Spotlight: Rachael Taylor

Hello,
Winding up this week's focus on layered prints and patterns I thought I would look at Rachael Taylor's wonderful work which features lots of layering of motifs and texture. You can purchase items featuring Rachael's designs from Deny or via her online shop. I LOVE these trays!

Wheel of Wonder available at DENY

Rachael Taylor is a designer well known for her quirky hand drawn style. Her motifs are playfully doodled and her patterns are bursting with colour. Layering seems to feature more and more in her recent work...

Motifs made up of lines (as opposed to the solid shapes I featured last week) work well when stacked up on top of each other for obvious reasons: they create interesting textures, nice areas of negative space and give a pattern a feeling of depth. The pattern above is made up of only one motif but it's a really nicely designed motif. It's delicate, irregular and interesting to look at - it is indeed a 'wheel of wonder'. So despite there only being one motif in the pattern, the considered way it has been handled means it doesn't look repetitive - there's rhythm without monotony. Rachael has recoloured, inverted, rotated, resized and then placed the motif in an interesting and exciting arrangement.

Festive Party tray available from DENY

Here's an example of Rachael layering simple coloured shapes under motifs to break up a solid background. Some of the line drawn motifs slightly overlap but for the most part they are just arranged on one layer with a little space between them. I imagine that layering such pretty and interesting motifs on top of each other would not allow them to shine individually. They're filled with pretty patterns and demand individual attention. Often with such motifs a designer might be inclined to arrange the motifs in a grid repeat or interlocking arrangement with equal space around each one. Instead Rachael has used circles and simple squiggles in different sizes and different shades of purple to add interest to a plain background and this also allows for the motifs to be placed in an informal and fun way. Using these simple flat shapes in the background gives a sense of depth and layering without it getting too busy. It's like they provide a little bit of rest for the eye without just leaving a gaping hole in the pattern, if you see what I mean.  It's also very lovely how these shapes show through the transparent motifs and soften the contrast between the very dark background and the very light coloured line work. I think this pattern shows off Rachael's understanding and experience of how to work with colour particularly well - it just seems such a clever thing to bridge the contrast gap.

Electric Stems tray available from DENY

Finally, here is an example of the two techniques combined to create a pretty placement print. Simple, solid shapes break up the background and there are some lovely doodled textures varying in colour and scale. The floral motif is repeated several times but treated differently each time so it doesn't look repetitive. Instead, the repetition of it makes for a cohesive design. Varying line weight and scale is a great way to use the same textures more than once in the same piece too and they serve to break up the solid pops of colour so that they don't overpower the piece.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at Rachael's work - I certainly have, there's so much to learn from looking at her work. You can find out more about Rachael at her website and as you will already know if your mad about pattern she runs the excellent Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design course too. If you haven't taken the course, I thoroughly recommend it!

Thanks for reading!
Love
Frankie x

Be Inspired: Deconstructed/Multi pattern/Multi Layer

This week, I'm looking at a style that I adore and am constantly striving to achieve in my own work.

Liberty

This 'deconstructed' look is made up a mishmash of patterns and motifs from a variety of styles, layered and blended to create an eclectic, relaxed feel. It reminds me of my art school days spent taking photographs of urban decay and layering canvases with collage and acrylic paint except it's more decorative. Here are some examples of this future and current trend. The example above is from Liberty's new fabric line inspired by Alice in Wonderland and is made up of check fabrics from their archives.

White Stuff

White Stuff are particularly good at this look, combining patterns of different styles and scales to create a unique design. Here's one of their gorgeous Christmas jumpers...

White Stuff

Here's another example from Peter Pilotto...

Peter Pilotto

Many gorgeous examples of this style can be found at Carpet Vista - I find these rugs so inspiring and  would love to own one!

Carpet Vista

Carpet Vista 

Carpet Vista

More about this style on Wednesday!
Love
Frankie x

Spotlight: Jessica Nielsen

To round up this week's posts featuring graphic floral art, I thought I would focus on the work of Jessica Nielsen a surface pattern designed based in Rotterdam. Jessica's designs are bold and bright and inspired 'by subject and shapes from nature'.

This shell pattern looks like it was so much to fun to create...

I also like her limited use of colour. It helps to create a really striking design, allowing the shapes to take centre stage... Notice how although the motifs are very simple in their shapes and construction, there is still variety - it's not just a case of copy and pasting the same motif over and over again. The same idea has been executed several times and this gives a better sense of rhythm to the pattern. 

