It's all well and good for us to tell you how great The Pattern Cloud is - but we might be a little biased. So instead, we thought it would be far more valuable to hear directly from one of the incredible creative studios using the platform every day: Studio Olive.
If you're a creative studio owner, freelancer, or small business owner looking for better ways to stay organised and run your design business more efficiently, Amanda's insights offer a genuine, real-world look at what's possible with the right tools in place.
The Story Behind Studio Olive
Every creative studio has a unique story - one shaped by a desire to build something meaningful. For Studio Olive, that journey is rooted in a love of art and a commitment to carving out a space within the world of textile design.
We asked Amanda to share how Studio Olive came to life, what inspired her to start the studio, and the experiences that shaped its direction.
How did you get started with Studio Olive, and what inspired you to launch it?
“Studio Olive was born from my passion for art, colors, drawing, and painting. I studied fashion, but at the time there were no specific courses in textile design at my university, 15 years ago, it was still a largely unexplored field. I worked for a while as a fashion stylist, but I realized I didn’t enjoy drawing fashion sketches; my true interest was creating prints for collections.
From there, I pursued specialized training in textile design, which was still scarce at the time. In Brazil, for example, there were only two postgraduate programs focused on this area. I had also completed many courses in drawing and painting, which helped me a lot. Working as a freelancer and later in a print studio was fundamental: I learned on the job, exchanged experiences with experienced professionals, and understood how the market really works.
During the pandemic, I focused entirely on my own projects, and I felt the desire to create something with my own identity, bringing my personal vision and creative direction. Moving to Italy gave this project even more strength, allowing me to explore new inspirations, techniques, and international connections.
This is how Olive Studio became a reality: a studio of original prints, where each collection reflects my passion, experience, and artistic vision.”
What did the early days look like, and what challenges did you face?
“For me, there wasn’t exactly a “formal start.” I began working on freelance projects, and gradually realised I was already operating as a studio, even without recognising it. It was a natural, flowing process.
One of the biggest challenges was gaining visibility in a competitive market while managing every aspect of the business alone, from research and creation to administrative and commercial tasks.”
Balancing Creativity and Day-to-Day Studio Operations
Running a creative studio isn’t just about design - it’s about finding the balance between creativity and the practical side of running a business. From managing client relationships to planning projects and staying organised, studio owners wear many hats. We asked Amanda how she approaches this balance and manages the day-to-day operations of Studio Olive.
How do you balance the creative and business sides of running a studio?
“Balancing both sides is an ongoing process. I try to organise my time to dedicate focused moments to creation while also setting aside space for business tasks, such as client communication and planning.
I wouldn’t say perfect balance is ever fully achieved, but I understand that both aspects are important and part of the work. Everything has its time, and it’s important not to be too hard on yourself for not being able to handle everything at once.”
Using The Pattern Cloud to Run Studio Olive More Efficiently
Having the right tools in place can make all the difference when it comes to running a creative studio smoothly. For Studio Olive, The Pattern Cloud has become an essential part of managing workflows, presenting collections, and staying connected with clients around the world.
We asked Amanda how The Pattern Cloud has impacted her day-to-day operations and overall way of working.
How has Pattern Cloud Studio changed the way you work day-to-day?
“The Pattern Cloud Studio has made my workflow much more efficient and organised. It streamlined the way I present collections, manage sales, and connect with clients globally.”
What features do you find yourself relying on most?
“I mainly use it as a tool to present collections to clients. The platform’s organisation and professional presentation make a big difference when showcasing our work.”
How would you describe The Pattern Cloud and The Design Agent to a fellow creative?
“I would describe them as powerful tools for visibility and connection. They create a bridge between studios and brands, making it easier to present work professionally and reach the right audience.”
Would you recommend us to another studio or designer?
“Yes, absolutely. It’s a great platform for creatives who want to expand their presence and connect with brands in a more structured and professional way.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Studio Olive
As Studio Olive continues to grow, Amanda remains focused on evolving the studio while staying true to its creative identity. With new opportunities on the horizon, the future is all about expanding reach, building connections, and continuing to develop her distinctive design style.
We asked Amanda what’s next for Studio Olive - and what advice she’d give to others starting out on a similar path.
Where do you see your studio going in the next year or two?
“In the next few years, I see Olive Studio expanding its international presence, collaborating with more brands, and participating in trade fairs, bringing our work to an increasingly wider audience.”
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
“Be consistent and trust your creative voice. It takes time to gain recognition, but the most important thing is to keep creating, practice helps your work evolve continuously. And never underestimate the value of organization and a professional presentation.”
Ready to Take the Next Step with Your Studio?
If you're looking to grow your surface pattern design studio, streamline your workflow, and connect with more clients, The Pattern Cloud can help you get there.
Book an industry insights call with a member of The Pattern Cloud team to discover how you can optimise your processes, present your work more effectively, and unlock new revenue opportunities.