Pattern Making: Illustration & Design Process

Have you ever noticed how a good pattern can completely transform a space or product? It adds character, feeling, and sometimes even a story. My approach to pattern design is a blend of curiosity, intuition, and intentional crafting. Here’s a little glimpse into how an idea on my screen turns into something that can live on wallpaper, textiles, and products.

Phase 1: The Spark of Inspiration & Intuitive Sketching

Most patterns start when something catches my eye — often local plants or animals here in South Africa. I’m drawn to what’s often overlooked: the not-so-obvious flower, the lesser-known bird. I also love working with natural, earthy tones with a playful edge.

Once an idea forms, I open up Adobe Fresco on my iPad and start sketching. It’s where I explore freely, capturing those early marks as vector lines right from the start. That means I can scale them later without losing any detail — whether they end up on a tiny notebook or a full-size tablecloth.

Phase 2: Refining Elements & Embracing the Unexpected

When I’m happy with the sketches, I shift over to my computer and move everything into Adobe Illustrator. This is where the shaping happens — smoothing out lines, adjusting curves, and making sure each little part feels solid and ready.

This part of the process is rarely linear. Sometimes, the best ideas come through by accident. A colour shift or odd composition might surprise me — and I try to stay open to those moments. Often, the pattern even names itself along the way.

Phase 3: Building the Flowing Design & Adding Impact

Now it’s time to piece everything together. I build what’s called a “repeat tile” in Illustrator — arranging all the elements so they flow naturally when repeated. The challenge here is making sure there are no hard edges or obvious breaks. It should feel seamless and organic.

Variation plays a big role — changing up the sizes, shapes, and colours of elements helps create depth and keeps the eye moving. In one of my hornbill patterns, for example, I used different bird poses and scales to make the layout feel alive and full of character.

Phase 4: Final Touches & Bringing Patterns to Life

Once the layout is complete, I do the final colour balancing and small adjustments to make sure everything feels resolved. Then it’s ready to live beyond the screen.

This is the most rewarding part — seeing the work printed on fabric, paper, or walls. Whether it’s a floral pattern bringing warmth to a nursery or a bold animal print making a statement on a product, the goal is always the same: to bring a little more joy, calm, and meaning into everyday spaces.

Are you looking for a custom pattern?

I love creating unique, heartfelt patterns that tell a story and elevate your brand or product. If you're dreaming of a custom pattern that’s bursting with personality and positive vibes, I'd absolutely love to hear from you.

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