Finalization of my design development

The development of my series of designs has been completed. When realsing and developing them I was able to learn techniques and skills in the design applications available on the pc, mostly Illustrator. It also enable me to engage in other techniques such as stencilling and paper cut-out designs and compare the time taken with each method and the effects and different styles they produced.

To continue on my development of my designs for other products I intend to adapt my designs for application to other products such as household wares (glassware, imagery, wall art) and textiles (linen, decorative throws and cushions). By acknowledging and keeping to relevant formatting and applications I also intend to upload my images to online image sites.

I will contact local venues that I have researched and keep check on market trends and demands to apply and present my designs efffectively to the current market.

Skills & Techniques in Illustrator

Having produced images for my project I have expanded my knowledge in the use of tools in Illustrator. I used several different brush stroke applications and was able to create a variety of pattern brushes to be used in my designs.
I also explored colour variations and texture effects, which when applied in different brushstroke widths can achieve considerably different outcomes and visual displays.  

Pattern Swatches

Elements and components of a design can be used to produce pattern swatches to be put on other products to compliment a main design. For instance a throw or cushion with a similar design can be produced to co-ordinate or compliment with a wall hanging design. Or a pattern may be displayed more discreetly and could be used as a pattern border around the top of glassware or on a coaster or placemat.

Above: Leaf and flower pattern by ririwillow.blogspot.com. I would associate the colours and shapes with the subject it represents. The pattern is fresh and clean looking. It creates an energetic rather than relaxing tone and find it difficult to look at for too long as the dark leaves seem to jump out at you.

In contrast my design composed of elements from the Flora design has a more delicate tone by using the pastel colours and the shapes not being placed as close together. This design is not directly linked to the subject in its use of colours which has been varied but the shapes of the pattern connect it to its original theme.

Kaleidoscope patterns

The above kaleidoscope pattern, image from shutterstock.com, is made up of butterflies. It shows how the butterflies form other shapes and complex patterns when the kaleidoscope is turned.

Below image from, Istockphoto.com, which has lots of kaleidoscope images on insets of screen panels. Colours have been added to enhance and define the patterns.

With the designs I have created, one as soon above, I intend to incorporate colour and apply them to different products, which could include materials such as glassware,  cushions, linen - table clothes or runners. The pattern designs could also be used as borders around decorative blankets or repeated across wallpaper or screens.  

Shapes used to signify objects and to reflect moods.

The picture of the flower captures its vibrant colours and stance, reflecting the delicate and overall presence it gives. Whilst we can communicate and engage with our audience by the use of shapes to symbolize and represent objects, some shapes are more distinctive than others. It is the combination of all the elements to include colour, form and presence that helps to represent the full picture we want to reflect.

Applications & Effects

I wanted to apply a textured effect to the lines of my design. First I had to convert the design from a brushstroke to outlines, in order that the adjustment could be made. I then applied a charcoal effect from the artistic brushstrokes selection.
The edges of the lines are softened and more relaxed than the previous defined and straight edged lines.
I was also given advice and suggestions from my tutor who advised the design could be further manipulated in PS. A textured effect could be applied or clipping mask of desired effect could be applied over the design.

TimePlan

By working to a time plan makes it easier to focus on specific areas relevant to the project brief. This makes development more structured and efficient.

Working to an action plan gives me more discipline in completing the task and more productive in getting to where I want to be. Also by cateloging what I have done helps me look at areas of research and development I may not have thought originally thought of.