I think I need some motivation. I love to design & test patterns! But, I feel stuck. I dont know if im creating good patterns as a designer or not? I say this because no one really participates in my tester calls. I get really excited to hit that post button to the testing zone. Just to get 3 or 4 testers who appy or none at all.
I love what I design & I know it doesnt matter what others think as long you love what you do. I always stick to that mindset but it is a little down grating sometimes when this happens.
What patterns are you interested in? I want to design my own things but also things that will get yalls interest. Because right now I dont even know
As a designer I can tell you from my experience, that everything takes time and that the most important thing is not to get discouraged and gradually improve
For taste colors, and many times there are designs that personally you like a lot and the public not so much, and others that are the other way around
But donāt be discouraged, keep practicing, keep designing, promote your patterns, those 4 or 5 people who apply show you that are people who like what you do
From what iāve seen, people really like to crochet animal amigurumi. its probably the most popular thing to make! Thats what I design. Anyways, I think ive actually talked to you before. I dont remember when, but youre so sweet and i know if you just keep trying people will definitely appreciate everything you do! never give up and remember, you are so loved!!
I actually love all your patterns so much! Recently Iāve just been really busy with tests or i just miss the tester call so im not able to apply to your tests But once i get all these tests sorted out, Iād absolutely love to test out your patterns!
Hmmm, as a designer it really does take time. Like with what @wooliamigurumis said, āeverything takes time and that the most important thing is not to get discouraged and gradually improveā. Keep posting tester calls, make sure you have the right tags I have had times when people havenāt applied to my tester calls, like with my plants. I thought people would be more excited as when I posted that topic asking what plants I should make. For my bunny ear cactus, I only had 3 people apply and 2 were non responsive while the 3rd was amazing and finished in a day. (shout out to @binka for being that amazing tester ).
I also like what @ClaireCrochets247 had said, āFrom what Iāve seen, people really like to crochet animal amigurumi. its probably the most popular thing to make!ā. Amigurumi is really popular now, my cat pattern had so many people apply for it compared to my plants.
If you want your shop to grow and be successful keep doing what youāre doing and donāt stop or be discouraged. I have been so upset and discouraged when making patterns, just because people arenāt āinterestedā right now, doesnāt mean no one will be. I have seen people posting multiple tester calls because they didnāt get as many as needed. If you need to do that Iād say go for it.
What Iām trying to say is, donāt let this discourage you. Your patterns are amazing and I love them. Have a nice rest of your day, and thanks for reading.
adding to what everyone has said, donāt be discouraged. learn from it and grow. the hardest part can be getting your foot in the door. i know it can be really disheartening not to get the result you wanted.
my advice for what to make is look at trends, pinterest, whatever you like. you should release a pattern because you like it. me personally, i try to make patterns that suit me. i like the no sew patterns and iām trying to make that a trait people will know me for.
iām seeing a lot of the same patterns being released on ribblr. setting yourself apart from others is one way to go. iām sorry iām not much of a motivational speakerā
So as a fellow designer itās something to lean into and learn from. Developing your skills because it can be super intimidating.
What Iāve learned being a designer since last year myself that thereās always room for improvement. From shapes to how you formulate your designs. My first pattern sucked lol I thought it was so cute but Iām revamping it now because Iāve grown as a designer and itās tons better. I believe Iāve tested for you and I didnāt feel you anything negative I would test for you again.
I would suggest finding your niche.
Find new ways to challenge yourself it keeps it interesting and this is where growth can come.
Hope this helps chin up
Xo
Maybe you did test for me or we were both in a tester group chat together! Either way i really appreciate your words of encouragement and i will continue to be my best self!
Definitely donāt feel discouraged! Iām interested in patterns that I like and will have time to complete. I think itās important to take into account other tests and their due dates especially if they came out before your own tester call as chances are people apply to those and wonāt have time if the due date is the same as their others tests
I also look into if Iām able to use any type of yarn and the requirements for the test as well since some require you to do certain things with social media for example which I donāt have so I donāt apply and could be the same for others if certain requirements others wonāt do. I never actually look to see who posted the tester call just what it is and the requirements and if the due date is reasonable for me and Iām fine with requirements I usually apply if I have the time lol
Itāll take some time but eventually youāll get a good rhythm going, although itāll take time and activity, but donāt give up! I think the most important part would be the due dates I see so many tester calls with the due dates so close together that even if I wanted to apply I donāt think Iād have the time since I already applied to others lol
Your welcome! Iād like to be there for others I kinda went through my upset alone. My choice to be fair here. However Iām so glad your asking this alone helps motivate and assist. It truly is important to have that stable friend base so Iām glad for this platform even though I am older I feel encouraged too.
I appreciate you listening
Personally I think you should design for you. If you enjoy designing, then design what you enjoy. If you are just doing it to āgo viralā or only designing what you think others will like, you will lose the joy and after a while itāll show on your designs.
Iāve designed several patterns over the years, had up to 8 available at one time, and have never gone viral, but I enjoy what I design and hope to have more time to design more of what I want, even if I donāt make a lot of sales
Yeah I am designing for me. Im not selling any of my patterns theyre all free. So im not looking to go viral or anything. I just didnt want my patterns just to sit there after I put the work in. But I see what youre saying. Thanks for the input!
my favorites are the witch graph (i had it in my wishlist but forgot about it! I think im gonna try and make it soon 
) and the ice cream sandwich. so cute!
never give up and remember, you are so loved!! 
Recently Iāve just been really busy with tests or i just miss the tester call so im not able to apply to your tests 
But once i get all these tests sorted out, Iād absolutely love to test out your patterns! 
and I understand! Ill be posting new calls eventually!
I have had times when people havenāt applied to my tester calls, like with my plants. I thought people would be more excited as when I posted that topic asking what plants I should make. For my bunny ear cactus, I only had 3 people apply and 2 were non responsive while the 3rd was amazing and finished in a day. (shout out to 
