Concept
In my personal work, I enjoy pattern design and appreciate their versatility, whether as part of a brand identity or simply a form of art. For the two patterns shown, the intent was to explore various applications. One pattern features a winter holiday theme while the other has floral elements.
Design Process
A. Holiday
1. Illustration of elements
2. Pattern design + applications
B. Poppy
1. Illustration of elements
2. Pattern design + applications
1A. Holiday | Illustration of elements
When beginning a pattern, I illustrate more elements than I know I'll end up using, but give myself plenty to work with. For Holiday, I wanted the elements to retain a hand-drawn look, so the original illustrations remained the same throughout the process.
2A. Holiday | Pattern design + applications
As this pattern is holiday themed, it was intended for gift wrap. I ordered gift wrap sheets to use and using Cricut software, I created stickers to match the wrapping paper. Inspired by gift wrapping paper sets, I also designed a secondary pattern using only a few of the elements.
1B. Poppy | Illustration of elements
In my sketching, I did not illustrate in color, instead, I chose to vectorize the elements and let the color palette come after the layout.
2B. Poppy | Pattern design + applications
The applications of patterns are endless. Using the Poppy pattern as a starting point, I explored a method of painting that started by cutting out a stencil with my Cricut. I then removed the canvas material from two frames and replaced it with a mesh. Using my stencil, I pushed plaster through the mesh, painting it once dry.
My goal for this piece was to create a painting with sheer portions that allow the background of the pattern to change, depending on what lays behind the painting. This method also creates a dual sided piece - the colorful painted side and the unpainted plaster side.
