Patternpeople.com

Pattern People is a surface design studio founded by designers Claudia Brown and Jessie Whipple Vickery who came together with a mutual appreciation of pattern and a shared vision. Collectively they bring their illustrations to all types of surfaces from fashion to interiors.

http://www.patternpeople.com/about/
They specialize in creating designs using paint, ink, graphite, and pixels for a range of projects and products – from wrap-around residential murals to perfume packaging for the likes of Estée Lauder, Adidas and Godiva Chocolate.
Their inspiaration can be shared and commented on in a  blog which is dedicated to the appreciation and application of print design. The blog features a wealth of valuable resources from trends in fashion and interiors to color palettes, DIY guides, book reviews and more to inspire, inform and educate pattern lovers of all ages.
Pattern People is based in Portland, Oregon.
The website had some decorative and inspiring products on it, one or which I have posted below, which is a digital print scarf by designer Christopher Kane.
I like the vibrant rainbow colours and effect applied over the pattern design on the scarf. The site lists other designers whose work you are able to look at. I did find the site confusing to navigate and it is not obvious how to purchase any items, so it was a little offputting for this reason, but the topics and information on books, fashion, illustration and surface and pattern design made it worth while persevering.

Monochrome Designs

Patterns I have created in illustrator. Here they are displayed as monochrome images and I will later add colour to them, although I may tweek them slightly as I think they could have more visual impact.

Pattern Design : Applications and Variations

This book by Lou Andrea Savoir explores and conquers the different aspects of pattern designs and their applications. It shows and displays a wide selection of pattern compositions and how they can be applied to different objects, textiles, clothing, furniture and used for interior designs including blinds and wallpapers. An inspirational book that captures and presents great ideas.

It encourages the reader to develop her own pattern applications to be put on personal possessions or to be used in the home, such as patterns on lampshades or throws.

Elements of one of my designs

Creating repeat pattern designs with elements from one of my main designs. The pattern has to be thought through, as the vertical pattern lines have to fit together otherwise the patterns will print over each other without the correct spacing and it will look uneven.
The above pattern is the basic layout which I intend to add colour co-ordination to and experiment with different visual effects.

Art Law

In order for a designer to protect her work it is important to put steps in place so that the work is not used without permission. However I think most artists would not take credit for something they did not do. Whilst they want people to look at their work I think it may work in an artists favour is someone is using one of their designs to blog or appreciate if it is well labelled. The viewer will then be able to view other designs you have done from the link posted.

http://www.littleboxofideas.com/blog/category/inspirations

Ornate grunge seamless vector patterns by Patternhead are available from above site. There are also tutorials, free vector patterns and downloads at moderate prices.
I like the variations of colours in the flower pattern. They work together even though there does not seem to be any colour matching. In contrast the ornament pattern has a neutral and uninspiring colour palette.
My favourite is the Fleur De Lis pattern as the style used gives texture to the shapes rather than a solid block of colour.

The relationship and compatibility of shape elements to one another

How each element relates to one another, together with how they are absorbed and placed into the space for the design, is important in finding the solution to a design.
The elements have to be in proportion to one another both in their dimension size and in relation to one another. In addition the space inbetween one another are all factors affecting this.
I find it easier to start off with a few basic elements and scale them in relation to one another, rather than overloading the document page and having to scale down any components. Although the focus is on the elements as a whole making up the design, the pieces have to be placed in the right position and proportion to make the design work.

Silkscreened Modern Holiday Cards

Cards are Handmade by agnespdesigns. I love the patterns and vivid colours on these cards. They combine polish folk art with a modern twist. Pretty and decorative to look at I think they could be used as wall art also.

Print & Pattern

Two calendars from monkey mind design, the first featuring patterns and the second overlapping geometric shapes.
Print & Pattern is a UK based website that celebrates all aspects of printed surface pattern. It looks at textiles, cards, gift wrap, stationery, wallpaper, tableware, books, illustration and other printed patterns and motifs.
It advertises job opportunities and gives designers insight into other peoples inspirations and talent. It also gives viewers an opportunity to comment on other peoples designs whilst shopping on the site also.

Marketing Strategy

Is the concept the same for large companies to that of small businesses and freelance designers to capturing and engaging with their target audience?
To be able to do this I have to research into what the consumers likes or dislikes and what it is that attracts them to a product or design.
I have to research into where customers look to buy the products. There are many outlets to consider such as retailers, online companies, market stalls, gift fayres or selling direct from the studio. To understand and realise the market is the first step to begin planning a marketing concept. To develop a strong customer base my designs have to be preferred over other competitors on the market. 