This quirky floral was commissioned by the Dutch store HEMA. Again notice that the motifs are the same yet different. Considered, well executed design. 

You can see even more of Jessica's work on Pinterest and on her website or why not visit her Etsy shop here where you can purchase stationery items featuring her designs. 

I hope this week's features on bold graphic styles has inspired you to make your own designs in this style and please join me on Monday for more pattern inspiration!
Love
Frankie x

Try it: Cut Out Florals

Following on from my post on Monday about Matisse inspired cut out style, I thought I might show a little bit of work in progress this week and share a few ideas.

I'm working on a floral pattern using this cut out technique. I made my motifs using scissors and origami paper. You could paint your own paper or use material or textured papers particularly if you work traditionally. As I am working digitally I didn't worry too much about the colour of the paper as I just want the shapes.

Unlike the current papercut trend for fine and intricate details, I'm going for simpler shapes with a playful feel. I tried using a scalpel but found that made me want to get too fiddly.  So working with scissors and large pieces of paper made the process more fun and expressive.

I then assembled flowers in a sketchbook. For more variety you could just scan all the elements in separately and then assemble a variety of flowers in Photoshop or Illustrator.

I scanned the flowers in and used the pen tool to trace them but there are lots of other ways to make them digital. For example you could trace the motifs using Live Trace or retain a more handmade feel by creating the repeat in Photoshop.

So I'm currently playing with palettes and layouts...

I really like this drawing technique. It's a fun and easy process and great for if you are not very confident in your drawing skills or are just looking to loosen up and be more creative in your approach to drawing. I also think it really lends itself well to vector art with its simple lines so works a treat in Illustrator.

I hope you've found this post useful/inspiring! On Friday I will be featuring the work of Jessica Nielsen whose bold graphic style caught my eye whilst researching this week's posts.

Love
Frankie x
 

Be Inspired: Bold Cut Out Style...

Guy Bell/Rex

Morning!
Summer seems soooo far away at the moment, so I thought I would brighten up this week by taking a look at some really bold and colourful designs...

The Tate

Matisse's cut out art seems to be influencing both current work and future trends. This bold and colourful style would look great particularly on homewares and swimwear and is a really fun technique to experiment with.

The Tate

Bold colour palettes and simplified and stylised motifs on a plain background make for a crisp and clean look as can be seen in these classic Marimekko prints...

Print and Pattern

Print and Pattern

You can see more examples of Marimekko prints in this great Print and Pattern post here.

It would be impossible not to mention Marimekko's Unniko print at this point which turned 50 last year and there's a whole site devoted to it here. This iconic print still looks as fresh today.

Marimekko

Here are a couple more examples of this style from Kate Clarke and Aimee Wilder.

 Kate Clarke 

 Kate Clarke

Aimee Wilder

Aimee Wilder

Hope this burst of colour has brightened up your Monday morning!
Love,
Frankie x

My work in progress this week...

Hello!
Today I'm sharing a some of my work in progress from this week. I rarely share my work and I'm not sure why, I just think I enjoy sharing and talking about other people's work more than my own!

I'm currently working on some single patterns for a trade show in China. This is the first time I have ever prepared for a trade show and I am really excited. I'm trying to do a variety of subjects but as there is no brief, it's really fun researching trends and experimenting with different styles. It feels a bit strange working on single patterns as I got in the habit of thinking in collections but it's always good to try new things! MATS Part A really helped me with this and I can't wait to be challenged even more in Part B!

So anyway, here are a few screenshots of some of the things I have been working on this week...

I adore the ogee shape - it's so nice to design motifs to fit inside it. 

My motifs were inspired by Scandinavian folk art.

Old bottles and ferns with a mid century modern feel...

These motifs were inspired by old Mexican tile patterns. 

Making patterns can take you on such wonderful journeys!

Hope you have a lovely weekend! 

Love

Frankie x

Studio Tuesday #10 Jilly P

Greetings Pattern Addicts!

Hope you all had a lovely Bank Holiday weekend. 

