Infinite Creativity: From Struggle to Strength – The Journey of Jo Phillips, The Infinity Designer

In the world of surface pattern design, creativity is everything, but it doesn’t always come easy. For me, becoming the designer I am today has been a long and often painful journey. From the struggles of undiagnosed neurodivergence to finding my voice as an illustrator and surface pattern designer, my story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and, ultimately, triumph over adversity. Here’s a little about my journey, and how it shapes the designs I create today from my chapter in the book Beyond The Ordinary, Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodiverse Women which has recently been read on the Beyond The Ordinary Podcast by my stepdaughter, Carmella.

From Police Officer to Designer: A Turning Point

The Moment I Knew I Couldn’t Stay: A Creative Soul in Crisis

As a police constable, I never imagined I would end up here having strayed so far from my dreams, feeling like I was dying on the inside. I’m a creative at heart, and the weight of everything - undiagnosed Autism, ADHD, chronic pain from hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and a turbulent personal life led to this moment when my Sergeant lent across the table and spat this question out...

‘Look, you can either accept medical retirement or be

fired for poor performance!’

Surviving Rock Bottom: Bulimia, Burnout, and Beginning Again

The choice felt crushing at the time, a true rock bottom that led me to spend two months at The Priory, a psychiatric hospital, on suicide watch, seeking help for bulimia and depression. After a further 8 months of outpatient therapy at The Priory Hospital, I was pushed into a corner and reluctantly accepted medical retirement... But in hindsight, it turned out to be the best decision I could have ever made!

From Breakdown to Breakthrough: My Journey into Surface Pattern Design

Leaving the police service in 2009 opened the door to a completely new chapter in my life, one that I never expected but ultimately led me to the world of surface pattern design. Despite the challenges, health conditions I manage and personal setbacks I faced, I couldn’t ignore the creative spark within me that kept burning bright. I was determined to pursue my passion for illustration and design, even though the path wasn’t clear and was fraught with uncertainty.

Discovering My Creative Path

1. Creativity Through the Pain: How Art Helped Me Rebuild my Life

After I left the police service, my health continued to decline, and I struggled with chronic pain, depression, and the lingering effects of my past experiences. But even in my darkest times, my creativity remained my constant companion. I took small steps to reignite my artistic side, first by reentering the world of illustration. It was a steep learning curve, with technology and industry practices evolving rapidly since I had studied graphic design at university. But I was determined.

2. Jowish in John Lewis: The Unexpected Lessons That Shaped My Career

In time, I started my own Jewish greeting card business called Jowish. The dream was always to see my cards in a store like John Lewis, and to my delight within a year, my designs were available in their Oxford Street and Brent Cross locations. While I eventually sold the business to a competitor, being unable to function due to chronic migraines, the experience taught me invaluable lessons about the commercial side of creative work, which I carry with me today in my surface pattern design career.

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The Road to Surface Pattern Design

From Art School to Uncertainty: A Creative Path That Refused to Disappear

The journey to surface pattern design wasn’t straightforward, and it took several twists and turns before I found my true calling. Having received a distinction in a GNVQ in Art & Design, followed by studying an HND in graphics and a top-up BA in Graphic Design specialising in Illustration, I tried hard following graduation to get a job but struggled to get a graphic design or artwork job.

Late Diagnoses, Lifelong Clarity: Embracing My Neurodivergence

After leaving the police, I completed a part-time MA in Illustration at the University of the Arts, London. After selling Jowish, I enjoyed volunteering at a local school, when I could, where I found joy in working with the reception children and designing murals for the kids' classrooms. But it was only after a late diagnosis of Autism aged 43 in 2020, and ADHD at 47, that I began to truly understand myself and why my life had always felt so challenging. With this newfound understanding, I was able to embrace the neurodivergent aspects of my mind, which had always been a source of creativity but also confusion.

Infinity Designer Begins: Experience, Insight, and Creativity

Through therapy, coaching, ADHD medication and a deep, deep dive into understanding my neurodivergence, I finally found the focus and clarity I had been searching for. I began working with several mentors and honing my skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and Fresco. With this new knowledge and 1-2-1 support, I launched my illustration and surface pattern design business, embracing the name "Infinity Designer" as a tribute to my ever-flowing ideas and designs.

The Power of Neurodivergence in Design

Being neurodivergent has shaped my creative process in ways I never could have predicted. My mind constantly buzzes with ideas, sometimes overwhelming, but always full of potential. The patterns I create aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they tell a story and reflect the energy that has fuelled my journey. From the intricate details of repeating patterns to the colours and textures I choose, my designs are born from my unique perspective as an Autistic, ADHD, and Dyslexic individual.

Designing surface patterns gives me immense joy, and I’m thrilled to bring that passion into my work. Whether I’m creating patterns for textiles, home decor, or commercial product lines, I always aim to design something that resonates with buyers, manufacturers, and product designers. I strive to create pieces that are not just beautiful but meaningful, delivering quality, authenticity, and originality.

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Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Surface Pattern Design

Now, I feel more confident than ever in my ability to contribute to the surface pattern design industry. Having also launched my Etsy shop, PaperlyUK, where I sell handmade and speciality paper products in 2024, I made 100 sales in my first two months further filling my world with creativity, inspiration and drive to succeed in the creative world. Since building a portfolio of surface pattern designs on Spoonflower, I've continued to expand my design offerings, collaborate with other creatives and strive to inspire others with my journey.

The road wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. From the darkest moments to the brightest breakthroughs, I’ve learned that my creativity is infinite, and I am finally in a great place in my life, where I’m meant to be!

An Invitation from the Heart: Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

So, whether you’re a buyer, manufacturer, or fellow designer, I invite you to explore my work, and licensing options and book a call to connect and discuss how we can create something incredible together. I'm excited and ready to bring a touch of creativity, authenticity, and joy to your next project.

Services We Offer

●      Licensing ready-to-use designs

●      Bespoke designs for exclusive and non-exclusive licencing

●      Full buyout option

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Discover the Story Behind the Patterns in My Own Words

If you'd like to hear the full story of my journey from rock bottom to Surface pattern designer, and everything that led to here, listen to my chapter on The Beyond Ordinary Podcast. If you'd like to read more about my Neurodivergent journey, you can also do so in my featured story on the National Autistic Society website.

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