Mable Tan

DESIGNS

I struggled to make an income after my son was born.

You see, I had an Etsy shop for five years as a fine art photographer and I was making consistent income there. But unknowingly, I’d made the mistake of putting my Etsy shop on vacation mode for several months because I’d wanted to savour the previous moments with my newborn. 

When I was ready to re-open the shop, I couldn’t gain traction to the shop. I tried everything I could to revive my creative business for three years, but nothing worked. From SEO courses to using influencers, to a market flop… I was scraping the bottom of the barrel. 

Desperate and dejected… I didn’t know where to go, or what to do.

Then, a friend I made through Etsy sent me an email. She wrote: “Hello Mable, I hope you are doing well! Below is a course I thought you may be interested in. I have been following Bonnie for 10 years now, she's a really good graphic designer!

So, I took plunge and signed up for the Immersion Course. it was my first introduction to surface pattern design. It opened my eyes to a whole world of possibilities I never knew existed. I inhaled every lesson, and from then on, I poured my heart and soul into carving a path for myself as a surface designer.

Fast forward to 2021, I stood in Target in one of the largest shopping centre in Melbourne staring at my homeware range. In front of me were bedsheets, cushions, covers, mugs, bottles, candles with my art and my name on every label

Since 2019, I have licensed with RICE DK, Monster Threads, Spotlight AU, Annabel Trends, Wili Heatbags, PBS Fabrics, Vivie and Dash and many other companies around the world. I am confident, empowered, and hopeful for my future, and more importantly, I became a happier mother and wife. I’m so thankful to be able to do what I do and I can’t wait for you to go on this journey yourself. I’m here to hold your hand and help you carve a path out for yourself.

It can be a wild, lonely world out there, but I'm here for you

I love mentoring and coaching emerging artists and I'd love to be part of your journey to help make your dreams come true. The light in me, sees the light in you. I want to see you SHINE, girl! I know it can happen for you. 

I discovered the world of surface design in 2018. I should say, rather, it'd discovered me…
and saved me.

Who is this for?

This mentoring session is perfect for emerging surface designers who feels like they need to level up. Have you been trying to license your art for a years? Do you need clarity and direction on how to create a career as a surface designer? 

In our mentoring session, we can look at your portfolio and see which industry it's most suited for; or, if you need some guidance in planning your creative career path, we can discuss strategies and options; plans and tips on how to stay accountable. 

Believe me, in this seemingly competitive and oversaturated industry, there is room for you.

Why I love doing this...

Over the years, I have offered mentoring sessions and I've discovered a love and joy for it. I feel so honoured to be part of your world.

When you open up your door to me and share your stories, I can't help but to feel part of your journey. It makes always makes me excited to see all the possibilities available for you to take your art to the next level. Thank you for trusting me to be part of this deeply personal and beautiful chapter of your life.

Package #1: What you get...

RECORDING OF THE MENTORING CALL

60 mins one-to-one coaching call / portfolio review / creative career strategy planning with me

AUD$300

reserve your spot now

i've been selling my art for 12 years but it's only been the last four years i discovered surface design and art licensing. it has taken my creative career to new heights. I wish I knew how to license my art sooner. it completely changed my life and i know it'll be the same for you.

find the clarity you need to fast track your licensing journey through my one-to-one mentoring and if you need a follow-up call to keep you accountable, you can opt for package #2:

  • 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

Package #2: What you get...

60 mins one-to-one coaching call / portfolio review / creative career strategy planning with me

AUD$500

reserve your spot now

45 mins follow-up call

RECORDING OF THE MENTORING CALL

"It took me 12 months to license my art without the help of an agent, or by exhibiting at a trade show. Well, technically, I did have an agent and I did exhibit at Surtex in 2019, but ironically, I never got licensed from that. Everything happened when I decided to take responsibility and control over my creative career."

mable tan

Reviews

My one-on-one mentoring session with Mable left me feeling motivated and incredibly positive.  The conversation was easy and professional with the time flying by. Mable’s words were well-considered and constructive, pointing out where I needed focus and showing me how to prioritise. She was encouraging and helpful, and every question was given an intelligent response. But don’t think it was all serious stuff, this was a conversation that included humour and kindness mixed with a few ‘tough questions’. And it all made perfect sense. Mable has provided me with the clarity and knowledge on what I need to do next. At the completion of the session, I was brimming with a new found confidence. It is now all up to me.

Christine Giarrusso
instagram: @nellyandisobel
website: www.nellyandisobel.com

what people are saying...

Reviews

My meeting with Mable was inspiring, encouraging and motivating. Mable showed up for me and met me where I was at. After a year and a half of what felt like turning in circles I needed clarity and I need someone who would tell it to me straight. Mable was warm and plain spoken in her delivery. She gave me tips, pointers and wasn’t there to sugar coat it. She helped me to see that I just need to do it, no more excuses. In all of my dealings with Mable I have found her to be a good listener, down to earth and eager to share her knowledge. If you’re looking for a bit of mentoring, I would highly recommend having a chat with Mable. It’s likely to be just what you need. Thanks again Mable!


Charlotte Elaine
instagram: @charlotteelainedesigns

what people are saying...