Stroke weights & Styles

http://www.homeeducateinthesunshinestate.com/blog/how-to/how-to-create-multiple-stroke-path-adobe-illustrator/
I gained useful advice on techniques and effects which can be applied to image lines in my designs. Whilst it is easy to apply multiple strokes and variation of weights and caps on the lines it is also easy to get carried away and apply too many techniques to the one image.
I think used carefully it can give new dimension to the image and make the lines stronger and well defined if used in co-ordination with other effects and elements.

http://www.hannah-designs.com/info.html

Hannah Davies, fine-detail Surface Pattern Design graduate who draws on her love of nature for inspiration. She also produces paper prints and repeat digital prints.Although her designs are very quirky and intricate they are of a different style to the one I aspire to. Her talent embraces the use of colour and attention to detail which have an almost childlike quality and appeal.

Colour Tones

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/01/28/color-theory-for-designers-part-1-the-meaning-of-color/

Warm Colors

Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow, and variations of those three colors. These are the colours of fire, of fall leaves, and of sunsets and sunrises, and are generally energizing, passionate, and positive.
Red and yellow are both primary colors, with orange falling in the middle, which means warm colours are all truly warm and aren’t created by combining a warm color with a cool color. Use warm colours in your designs to reflect passion, happiness, enthusiasm, and energy.

Red (Primary Color)

Red is a very hot color. It’s associated with fire, violence, and warfare. It’s also associated with love and passion. In history, it’s been associated with both the Devil and Cupid. Red can actually have a physical effect on people, raising blood pressure and respiration rates. It’s been shown to enhance human metabolism, too.
Red can be associated with anger, but is also associated with importance (think of the red carpet at awards shows and celebrity events). Red also indicates danger (the reason stop lights and signs are red, and that most warning labels are red).
Outside the western world, red has different associations. For example, in China, red is the colour of prosperity and happiness. It can also be used to attract good luck. In other eastern cultures, red is worn by brides on their wedding days. In South Africa, however, red is the color of mourning. Red is also associated with communism. Red has become the colour associated with AIDS awareness in Africa due to the popularity of the [RED] campaign.
In design, red can be a powerful accent color. It can have an overwhelming effect if it’s used too much in designs, especially in its purest form. It’s a great color to use when power or passion want to be portrayed in the design. Red can be very versatile, though, with brighter versions being more energetic and darker shades being more powerful and elegant.
I find the above article informative and helpful as I need to co-ordinate the colour palettes used on my designs to reflect the moods I want the images to portray.There are many elements to consider to achieve the right balance and harmony within an image.

Symmetry in nature

This website http://sixrevisions.com/web_design/symmetry-design/ explores how symmetry is found in nature and in the world around us: 
Symmetry creates balance, and balance in design creates harmony, order, and aesthetically pleasing results. It is found everywhere in nature, and is probably why we find it to be so beautiful. Symmetry is one of the fundamental principles in gestaltism, a human behavior theory that proposes that our mind naturally creates order and completeness in the things we see and encounter.

There are three types of symmetry: reflection (bilateral) mirrorer effect such as a butterfly, rotational (radial) such as the petals in a flower, and translational symmetry (repetitive design elements) where the elements are proportional to one another. Each can be used in design to create strong points of interest and visual stability.

Snowflakes

Although not exactly symmetrical I find the patterns formed by snowflakes intriguing. Each snowflake is different as changes in temperature and humidity change the intricate patterns and shapes that are formed. 
They have six-fold radial symmetry. Some of the designs I am concentrating on are similar in structure as they stem from a centre point and are based on how nature creates symmetrical and repetitive patterns.

Balance, Proportion & Scale

As well as the design itself consideration has to be taken of the product or item on which the pattern is to be placed. This has to be in proportion and scale so that it enhances and adds value to the product. Some patterns may be too overpowering and too large a scale for smaller items and it is crucial work with all elements so that the overall design is refective of the tone you want to achieve.
The placing of the elements and repeat of the pattern in the design can have an effect on the visual appearance and this can reflect on the consumer audience to which it is aimed for sales of the product.

Decorative patterns

A lampshade decorated with a symmetrical pattern design which is repeated across the shade. I noticed this whilst shopping in TK Maxx. The minimal colour palette and strong bold lines of the design are enhanced by the white/cream canvas it is set on. I think the design gives definition and individuality to the product. It stands out and was the only one of that style in the shop. Products displaying this type of design do not seem to be mass marketed and I think this encourages other artists/designers to produce individual designs which can be appreciated by consumers.

http://dowhatyouloveforlife.com/pattern/

Useful website I found which gives tips on creating your design, through to developing a professional identity and monetising your designs. Although the designs are a different style to the ones I am interested in, the blog deals with factors which are fundamental to any designer. 

