How an iPad and Apple Pencil Helped Mandy Corcoran Build a Thriving Design Business

In the world of modern design, few tools have had as profound an impact on creators as the Apple iPad and Apple Pencil. For surface designer Mandy Corcoran, these devices transformed her creative process, enabling her to not only build a successful design business but also empower others to do the same. From creating intricate patterns to teaching others the art of digital design, Corcoran’s journey is a testament to the power of technology in unlocking creativity.

In this exclusive interview, we explore how Corcoran turned her passion for design into a thriving business, using the iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate as the backbone of her work. Let’s dive into the fascinating story of how these tools helped shape her career.

From Tech to Design: How It All Began

Mandy Corcoran’s transition into the design world wasn’t instantaneous. Before diving into surface design, she was a programmer—someone who thrived on logic, structure, and problem-solving. “It’s structure, flow, and problem-solving, which always appealed to my brain,” she shares. Her background in programming would eventually inform her creative process in ways that would change the future of her career.

The pivotal moment came in 2018, on Christmas morning, when her husband gifted her an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. This was a game-changer. Corcoran recounts, “I downloaded Procreate that day, and something just clicked.” It wasn’t just the iPad itself, but the synergy between the device and the Apple Pencil that allowed her to bridge the gap between logic and creativity. She found that digital sketching on the iPad was intuitive, and as she got familiar with Procreate, she realized this was more than just a hobby—it was the beginning of a new career path.

Unleashing Creativity with Procreate and the iPad Pro

Corcoran’s creative process is powered by the iPad Pro, the 13-inch model with the M4 chip, paired with the Apple Pencil. The iPad’s power is something she’s come to rely on, especially when it comes to running demanding creative apps. TechRadar’s testing confirms the iPad Pro’s ability to handle even the most intensive tasks, ensuring that Corcoran’s design work flows seamlessly without interruptions.

What sets Corcoran apart is her ability to integrate her “tech-brain” into her design work. She describes the creative process as having a “mathematical precision” that allows her to manipulate patterns and designs with accuracy. It’s this balance of structure and art that makes her designs so unique. “I need to fit various designs together, figure out the right flow, and ultimately end up with something meaningful,” she explains.

Procreate, the app Corcoran uses for creating her surface patterns, offers the flexibility and functionality she needs to express her ideas. And it’s not just about sketching—Procreate enables her to create full-fledged, professional-grade designs that are now featured on products sold in major stores like Home Goods, TJMaxx, and Nordstrom Rack.

A Business Built on iPad and Apple Pencil

What started as a creative outlet soon transformed into a full-fledged business. Corcoran didn’t just stop at creating patterns—she began creating tools to help others tap into their own creativity. “For me, it’s all about giving people tools to unlock their creativity faster,” she says. She designed templates that others could use, making it easier for beginners to start creating their own patterns and designs.

Her deep dive into Procreate and the iPad ecosystem also led her to create courses, making her one of the first to offer customizable pattern templates. By 2023, she had developed a reputation as an educator, helping others navigate the world of digital surface design. “When I first started, there weren’t many templates or charts to help with layout and eye flow,” she recalls. “So, I started creating them myself.”

Today, Corcoran runs a thriving business, not just designing but also teaching, building templates, testing brushes, and developing courses—all from her iPad. She describes it as an “iPad ecosystem for design,” where everything she needs is accessible in one place, without worrying about performance limitations. The iPad and Apple Pencil have truly become the heart of her creative enterprise.

The Power of Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro, which Corcoran uses alongside her iPad Pro, adds another layer of functionality to her creative toolkit. Describing it as “an extension of your thinking,” Corcoran values the precision it offers, especially with its advanced features like barrel roll support and squeeze functionality.

“For someone who loves creating systems, I really appreciate how hover, double tap, and now squeeze with Apple Pencil Pro give me shortcuts at my fingertips—without ever putting my pencil down. That’s huge,” she explains. These features make the design process faster and more intuitive, allowing Corcoran to focus on creativity rather than navigating technical details.

Whether she’s sketching intricate patterns or creating detailed designs for her courses, the Apple Pencil Pro’s precision is key to Corcoran’s workflow. And when teaching others, it’s a tool she relies on to explain techniques in a way that encourages confidence and faster movement in the design process.

From Designer to Educator: Sharing the Creative Journey

Beyond her personal design business, Corcoran is also a dedicated educator. In April 2025, she hosted a Today at Apple session at the Apple Carnegie store in Washington, DC, where she guided 30 participants through the process of creating patterns in Procreate. The session, which focused on a fruit-themed design, marked a “full-circle moment” for Corcoran, who was able to share the life-changing creative journey she’d experienced with others.

Participants left the session feeling inspired and empowered, with Corcoran noting that some attendees were surprised by how many aspects of their lives were influenced by patterns. “A few people told me afterward they’d never even realized how many things in their lives had patterns—and that this opened their eyes in a completely new way,” she said.

Her story is a perfect example of how technology can empower people to unlock their creativity and pursue their passions. What started as a personal exploration with the iPad and Apple Pencil has evolved into a business, allowing Corcoran to not only design but also teach and inspire the next generation of creators.

Building a Creative Career on Your Own Terms

Mandy Corcoran’s journey is proof that with the right tools, anyone can turn their creative passion into a thriving business. Thanks to the iPad, Apple Pencil, and Procreate, Corcoran was able to build a successful design career while also empowering others to do the same. The iPad Pro and Apple Pencil have become more than just devices—they’re essential components of her creative ecosystem.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a beginner, Corcoran encourages everyone to take the leap: “Just open an app like Procreate, tap around, and start playing.” With these tools at your disposal, the possibilities for creative exploration are limitless.