Is repeat pattern the only way to get licensed?

My collab with Kaseme Design

Is learning how to make a repeat pattern absolutely necessary to get you started in licensing?
Not Really

Don’t get me wrong…it is a good skill to have, no doubt! But it is not crucial to get you started in licensing. Lots of companies have a team in-house to help you turn your art into a repeat and/or they can license your artwork as is. I have had both the options happen to me. So please don't get hung up on pattern making. The most important thing is to send out your work! 

As featured here, my collab with Kaseme Design for these two beautiful phone cases did not require me to make a repeat pattern.