....an Idea supported by Settledown Cafe



Online Review: papergirl is a very cool idea for an art project started in berlin a few years ago. artists submit work on paper (a5 to a1), the work is shown as part of a papergirl exhibition for a short period, then the work is given away to unsuspecting members of the public by a load of volunteer cyclists.
I think this is a novel and unique approach in promting your work and to get noticed.

Settledown Cafe: CAFE, ART SPACE, GALLERY

Settledown cafe is located in city centre. It is a lively venue which has a buzz and a great atmosphere.

It also has events and exhibitions from photography, artwork, even knitting. Great place to meet for coffee and discuss ideas. I also spoke to proprietor who gave me feedback on how to showcase work.



La BocaCoffee Shop & Art Cafe

Located In Newcastle city centre near to the library this quirky cafe offers homemade delights of cakes and pastries and hot coffee. On the walls are displayed works of art from local artists. Music and Art Ehibits run throughout the year.
I liked the relaxing and cosy atmosphere of the coffee shop, whilst being able to look at the different styles of art displayed on the walls from pop art to acrylic on vinyl. Discount to students also.

Hungred.com tutorials

http://hungred.com/useful-information/10-ways-fully-utilise-blend-tool-adobe-illustrator/
Blending, curves and swirls. Useful website that gives you tips on how to create effects to your image.

Stylish vector flowers, gradients and swirls can all be given energy and depth to an otherwise flat document. I find the website useful as it enables the artist to give movement to their images. The styles and techniques can be used and incorporated in other designs either extensively to reflect a dramatic transformation or minimal approach. 

Report writing ............

A report or proposal is crucial in outlining a designers or companys' objectives and marketing strategies. It can promote and express the face of the company and is vital in showcasing the identity of the designer or company ...........

Design is Everywhere

Who'd have thought. Whist watching an episode of Coronation street I noticed some images displayed on the walls of Carlas flat. With the help of playback I was able to pause the screen and take a photo. I find them inspirational, probably because of the style. The images are symmetrical and I like the texture as it looks like a paint effect, in much the same way that if a design was painted on one half of the paper and folded over the same effect would be achieved. I also like the dimensions, the image itself is in proportion to the elements used. It is not too big that it invades the room and yet the visual appearance has appeal by its decoration and subtlety.

Paper cut-outs

As my Illustrator programme appears to have given up the ghost, I have took the opportunity of experimenting with paper cut-out patterns. Although the edges of the cut-out shapes are not precise as they would be in a vector based image I quite like the visual appearance the design projects. The shapes are still repetitive and symmetrical which is part of my theme in the designs. I think this method of producing a pattern gives a different concept and depth to the images. The patterns can also be adapted as an image in a pc programme can be and applied to different styles of design.
It may be worth pursuing at gretaer depth as I am sure more intricate patterns can be achieved in this way and the fact that the pattern does not reveal itself until the paper is unfolded gives the it a sense of spontaneity and natural concept.

It may also be an area in the industry which could be opened up. Several prints and gift wrap designs have a similar style such as this one by Caroline Gardner and the repetitive concept is in place.
Above gift wrap printed by www.pennykennedy.co.uk
It is a pattern almost indicative of that of tribal henna designs. The designs are bold and stand out and I find them inspiring and creative. A useful website which giving details of designers and artists together with images of designs is:  http://hennatribe.org/banners/artistlisting.htm

Lance Wyman Ltd

An inspiring and inventive website which shows skills and projects undertaken by Lance Wyman ( Graphic Designer from U S ). The spiral contains icons which reflect the time line of design for the artist, from his early experiments to completed and successful design systems. As you pass over the spiral the icons light up to indicate the design corporate or event it relates to. By clicking on the icons to activate them, a list of details and information is produced.
I think this is an innovative way to present and advertise your skills and to show your progression and development. The site is easy to navigate and the novelty concept outlines both current and previous projects so is an ideal way of giving out information normally held on a CV.

Celtic Knots

Looking at ways in which to weave paths and strokes together in my designs. Had a go at the interwoven style of celtic knotwork. The overlapping stroke shows the outline as if the lines are actually woven together.
Step by step guide at: http://www.tonyharmer.co.uk/wordpress/?p=376
My results so far........

BALTIC PRESENTS TURNER PRIZE 2011

I visited the Baltic Arts Centre. Whilst there always seems to be a lot of controversy over the turner prize exhibits I think I preferred the work of Martin Boyce. Mainly because I engage with the geometrical forms and elements which he has applied throughout his installation, which include the light fittings and even the air vents on the wall.  

Development of my Designs

I am inspired by patterns of a geometrical and symmetrical nature. Also how they can be interwoven and joined together to create even more inspirational designs. My work development today has resulted in creating decorate patterns to be used for a repetitive border around one of my designs.