Professional. 

I love to learn and I’m always on the lookout to grow my skills as a surface pattern designer, artist, and teacher. We are so fortunate to live in a time when we can learn from and collaborate with creatives all over the world. 

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OTHER ARTIST INTERVIEWS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

• Rosana Aziernicki of Antenna Studio
• Hannah Schneider of Little Oak Design Co.
• Diane Rooney