From Music to Motifs: Miriam’s Creative Journey into Surface Design
In her own words, Miriam—creator of The Mirwo Forest—invites us into her imaginative world, where art and nature intertwine. After beginning her journey as a music teacher, a series of life shifts and creative experiments led her to discover the magic of surface pattern design. Rooted in curiosity and resilience, her work now brings color, warmth, and wonder to everyday spaces.
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Introduction
I’ve always been creative, but it took some time for me to find the right outlet. My journey began with music, as I started studying it at age 11 and eventually became a music teacher. I’ve always loved music and the arts in general, but my path shifted after I had my first child. I wanted to spend more time at home and decided to explore self-employment.
That’s when I opened an Etsy shop with my mother-in-law, which turned out to be quite successful. Over time, I realized my passion lay more in design than in manufacturing, so I decided to focus solely on creating. I already knew about Spoonflower from using their fabrics in my shop, and by December 2022, I transitioned fully into surface pattern design. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
The Spark
I don’t think there was a single defining moment that made me realize this path was right for me, but rather a series of events that happened in a short period. Our little Etsy shop was featured in several places, including Etsy itself and Today’s Parent magazine, which felt like a huge accomplishment. However, despite the recognition, our sales weren’t as strong as we had hoped. During the COVID pandemic, with shops closed, we had a good financial year, but afterward, sales sharply declined. I realized that our designs were being appreciated, but the hand-making aspect of the business wasn’t as sustainable for me. This combination of factors pushed me toward pursuing design exclusively, which felt like a more natural and rewarding direction.
Overcoming Doubts
Since this was my second time as an entrepreneur and artist, it felt much easier than the first. Closing my Etsy shop was a huge leap and definitely scary since it was my only source of income, and for a while, things were tight. But deep down, I knew it was the right decision.
The six years I spent running the Etsy shop gave me valuable experience. I learned to follow what works for me creatively and also what resonates with others. At the end of the day, I’m not immune to the practical side of things, I need to pay my bills like everyone else. While the financial aspect was a challenge, that experience taught me to balance passion with practicality, and it helped me move forward with confidence and perseverance.
Challenges
Like I mentioned earlier, the financial burden was one of the biggest challenges. For a while, I had to rely solely on my partner and some savings, as I didn’t have a steady income after closing my Etsy shop. Learning everything on my own, file sizes, best practices for Spoonflower, and approaching clients, was overwhelming. My first custom project felt incredibly intimidating, and I lacked confidence throughout the process.
I’ve always struggled with seeking validation from others, not because I doubt my creativity, but because low self esteem has been something I’ve dealt with for a long time. This was another hurdle I had to work through while pursuing my creative journey.
Another significant challenge was the quality of my tools. When I started, I was painting on Photoshop with a broken tablet that barely recognized pressure, and I was also scanning real watercolors, which was far from ideal. I couldn’t afford to invest in better equipment at the time. After a year, I was finally able to purchase an iPad, and it was a game changer. The improvement in my workflow, mental health, and the quality of my art was incredible, it made everything feel so much more achievable.
Creative Process
My creative process is a bit all over the place! Inspiration often strikes unexpectedly! sometimes while I’m watching a movie or taking a walk. I write down ideas in my “ideas document,” which I always keep open on my computer. One of my favorite spots for inspiration is a nearby pond where I walk regularly. The wildflowers, trees, birds, foxes, deer, and even the occasional beaver provide endless inspiration.
I make a conscious effort to avoid Pinterest and Instagram because I find it difficult to separate other artists’ creations from my own thoughts. I want my work to feel authentic and not influenced by others. Of course, with so much art out there, similarities are inevitable, but I try my best to keep my ideas as original as possible.
As for lettering, I don’t have any formal experience. Occasionally, I’ll add some writing to my patterns, but it’s just my own handwriting. It still surprises me that something as simple as my writing ends up on someone’s wall or tea towels!
I’m drawn to surface pattern design because it allows me to combine my love of illustration with practical applications. My portfolio includes a mix of designs for fabrics, wallpapers, and home decor, as well as playful patterns for stationery and gift wrap. I love creating collections that can be used across a variety of products, and surface pattern design gives me the flexibility to experiment with different styles and themes while still keeping everything cohesive.
Marketing Strategy
I started posting on Instagram in September 2022, and my first post got 40 likes, which felt like a big win considering I only had 10 followers (mostly family). I simply share my patterns and try to show my passion for what I do. I think people connect with my silly, lighthearted, and fun approach.
A few months ago, I hired an expert on Fiverr to give me tips on growing my account, but honestly, implementing those strategies has felt like a lot of work. For now, I focus on engaging with people who appreciate my work and staying consistent.
In terms of mindset shifts, I’d say I’ve learned to gravitate toward designs that naturally draw engagement because they’re visually striking. As designers, we know how important visuals are, and Instagram is all about making that instant connection through an image or video.
Branding Strategy
Honestly, I don’t think my brand is entirely cohesive, and I’m okay with that. Sometimes I’m drawn to earthy tones like browns and greens, while other times I love using every color in the rainbow. I don’t feel like I have a strictly defined style, and I prefer it that way.
I don’t want to limit myself or feel boxed into a certain look just because it’s expected. For me, creativity is about exploring different techniques and aesthetics, and I want my work to reflect that freedom.
Advice for Aspiring Creatives : 5 pieces of advice for someone wanting to get more eyes on their work
Work Toward Your Vision:
Focus on how you want your art to look and practice constantly. When I started, I wasn’t happy with how my illustrations and patterns turned out. I had a clear vision of what they should look like, and I worked toward it. I took courses in painting and watercolor, and I’m still learning and improving today. While I’m not completely satisfied yet, I’m much closer than when I began.
Be Consistent:
Set aside time for your craft, even when you’re not feeling inspired. The idea of waiting for inspiration doesn’t work long-term. I make myself work on ideas or sketches when I’m not already painting, it’s about staying disciplined and committed.
Give Yourself Time:
Success doesn’t always come immediately. For some, it happens quickly, but for many, it’s a slow process. Perseverance is key. If you keep at it, you’ll improve and eventually see results.
Learn from Others:
Study successful artists and observe what they’re doing right. I’m not suggesting copying their work, but you can take inspiration from their approach and apply it in your own way. Success requires effort, and it won’t come to you for free—you have to work for it, face setbacks, and keep pushing forward.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone:
Experiment with new styles, colors, and techniques. You won’t know what’s possible unless you try. I constantly explore new brushes and tools. Once, I even made a plaid fabric design using papier-mâché! Taking risks helps you grow as an artist and keeps your work fresh and exciting.
Portfolio Showcase
You can explore most of my artwork on Spoonflower: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/the_mirwo_forest. My portfolio is also available on my website: https://themirwoforest.myportfolio.com/. For updates and a closer look at my creative process, I’m fairly active on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themirwoforest/.