Reviews

Mable is such a joy! She is very down to earth and easy to talk to. I'm still quite the newbie when it comes to surface pattern design, but she made me feel at ease to ask any questions and gave me some great insights. She made me feel like this is something I can do, too, and to trust my instincts and believe in myself. I am so grateful that I had the chance to talk with Mable. I've been following her on Instagram for a while and admire her journey. Thank you, Mable, for encouraging me to pursue my dreams!

Mitsu Beck
instagram: @mitsu.beck.design

what people are saying...

Reviews

I loved my one-on-one session with Mable. It was such a great opportunity to learn from her knowledge and expertise. Mable was so encouraging, I really appreciated her positive feedback, as well as her suggestions that I will look at implementing. Mable was so friendly and easy to talk with, and I’m grateful to have had this chance to have a personal chat with someone whose work I admire, and who has such great professional experience to share. 

Kathryn Munro
instagram: @wrimpledesigns

what people are saying...

Reviews

My mentor session with Mable was wonderful! She provided fantastic feedback on my collection and gave me sound advice to be able to move forward with pitching. She has so much experience to draw from and is so willing to share in a way that's relatable no matter your stage in your surface pattern design journey. Her warm and friendly personality makes conversation a breeze and our time together felt like it went quick- but we covered so much awesome content during that time! I have so many new ideas and things to consider as I move forward. She gave tangible feedback and advice that I can put into work immediately. She helped me have the confidence in my own surface pattern design journey and that there is room for me. Do yourself a favor and book a mentor session with Mable. She gives so much of herself and her experience to help others on their journey. 

Karissa Schulten
instagram: @herandhue
WEBSITE: https://www.herandhue.com 

what people are saying...

Reviews

"It was an absolute privilege and honor to speak to Mable during the one-on-one mentoring session. I had several questions prepared and she answered them very clearly as well as provided me the advice I was looking for to continue moving in the right direction. I don't have a portfolio complete at this stage but she was more than willing to take a look at the patterns I was working on for my first collection and provide her general thoughts as well as how to begin sharing this work on Spoonflower sooner than later. Her positive and encouraging feedback was certainly motivating especially coming from such a successful creative. She was the first to see the patterns of my first collection thus far so it was very uplifting for someone to have a positive reaction to my work especially when I'm at such an early stage. I would absolutely recommend this mentoring session to anyone who is seeking advice, feels they need some direction or want a portfolio review. Mable is fantastic!

trisha patel

what people are saying...

Reviews

Mable is such a kind, supportive, and understanding coach - her energy immediately puts you at ease. She helped me see things in my art that I had never considered before, and was even able to connect aspects of my older work to my newer work to help me gain better clarity around my overall style and vision. She gave me great tips to elevate my current portfolio and move ahead with confidence. I'm so happy to have connected with her! 

Jaime Bramble Schell
instagram: @brambleschellstudio
WEBSITE: BRAMBLE SCHELL STUDIO 

what people are saying...

Reviews

It was such a lovely experience to talk to Mable, she is an amazing listener and an even better coach. She treats you gently and projects this great energy that makes you feel everything will work out for you. She shares her experience with honesty and transparency and relates to whatever stage you are at because she has been there too, which makes her recommendations even more achievable. I'm so grateful I had this opportunity to talk to her as she provided a totally different perspective on how to look at some important key elements for this creative journey to be an enjoyable one. I'm absolutely sure I will contact Mable again when I'm ready for the big steps, her guidance is invaluable. Thank you very very much.

yralmy pereira

what people are saying...

Reviews

I had a really great coaching session with Mable. She helped me with specifics of what I can expect from a transition to surface design/surface pattern design as well as some more general info so I can set up realistic expectations and goals. The information she provided has made me more confident in setting up my basic plan of action and what to expect in terms of workload as well as income. I felt really great after our session – it was such a positive experience!

Karen Parry
instagram: @kazandkika
WEBSITE: kazandkika.com

what people are saying...

It was a great pleasure to have our mentoring one-on-one session with you! I had some important questions and all of them were answered comprehensively. I am still a beginner in surface pattern design, so this call was really helpful for me to build my confidence and see my career opportunities. You are so kind, warm and honest, but still a professional, so hearing that my work has a lot of potential was the best part. You also gave me some advice on the things I haven't thought about, so it helped me to open my eyes wider and start dreaming even bigger. The whole session was very positive and uplifting, so I am really happy that I had a chance to be mentored by the artist I really admire. You are the best!

Laura Zutaute
INSTAGRAM: @hands_are_sea

what people are saying...

Reviews

Mable’s one-on-one call was everything I needed to continue on after finishing the Immersion course. She offered insight and details into where I should be focussing my time and energy, how to stay motivated, and what it takes to be successful in the surface pattern design industry. Mable was eager to learn and understand where I am and where I want to go in this career. This helped her to address and tailer her information to my situation. I am truely grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with her, and I would recommend a one-on-one with Mable for anyone interested in pursuing surface pattern design.

britney munday
INSTAGRAM: @munday_designs
WEBSITE: mundaydesigns.com.au

what people are saying...

Reviews

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