From Tech to Textiles: How Seamless Patterns Changed Mandy’s Art Career

In the second episode of the ‘Art + Audience’ podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mandy Corcoran, the creative force behind Amanda Grace Design. Mandy’s journey from tech educator to successful surface pattern designer, and art licensing expert is nothing short of inspiring. Here’s a deep dive into her story and the valuable lessons she shared on building a business that loves you back.

From Tech to Art: Mandy’s Unique Path

Mandy Corcoran didn’t start her career in the arts. With a degree in programming, she worked in high tech and became the first female Cisco Networking Academy instructor on the East Coast. Her journey took a turn when she left her tech career to raise her three children, but her love for technology and education never waned.

In her forties, Mandy embarked on a new adventure—turning her passion for art into a thriving business. Despite the challenges of homeschooling her children and managing a busy household, she found time to create. Drawing on her iPad at night after the kids were asleep, she began building what would become Amanda Grace Design.

The Power of Persistence and Authenticity

Mandy’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and staying true to one’s passions. Initially, she struggled to find her niche, trying to emulate other artists and fit into molds that didn’t suit her. It wasn’t until a critical portfolio review that she realized the importance of focusing on what she truly loved: creating seamless patterns.

“The biggest mistake I made was not following what truly made me happy,” Mandy shared. “If you enjoy just flowers and you don’t want to draw unicorns and Christmas stockings and everything else, just draw flowers.”

This pivotal moment, though initially devastating, redirected her path. By concentrating on what brought her joy, Mandy quickly saw her business flourish, landing multiple licensing deals and partnering with top fabric companies.

Embracing Constructive Criticism

One of the standout moments in Mandy’s journey was her willingness to seek and embrace constructive criticism. Investing in a portfolio review, she received honest feedback that half of her work was not up to par. While this was hard to hear, it was a crucial step in her growth.

“If you want to succeed, you need to be able to ask for and receive criticism in a way that will help you grow,” Mandy emphasized. This feedback led her to focus on her strengths and ultimately build a more authentic and successful brand.

Balancing Life and Work

Mandy’s ability to juggle her responsibilities as a mother and her aspirations as an artist is particularly inspiring. She highlighted the importance of finding small pockets of time to pursue one’s passion, even if it’s late at night.

“Even if it’s at 10 o’clock at night while your kids are asleep, keep practicing,” she advised. “Your style will come, and your path will reveal itself through the hard work and joy you put into it.”

Lessons for Aspiring Artists

For those on a creative journey, Mandy’s story offers several key takeaways:

1. Stay True to Your Passion: Focus on what you love to create, rather than trying to fit into pre-existing molds.
2. Seek Constructive Feedback: Honest critiques are essential for growth. Don’t shy away from investing in professional reviews.
3. Value Quality Over Vanity Metrics: Authentic, high-quality work will attract the right customers, regardless of social media follower counts.
4. Persevere Through Challenges: Keep practicing and creating, even if it’s in small, late-night sessions. Your dedication will pay off.

Final Thoughts

Mandy Corcoran’s journey with Amanda Grace Design is a powerful example of how authenticity, persistence, and the willingness to embrace criticism can lead to remarkable success. For anyone feeling close to giving up, Mandy’s story is a reminder that you are just one step away from turning your dreams into reality.