Pattern – a repeated decorative design.
So simple, yet packed with power and, even better, potential.
The power to draw the eye, and lead the viewer on a happy dance along and around and up and down.
Pattern demands attention.
Now if that’s not something worth thinking about, then I don’t know what is.
Simple or intricate – pattern has authority and dominance that comes from repetition. The viewer feels comfortable because they know what’s coming next.
The first thing you need to think about to create a pattern is order and arrangement, closely followed by repetition.
Mirrors can help, and so can a photocopier. I’ve also used Canva and had a lot of fun creating even more patterns, but my most used method is simple doodling.
Don’t just think about straight-line patterns – think of everything – circles, triangles, squares, half circles above and below a line, boxes, stars, stripes, dots – and of course, look to the greatest pattern maker of all, Mother Nature herself.
Most of all, think about movement and dynamism to unlock that potential and power.
Look at wallpapers, embroidery and textiles, cultural embroidery and textiles, ancient embroidery and textiles, wearable art, beautiful papers, magazines, and books – or just go for a walk and observe our amazing natural world.
Make a mark, add to it, choose another colour, and make another mark – then repeat and repeat and repeat.
And there’s the power.
Pattern and repetition are two of my favourite design tools.
I hope they become your favourites too.
All views and opinions expressed are my own, except where acknowledged information is included from other sources.