When I Thought Only Engineers Solved Problems (Spoiler: I Was Wrong)
Surface Pattern Designers Solve Problems?! Wait… What?
Hello friends! I have a confession to make.
For a long time, I believed that only engineers solved problems.
If you had told me five years ago that surface pattern designers were also problem solvers, I would have laughed, and said, “No, no. That’s an engineer’s job.”
Why? Because that’s what my education taught me (I am an engineer)
In Greece, getting into an engineering school requires top-tier grades and hours of studying. Once you get in, you’re surrounded by people who also went through the same high-level entrance exams, and—consciously or not—this creates a bit of an elitist mentality. Engineers don’t just solve problems, we fix the world! (Or so we tell ourselves.)
So, when I took my first online course on surface pattern design and heard my teacher say:
"Surface pattern designers solve problems."
…I immediately thought, Excuse me? No. That’s an engineer’s job.
But then, I started paying attention.
The Problems Surface Pattern Designers Solve
I had always thought of patterns as something purely decorative. Pretty. Fun. A nice extra. But as I dove deeper into this field, I realized that pattern design—just like engineering—exists to solve real problems. Just… different kinds of problems.
🔹 Making objects feel more special. A plain notebook is just a notebook. But a notebook with a carefully designed cover? It becomes someone’s favorite journal, something they want to use.
🔹 Transforming spaces. The right wallpaper can change a room’s entire atmosphere. Imagine a hospital with dull, sterile walls versus one with soft, inviting patterns. The difference is felt.
🔹 Helping brands tell a story. Companies use patterns to communicate their personality, to stand out, to make an impact. That’s strategic problem-solving right there!
🔹 Bringing joy. Let’s be real—joy is a pretty big deal. Something as simple as a playful pattern on a mug can turn a boring Monday morning coffee into a small, happy ritual. That’s an emotional problem solved!
As I kept working in surface pattern design, my mindset shifted completely. I saw how creative work wasn’t just fun—it was functional. The way a pattern interacts with its surroundings, influences behavior, and enhances daily life? That’s design thinking. And design thinking is all about problem-solving.
The Hidden Bias I Didn’t Know I Had
This realization hit me harder than I expected.
I saw how I had unknowingly created a hierarchy in my mind, putting engineering on a pedestal while dismissing creative work as “less important.” And honestly? That was kind of… well, embarrassing.
It made me think—how many of us have these internalized beliefs about which professions matter more? How often do we downplay certain types of work just because they don’t fit the traditional “problem solver” mold?
Because let’s be honest—teachers solve problems. Artists solve problems. Scientists, musicians, writers, bakers, gardeners—they all solve problems. The world isn’t just built by one type of thinker. It thrives because of the diversity of problem solvers.
I guess what I’m saying is: sorry, engineers. You’re not the only ones. (And yes, I can say that being an engineer!)
So, Why Does This Matter?
Because the way we define a problem determines the way we value its solution.
If we think of problems only in terms of math and mechanics, we ignore the equally important problems of emotion, connection, and experience—things that shape our lives just as much as any equation ever could.
And if we want a world that is not just functional but also beautiful, meaningful, and full of joy—then we need all kinds of problem solvers.
Including the ones who design patterns. 😉
Tell me—have you ever realized you were totally wrong about something? Hit the comment button and let me know. I promise, I won’t judge. (Okay, maybe just a little if you are an engineer:-P)
Here’s to learning, unlearning, and appreciating all the ways we make the world better,
Stavrina, xxx
Stay creative and experiment!
P.S. Next time you see a beautifully designed pattern on your favorite notebook, bag, or wallpaper, just know—it’s not just there to look pretty. It’s solving a problem. And that? That’s a little bit magical. ✨
I think I had/have the same mindset problem. Putting certain professions above others because 1) I was raised that way to think, 2) I didn’t realize that creative professionals solved problems. I just always thought they were there for fun. You are absolutely correct that connection, emotion, and experience are just as important, if not more important. Life is meant to be joyous. Color and design are one of those things that can bring joy and comfort.