I've got a delicious helping of pattern goodness to share with you today from the fabulous Jilly P. Just like Niamh Fitzsimons last week, Jillian is inspired by Japanese illustration and Tokyo is her dream design destination. I first came across her work in the first Print & Pattern book and instantly fell in love with it. It's immediately clear when looking at her work that she is really good at working with Illustrator! I've been learning how to make brushes for Ai recently and I was reminded of this when I saw all the lovely textures and versatile mark making in her work.

I hope you will enjoy finding out more about Jillian and her work. I know she was very busy in the run up to Surtex but still found time to contribute this feature to my blog and I really appreciate her taking the time to take part. If you would like to feature, please do get in touch!

Thanks,
Frankie x

Name/Company or Studio name:  Jilly P Studio
Location: Dorchester, UK

Where and how did you start your surface pattern design journey?

My first job was working as a pattern designer for a kidswear forecasting company. I was studying Fashion Design at the time, and needed some work experience. I loved it so much I stayed on there while I continued my studies.

How do you approach a project/piece of work or collection? 

I like to have a really good read through the brief before I do anything. Then I compile a research folder, with ideas and things that inspire me, or I'll make a pinterest board. Once I'm happy with that, I spend time sketching and doodling ideas. Some projects come together quickly, whilst others take a bit more time and thought!

Favourite pencil/pen?

Pen.

Sketchbook or loose leaf?

Bit of both- but mostly loose leaf

How do you keep yourself on track/organised when working on a project?

I always keep a diary with deadlines for different stages of each project. I hate rushing things so I like to be organised and have plenty of time!

What are your creature comforts in your studio/workspace?

I always have a cup of tea (green or english breakfast), my radio playing, my dog Bertie near by and a candle burning (though not near the dog! haha!)- if I need to relax the stresses of a deadline looming.

Music, radio, stories or silence?

Radio- 6music..

Night owl or early bird?

Early bird

Illustrator or Photoshop?

Both but mainly Illustrator

What size art board do you design repeats on?

A4 or A3

Design heroes?

So many- Shinzi Katoh, Orla Kiely, Charley Harper & a long list of Japanese illustrators

Dream clients or design goals?

I'd love to design a homeware range for kids and extend my own stationery range.

It would be lovely to design for Ikea one day.

Dream design destination for inspiration?

Tokyo still remains top of my list, it's so inspiring and I'd love to visit Seoul next.

And what are you working on at the moment?

I'm designing kids clothing graphics and also compiling new work for Surtex in May.

Any tips or advice you want to share with us?

Keep working hard on developing your own style- I see a lot of people copying other artists work. It's fine to be inspired by what someone else is doing but be sure to do make your work yours and not a version of someone else's. 

Studio Tuesday #9 Niamh Fitzsimons

Gooooood Morning! 

Delight your eyes on this glorious Studio Tuesday morning!

Today Niamh Fitzsimons gives us a sneak peek into her colourful world of work. Niamh, who hails from the Emerald Isle worked in Design for Philips in Holland for many years before realising her true calling. These days Niamh runs her own successful studio in Dublin, creating surface patterns for licensing as well as having just launched her own product line of cute, personalised wall art for babies and children.

I've never met Niamh but just from looking at her work and reading her Q&A you get the impression she's incredibly focussed on her work and very happy as a result. The happiness and delight in doing what she loves definitely shows in her characters and design - they really do bring a smile to your face! Thanks to Niamh for being so generous with her advice and sharing her experience!

Read on to find out more about Niamh and her work and enjoy the rest of your day! 
Frankie x

Studio name: Niamh Design Studio
Location: Dublin Ireland
http://www.niamhdesignstudio.com

Where and how did you start your surface pattern design journey?

Considering I am not long in the surface design world my journey began a long time ago. Since I was about 12 I always had a sense that I was destined for something specialised in the Art World. I remember telling my mum when I was 12 that I had a feeling about this and I just did not know what it was. After school I worked in an Art shop and met some graphic designers so I thought I will go to College for Graphic Design. I enjoyed it but I was not fulfilled. When I graduated I moved to Holland for 7 years. I worked in Philips Design for a few years creating sub branding and surface designs for Philips Products. It was here that I created my first pattern on a Philips Product which I LOVED! Before I left, a designer showed me the Print&Pattern blog and it was like a light bulb went on. I saw that people where doing this for a living and I knew at that moment this was my calling. Since I was a young girl I always loved to draw and being a surface designer meant I would be able to draw everyday! When I moved home I began to create patterns and I approached some studios and agents in the US in the hope of gaining some representation while I could learn the surface design business. Three years ago I began Niamh Design Studio and I was very lucky to have gained representation I have amazing mentors and representation in the US for which I am so grateful.

