Kris Ruff is a Minneapolis-based surface designer known for energetic patterns inspired by Scandinavian modern design, and infused with her own blend of sophistication and playfulness. Her work has appeared on hundreds of functional products for home and fashion. More

Wild Daisies Repeat Pattern ©Kris Ruff
Colorful Bottles Tea towel
Happy Garden floral repeat pattern © Kris Ruff
Chatterbox Repeat Pattern on Swim Trunks ©Kris Ruff
Lemony Lemons Print ©Kris Ruff
Jazz Garden Print ©Kris Ruff
Abstract Shells Pattern ©Kris Ruff
Twist and Shout Pattern ©Kris Ruff
Camden pattern ©Kris Ruff
Seven Seas Bedding ©Kris Ruff
Capri Floral ©Kris Ruff
Dog Leashes with Kris Ruff patterns
Playful Candy Canes print ©Kris Ruff
Hopscotch print ©Kris Ruff
Playful Gingerbread ©Kris Ruff
English Holly Placemat ©Kris Ruff
Warm Woolly Sheep ©Kris Ruff
Warm Woolly Sheep ©Kris Ruff

The Professional Repeat Digital Guide

NEW! Take the anxiety and guesswork out of preparing your art files for print. This 58-page fully-illustrated digital guide is packed with information about printing methods, color systems and practical guidance for setting up professional quality print-ready files in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

A mix of floral, geometric, seasonal and conversational prints reflecting Kris’s energetic contemporary style. Available for licensing and sale.

Surface Design Portfolio

Dogwood Street logo

Dogwood Street Collection

A collection of fun, quirky dog and cat characters perfect for products from stationery to home goods. Their playful antics and whimsical style make them consistent bestsellers wherever they’re used.

Kris is a gifted teacher with a dozen Skillshare classes crafted with simple, actionable lessons that help surface designers build their art-making skills in Adobe Illustrator, create amazing mockups in Photoshop, and understand the art of print production.

Skillshare Classes

1-on-1 Coaching

Coaching is one of the best ways to invest in your surface design career. Kris tailors each session to your specific needs — whether that’s artwork reviews or navigating the business side of surface design. With years of industry experience, she offers valuable insights to get you moving in the right direction.

Collaborations

Bedding | Sleepwear | Table Linens

Luggage

Area Rugs

Wallpaper

Partyware | Gift Wrap

Kitchen Linens | Ceramics

Ceramics | Kitchen Linens

Quilting Fabric

Dresses

Home Products

Holiday Decor

Home Products

Sheep should get to wear wool hats, mittens, and scarves, don’t you think? These towels are part of my holiday collection for @geometry.house. Everything is currently 20% off, plus an extra 15% with my code: KRISRUFF. #krisruff #geometry.hou
Here's my entry for Spoonflower's latest design challenge. The theme is a timeless nursery wallpaper that works for a newborn but grows with them through their toddler years. I decided to forego traditional baby themes like animals or flowers in favo
I'm so excited to share that I'm now part of the artist collective at @Geometry.house! My first holiday collection just launched, and it's full of festive designs. Geometry's towels are honestly the most absorbent I’ve ever used, and they&rsquo
When my kids were little, I loved making their Halloween costumes. I looked forward to the creative challenges each one brought, requiring a mix of skills like sewing, paper mache, and lots of field trips to Goodwill and Home Depot for supplies. One