Mable Tan

DESIGNS

oh Hello!

I'm Mable!

i'm a surface pattern designer, mum, wife, cake lover, multi passionate creative

I live in Melbourne, Australia with my husband and son. I grew up in Malaysia up until 25, and then moved to Melbourne all on my own. 

I've always dabbled in different creative careers and have successfully made a living as a journalist, stylist, fine art photographer and surface pattern designer. If there's one thing to know about me, I'm a small package with big dreams.  

I've been selling my art on Etsy and print-on-demand platforms for about ten years. I'd basically learned how to use a camera, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator all from the Internet (thank you Google!). And then in 2018, I discovered Bonnie Christine's Immersion course. That's when I fell head over heels in love with surface pattern design (I didn't even know it was a thing!) and I haven't looked back since.

For 12 months, I worked on refining my skills around my son's nap times, late into the night (cos I'm not a really morning person), and on weekends. Social life? Zilch. Zero. Nada. I literally had none. I didn't see (most) friends for a whole year. 












Seeing my designs come to life is a dream come true!

In Feb 2019, I exhibited in Surtex (BUT I didn't get licensed), I landed my first textile gig with Hawthorne Supply Co. and released three fabric collections with them. in September 2019, my fabric collection with paintbrush fabrics was sold all over the world. One of my designs was licensed by Monster Threads in Australia, and was used on various gifts and apparels.

mable tan x target australia homeware collection 2021/22

I can't stop drawing flowers and birds! Though, I have to say, my absolute favourite animal to draw is definitely tigers.

I find inspiration in nature. 

01

I've been a creative entrepreneur for ten years. I've been through a couple of highs and many, MANY lows. I know how tough this gig is, you guys. The hustle can be hard. So, one of my biggest intention for the year is to share my knowledge, with the hope that it will raise one or more creatives up. I truly believe that there is room for ALL of us to succeed. 

04

sharing what i know

my tools

All skilled tradesperson have tools, and I'm no different. I'd usually draw with an iPad Pro and Apple pencil and when I've finished, I export it to my Mac. I clean up my motifs with my Wacom Intuous and create repeat patterns on Adobe Illustrator.

02

My family is my everything. I would not have achieved what I have without my husband's encouragement and support. And it is so important for me to be able to spend time with my son. I am really grateful to have a 'job' that gives me the flexibility and space to be a mum. 

03

my sun, my moon & all of my stars

just a bit more...

  • Nordstrom (USA)
  • Urban Outfitters (USA)
  • Target (USA)
  • Macy's (USA)
  • Bloomingdale's (USA)
  • Bed, Bath & Beyond (USA)
  • Next (UK)
  • Hawthorne Supply Co. (USA)
  • Paintbrush Fabrics Studio (USA)
  • RICE (Denmark)
  • Vivie and Dash (USA)
  • Annabel Trends (AUS)
  • Monster Threads (AUS)
  • Spotlight (AUS)
  • Target (AUS)
  • Picnicfolk (AUS)
  • ArtxScrubs (AUS)
  • Willi Heatbags (AUS)
  • Lucy & Yak (UK)

Brands I've Worked With

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just shoot me a message below. I'll get back to you ASAP!

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MEanwhile

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© mabletandesigns 2021

mable tan designs