10 Questions About Surface Pattern Design
Have you always dreamed of putting your designs on fabric for quilting or sewing projects? How about seeing your designs on wrapping paper, gift cards, notebooks and journals? Here’s another idea. Would you like to repurpose some of your art work so that it’s not gathering dust in your creative studio?
Here’s the thing. When you buy a piece of fabric or a new roll of wrapping paper, someone just like you created the design on it. If you’re curious how this works, keep reading and I’ll answer the top 10 questions I hear over and over again about an industry that no one has ever heard of: surface pattern design.
1. What exactly is surface pattern design?
Surface pattern design involves creating designs or patterns that are intended to be applied to surfaces such as fabric, wallpaper, ceramics, or any other surface where a repeating pattern will make the product more beautiful. These patterns can range from simple geometric shapes to intricate illustrations. Look around you right now and I’m willing to bet you’ll see at least five things that a surface pattern designer created. The design on the tea towels in your kitchen. The design on your duvet cover. The design on the blouse you’re wearing. The design on the carpet under your feet. The design on the greeting card you just sent off to a friend.
2. How do I get started in surface pattern design?
To get started in surface pattern design, you'll need to familiarize yourself with a design software program called Adobe Illustrator. This seemed really daunting to me when I opened the program for the first time in my late 50’s. But if I can do it, so can you! In my upcoming From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week, I’ll share my proven framework for creating repeating patterns that work. Learn more HERE.
3. What tools and software do I need for surface pattern design?
One of the most exciting things about learning surface pattern design is that you don’t need a lot of equipment or tools. You need a computer - a laptop or desktop - either is fine. You need some sketchbooks or just regular computer paper. Or if you prefer, you can draw on a tablet like the iPad using programs like Procreate. And like I mentioned earlier, you need to learn Adobe Illustrator. But think about it for a minute. You can create designs from anywhere! Just take your sketchbook, a few pens or pencils, and your computer with Illustrator on it and you’re off to the races!
4. Can you explain the difference between vector and raster graphics in surface pattern design?
The simple, lay persons definition of “vector graphics” is that they are a series of anchor points and lines connecting them that define the shapes and lines of your sketch or doodle. This allows your design to be scaled infinitely without losing quality. Raster graphics, on the other hand, are made up of pixels and can become pixelated - or out of focus - when scaled up. Think of what happens when you blow up a photo. It becomes out of focus. In surface pattern design, vector graphics are preferred for their scalability and versatility.
5. How do I come up with unique and original pattern ideas?
Finding inspiration for pattern design can come from anywhere – nature, architecture, fashion, or even everyday objects. Keep a sketchbook handy to jot down ideas and sketches as they come to you. Experiment with different motifs, color palettes, and layouts to create something truly unique. One of my favorite ways to gather inspiration is to go for a walk. I take my iPhone with me and snap photos of plants, flowers, doorways, anything that inspires me in the moment. I may create a series of patterns inspired by the different garden gates from my last walk. The ability to find inspiration is just a step away.
6. What are some common mistakes beginners make in surface pattern design?
One common mistake beginners make is overcomplicating their designs. Keep your patterns simple and cohesive, especially when starting out. If you think about it, we’re often drawn to a fancy pattern but when we’re actually buying something, we often revert to something simple and classic, like stripes and dots! That’s true in surface pattern design as well. Another mistake is using colors that clash or don’t really work well together. Creating beautiful color palettes is part of the creative journey and takes time and practice.
7. How can I improve my skills in creating seamless patterns?
First things first! You have to learn how to create a repeating pattern and I have just the thing for you. In my From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week, I break the process down into manageable steps. You’ll watch me create a pattern from scratch and since we all learn differently, you’ll also get access to downloadable step by step “cheat sheets”. You’ll join a wonderful community of creatives just like you who are learning the process at the same time and cheering each other on. It starts on March 11 so grab your spot HERE.
8. Are there any copyright or legal considerations I should be aware of when creating surface patterns?
Yes, it's important to be aware of copyright laws when creating surface patterns. Do not using copyrighted images or designs in your work without permission. Remember my advice under #5 about coming up with your own original ideas. One great thing to be aware of is that you don’t need to copyright every single piece of art you create. Once you’ve created something, you “own” the copyright. Where this becomes an issue is if you find someone using your work without permission. If you’ve spent the time and money to copyright it, you’ll be in a stronger position to sue someone. But let’s not go down a rabbit hole here. That’s highly unlikely to happen so I wouldn’t worry about it.
9. How do I market and sell my surface pattern designs?
There are so many avenues for selling your surface pattern designs! Just think of the vast array of industries the require new designs every season. You can sell your design on online marketplaces like Etsy, print-on-demand services like Society6 or Spoonflower, or licensing your designs to companies for use on products. Building an online presence through social media and a professional website can also help attract potential clients and customers. The first step is to become proficient at creating repeating patterns in Adobe Illustrator and creating a portfolio or sell sheets.
10. What are some trends in surface pattern design that I should be aware of?
Trends in surface pattern design vary from season to season, but some timeless themes include designs for key holidays including Christmas, Easter, 4th of July and other major holidays. Other trends include botanicals, geometric patterns, and tropical “sun kissed” themes. Keep in mind your own shopping habits. You need a reason to buy something whether it’s because you’re going on vacation to a tropic location and need clothes for the occasion. Or you’re shopping for gifts for an upcoming holiday. Advice I received during my early days as a surface pattern designer was: Would you buy that? As you create your own designs, ask yourself that question!
Now, are you ready to dive into the world of surface pattern design? Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, there's always something new to learn and explore. If you're eager to take the next step and turn your passion for pattern design into a profitable venture, I invite you to join my From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week." It starts on March 11. You'll learn how to create your first repeating pattern using Adobe Illustrator, along with valuable insights and tips to help you succeed in the world of surface pattern design. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your creativity and turn your doodles into dollars! Sign up here.
As always, you can join me LIVE this Wednesday, March 6 at noon PST for my weekly Wednesday broadcast about art, creativity and surface design. Mark your calendar and please join me to learn more about my From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week. We’ll be live on my Facebook business page and on my YouTube channel.
See you there!
xo,
Anne
And Remember…
It’s Never Too Late to Create
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation living in, and traveling to, beautiful environments in the United States and abroad.