How do you approach a project/piece of work or collection?

It helps when I am alone and grounded. When I first start I need slow relaxing music. I need to feel like I am playing. If I become to serious this can hinder me. I have to say I am still a little daunted by the first blank white page. I can procrastinate at this stage so I really have to work hard and stay at it. I first do some research to fill the well as they say. I flick through design mags, design books, blogs, old fabrics, or go to a museum or crafts fair etc. Sometimes I will go to my Dad's wonderful garden and take photos. Then with my music and coffee I start to doodle and I see what emerges on paper. I normally have a starting point, for example, baby collection with elephants or a garden collection. I doodle and when some doodles look cute I scan them in. At this stage I then sometimes put my headphones on so I close myself off from the world. I can put more upbeat music on. You never know how the first print will emerge. The most exciting part for me is when the first design is done and I love it. If I don't love it I stay at it until I do. When the first print is done I can move quite quickly though the rest of the prints until the whole collection is complete.

Favourite pencil/pen?

I love pencil. I always start with pencil.. something I could never do was draw straight onto the computer. Sometimes after the pencil stage I will use tracing paper and pens depending on the look I would like.

Sketchbook or loose leaf? 

Always loose leaf in the studio but when I am out I sketch in a notebook.

How do you keep yourself on track/organised when working on a project? 

I have two whiteboards on my wall in front of me. I write my weekly and monthly goals of what I would like to achieve. On my studio desk I have a notebook with my daily to do list and goals and I also use the iCalendar on my Mac. I aim very high and most of the time I will make 80% of my target. It is best to aim too high than too low I think.

What are your creature comforts in your studio/workspace? 

My music! Coffee, my inspiration bookshelves... writings for meditation.

Music, radio, stories or silence?  

Soft music when starting and lively music when I am on a roll. If it's a really hectic, and sometimes if I am feeling stuck in the beginning, it is total silence.

Night owl or early bird? 

A night owl. I am trying these days to be in bed at an earlier time but I do love the silence of the night time when I am not disturbed. During the day if I have to take phone calls run errands or go to meetings etc I can become ungrounded. So I use my best energy during the day and night for creating. When my energy is not the highest at certain times during the day I will run errands and go to the gym and finish the designs at night.

Illustrator or Photoshop? 

Illustrator is my most favorite but I think at some stage I would like to learn to create some more elaborate pieces in Photoshop.

What size art board do you design repeats on? 

500x500pix

Design heroes? 

There are so many! To name a few Dawn Machell, Jillian Phillips, Carolyn Gavin, Suzy Ultman, and so many more!

Dream clients or design goals? 

Well I have just launched my new website, so one of my goals is to build up my store of designs in the private client area, create lots of new wall art pieces for the shop. My other goal is to have my own line of products and to keep on creating 'Art to Make People Smile' :)

Dream design destination for inspiration? 

I would love to go to Tokyo, Japan! Since I was small I was always inspired by the Manga girl characters with the big eyes! I think my work might gain another level from that trip! I also think Cuba would be an amazing trip!

And what are you working on at the moment? 

I am just completing my first collection that I would like to be developed into a little range. It is something with an oriental flavour. I am currently researching suppliers and deciding what I will develop. The collection is at the moment a little secret ;) So stay tuned!

Any tips or advice you want to share with us? 

I still have so much to learn but when I first began I never gave myself a break. I was over worked, I pushed too hard and my work and my health suffered. I had to learn the hard way that there is only so much you can do and to take lots of breaks for yourself. It will all happen when it is meant to for you without breaking your back and not to stress so much or think about tomorrow, just do the very best that you can today and keep moving forward all the time - even 1 small step a day towards your dreams and goals. Don't worry or care too much if other people like it. It is a creative process and a gift that is from something beyond us here so how can we judge it? Just be happy and grateful to be able to do what you do :) My motto is 'Art to Make you Smile'... As long as I can create art to make people smile then I am smiling too. For the rest I try to be as detached as I can be. x

Studio Tuesday #8 Jessica Swift

Good Morning! 

