Charcoal effect

By applying a charcoal effect brush stroke on one of my designs it transforms the original design. However some of the elements are lost even though they were all selected  to apply the brush stroke to.
The cleaner, defined lines can be seen on a smaller vector image to the left. However I like the more relaxed and uneven quality of the main design as I think the lines have more character and presence.

Pathfinder tool in Illustrator

I am finding the pathfinder tool in Illustrator extremely useful. It enables me to format repetitive patterns that overlap the document edge, so that they can be cropped neatly. It also creates some unusual and effective pattern variations. By manipulating areas of the design with the adding or subtraction tool different effects can be achieved such as the examples below.

The second pattern is the centre of one of my designs, whereas the first has been manipulated by using the pathfinder tool to add elements of the original design together. This has made areas stronger and bolder and defined the cross shapes.

Common features in islamic designs

Rotating designs are common in islamic art from all periods and regions and in many media. Interlaced circular designs are also common to islamic art. Image below from: hoodedutilitarian.com

Influenced by the styles and techniques used in islamic art, I have started to create surface pattern designs with elements and components of my designs. These patterns can be applied to surfaces of different products or textiles.

The pattern I have created above combines an interlocking grid composed of elements of my original snowflake design together with more decorative images placed at repetitive intervals. 

Modern Approach

Influenced by William Morris designs and other designers whose works have a direct or significant link to nature and the world around us, I am aiming for a more modern approach. The elements in my designs showing use of bold colours and defined lines and sometimes not that obvious in their shapes which may be abstract.
I am also aiming to create a series of artwork which will be linked together by their style and development technique as well as the subject matter.

Designs inspired by Nature

My designs are related to patterns and shapes that occur and develop in nature, such as leaves, trees and snowflakes. Some designers and artists are significantly inspired by the natural world and relate to this in their work.

William Morris was one of the great pattern designers. The design above, entitled 'Trellis', was a Pencil and Watercolour sketch for wallpaper design, 1862.

His patterns were inspired by his intimate knowledge of natural forms discovered through drawing and stylised through his detailed knowledge of historical styles. They were usually titled with the names of the flowers that they depicted such as 'Chrysanthemum', 'Jasmine', 'Acanthus', and 'Sunflower'. In effect, Morris took the natural forms that he found outside in the woods and meadows and used them to decorate the inside of our homes.

Etsy

Etsy.com is an online website which enables artists and designers to sell their products. It is a safe and secure site to enable customers and traders to carry out quick and easy transactions to buy and sell goods.
The site is easy to navigate and strict rules and guidelines have to be adhered to.
There are also forums and online workshops to enable members to swap and collaberate their concepts and ideas and gain useful tips and information. It is based in the U S but has a wide following and network internationally. Any sales or charges are automatically converted to sterling from US dollars enabling easy methods of payments.

Pattern Texture

I have applied a charcoal effect brush to my original vector design. I think the strokes of the designs become more emphasized and the volume created defines the design components.
I think the second design looks more relaxed and visually appealing, as if it has been handrawn almost, making it more personal in its approach.