Meet Ashley Beasley: Surface Pattern Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Beasley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I was always artistically inclined. You could find me constantly coloring, crafting, or playing a computer game where I’d rather create the character and decorate the house rather than play with them. Because of this, I was also a visual learner. My mom realized this was my strength early on and guided me in that direction in school. Art was always my elective in school, and I excelled at it. Along with art in general, I loved the computer. I remember our first family computer in the early 90’s had the Paint program. I was always coming up with doodles. There was something about digital creating that was so interesting, and it stuck with me all growing up. As I grew up, so did the programs. We had an early version of Photoshop and I loved playing with all the tools. I used it to manipulate an image I took for my art class project. I brought it into class and my teacher thought I stole the photo off the internet. When I told her, no, I photoshopped it, she said you have to join my digital media class next year! So I did. When It came to going to college, a degree in graphic arts was a no-brainer. Immediately after graduation I received a corporate design job where I learned so much—both about the real world of design, and technical skills in general. Being a creative has so many wonderful perks. I love that even though I worked a full-time job, I could use my creativity in other ways. It led me to start dabbling in some casual design side-hustles. I experimented with many routes that ultimately led me to where I am today. About a year ago I decided to basically start back at square one with my business and follow my true desire of surface pattern design. Staying inspired is crucial to any creative, so it’s important to create what you’re passionate about. At the end of the day, I chose a creative career path because it not only came naturally for me, but it’s what made me happy. When I realized I started losing the spark, I knew I needed to get back to the root of why art made me happy to begin with. And I’m glad I figured out surface design was it! Creating for myself is what makes me most happy. When I sit down to design a new pattern it’s like I’m on another planet. I’m so focused on what I’m doing and enjoying it that it never once feels like work. The best part is I can share it with others for them to enjoy as well. When I see my designs sell I’m instantly thrilled. Something I enjoyed so much is now being enjoyed by others and it gets to live in other peoples homes and lives. That’s really what being an artist is all about, sharing your work with others. I’m so glad I get to create new unimagined designs and I love knowing that they are being appreciated by others and inspiring other new artists.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a surface designer who offers vibrant, playful, and creative prints and patterns for crafty mama’s, kids lifestyle brands, specialty stationery, and modern housewares. My biggest goal with my art is simply to create happiness. There is always going to be negativity in the world and I personally like to focus on the good rather than all the worry. My art reflects that. I want people who see my art to also feel joy and see the brighter moments of the day. Finding my style was a long journey, but I just kept creating. Most people don’t instantly succeed. It takes time, months or even years, to experiment and learn. I learned that investment is the most important aspect of my journey. Investing my energy in what makes me happy, investing my time in creating things I enjoy, and investing money only in things that will help me grow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I laugh as I say this, I’m probably not the best person to ask, haha. I’m a total homebody & creature of habit! But when I do have the opportunities to get out and explore Houston, my favorite area to visit are the museum district. I really love going to the zoo & the museum of Natural Science. While I’m in that area I always try to take a walk through Hermann Park or the gardens.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family was my initial support. Growing up they provided me all of the tools and supplies before I even realized that was part of my journey. Looking back, I couldn’t have done any of it without them! Surprisingly enough, my love for pattern design was realized a long time ago at my corporate job. Before then, I didn’t even realize pattern design was a career. If I hadn’t learned about it then, who knows when I would have realized it was a passion of mine. And now my biggest motivation is my son. He really give me my inspiration to be my best self and to be successful. My dream is to do what I love and support my family with it.

Website: presuttidesign.com
Instagram: instagram.com/presuttidesign
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-presutti-b4a1312b/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PresuttiDesign/