I'm back after a very sunny Easter break with a real treat. In today's Studio Tuesday the spotlight is on my favourite surface pattern designer, Jessica Swift! If you're a regular to this blog you'll probably already know this as I often make mention of Jessica and her work. In fact the last time I posted an Essential Resource it was all about Jessica's book Jump, Trust, Repeat. You can read my review here or just go ahead and buy the book here. It's a fantastic book which I constantly refer back to. 

There's so much to love about Jessica's work. Her patterns are vibrant, fun and eye catching thanks to her unique sense of colour and her ability to create quirky, original repeats. I find both her work and her spirit inspiring and recommend subscribing to her blog for a little colour and cheer landing in your inbox!

So read on for more about Jessica and if you feel you would like to be the featured designer in the coming weeks, please get in touch.

Enjoy,

Frankie x

Name/Company or Studio name: Jessica Swift
Location: Portland, OR, USA

http://www.jessicaswift.com

Safi

Where and how did you start your surface pattern design journey?
I taught myself to create repeat patterns in 2008, while living in Atlanta, Georgia. I had discovered pattern design through design blogs, and I was instantly obsessed and knew it was my path. I didn't know how to use Adobe Illustrator, so it took me a while to finally learn to successfully create a repeat; but when I finally did, I couldn't be stopped. I created new patterns every day,  I decided to exhibit at Printsource in January 2009, I was contacted by someone from T-Mobile about licensing a couple of my designs for cell phone cases... it all began to happen very quickly, which was a blessing, because it gave me an early boost of confidence to keep going, and I took it as a sign that I was on the right path.

How do you approach a project/piece of work or collection?
I just dive in and start. I never begin with a plan. My work always evolves as I create it -- I never know what it's going to look like or how it's going to turn out. The most important part of a project, for me, is the point when I decide to just begin, and to try my best to get out of the way and let creativity flow through me.

Esmerelda

Favourite pencil/pen?
I love a plain old Pilot V5 pen the most.

Sketchbook or loose leaf?
Loose leaf

How do you keep yourself on track/organised when working on a project?
I live by to do lists. I use daily lists, weekly lists, longer term lists..... I break projects down into smaller chunks and then schedule the steps into my calendar at the beginning of each week. I'd be a mess without my lists!

Nocturna

What are your creature comforts in your studio/workspace?
Having my cat, Juneau, on my lap, hot tea in a mason jar, sage bundles for smudging, wearing yoga pants every day......

Music, radio, stories or silence?
All of the above! Different times and moods call for different sounds.

Night owl or early bird?
Early bird

Illustrator or Photoshop?
Illustrator

What size art board do you design repeats on?
8 x 8" or 9 x 9" usually.

Kazan

Design heroes?
Currently Jonathan Adler, Anahata Katkin, Amy Butler, Lisa Congdon

Dream clients or design goals?
I'd love to work with Chronicle Books at some point, and I'd love to get my work into many many more stores around the country and the world.... and potentially, one day, open a store of my very own. We'll see!

Dream design destination for inspiration?
India!

Elisaveta

And what are you working on at the moment?
I'm writing a book about pattern design! It will be published in Spring 2015. I'm also beginning to put together an e-course about pattern design, which I hope to launch in the fall.

Any tips or advice you want to share with us?
Just keep making art. Make lots of it, try not to judge it, and keep moving forward. You'll be amazed when you look back years down the road at all you've accomplished and learned.

Inez

#WordWednesday - Postcards for Peace

Good morning!

Today's Word Wednesday is all about Peace. I was recently asked by Martin Rowsell, founder of Postcards for Peace, to design two postcards for a Japanese themed pack he was putting together, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki. Sadako Sasaki contracted Leukaemia as a result of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. She is remembered for making hundreds of paper cranes after being told that if she made 1000 she would be granted a wish, as told in a traditional Japanese story. Sadako was only 12 when she died, an innocent victim of war.

With Sadako in mind I was inspired to create some patterns and named my completed collection after her. I used these patterns in my digital paintings for the final postcards...

My Sadako collection...

Paper Cranes

Peace

Kimono

Here are my postcards that are now for sale as part of a beautiful pack on the Postcards for Peace website. The pack contains 5 postcards, origami paper and instructions for how to make a paper crane and would make a thoughtful gift. I think the words are really beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the project. 

The fonts used are Kimberly Geswein's Eyes Wide Open and Love Ya Like A Sister. 
Thank you for reading and I hope you have a lovely day,
Frankie x