Textile/Surface Design Patterns

It's been about 3 weeks since I've completed my first quarter at Otis College of Design for a Textile/Surface design certificate. I must say, I was quite nervous about taking on this new challenge, but pleased that I went through with it. 

I felt the need to branch out and develop different skills as an artist. I took a liking to patterns used on various items such as stationary, wrapping paper, bedding and home decor, so I decided to go for it.

Here are the results of my adventures in my first quarter. All of the designs below are hand drawn, placed in a repeat pattern and hand painted (including the background colors). Hope you enjoy!

I call this one blue lagoon. We were given a color palette and were to develop a floral, stripe, geometric and plaid pattern. The plaid was especially challenging but it's done using my favorite technique I've learned so far called stippling. I used a sponge to get that dotty look and a ruling pen to get those straight lines.

This may be one of my favorite sets. I was inspired by one of my favorite textile/surface designers, Kamal. I used peacock feathers as my inspiration and stylized it in a modern simple way. The textured piece was especially fun to make. I used a stamping method with pumpkin seeds, a feather and a sponge.

These three coordinating patterns were the first patterns I designed. At first, I wasn't too keen on the colors that I chose, but it grew on me in the end. It seems very royal.

This print reminds me of being on a tropical island. It could be a nice wrapping paper pattern or maybe even a print for a bathing suit.

This print was so fun to draw. The direction given to me was to create a two-color juvenile print. I'm happy the way this one came out. I love owls and I love the colors. It also has a vintage feel that I like.

Who would have thought a doodle could look so interesting. We were asked to doodle on a piece of paper, then trace out our doodle and create a repeat, then paint it of course. I thought this was a great technique.

Talk about feeling like a kid again. I made this pattern by using spaghetti and a leaf as a stamp. I really like how this one came out. I can picture it as wrapping paper.

This one was also done with a bunch of vegetables and organic items like cabbage, celery, leaves, broccoli, rocks and more!

I used broccoli, celery and a brussel sprout for this pattern.

I'd LOVE to hear any feedback on my designs and the process. It would be great to hear your thoughts on which patterns you think would work for what type of surface. It feels great to be able to share with everyone.

Friday's Featured Artist- Mayura Kona

Today's Featured Artist is a true talent. I have had the pleasure of knowing her for over 5 years as well as working with her at my first design job. It's so inspiring to see that she has made a name for herself and truly believes in her art and in her business. Here's a little peek into her world.

*photo credit- onethreadfairtrade.com

1. Tell me about yourself (name, age, hobbies, obsessions, dreams/goals).

My name is Mayura Kona and I am 29 years old. I am the founder and designer behind a truly inspirational brand called One Thread Fair Trade. My personal obsessions would be drawing and dancing. Those two activities bring me the most peace and sense of purity. There is nothing between you and the sketchpad or you and the music, as cheesy as that may sound! I've also recently become obsessed with this blog about these little vampire pet characters called Banpaia pets. A fun, slightly embarrassing fact is that I used to play the bagpipes in high school. Yes, I wore a kilt. On a serious note, my ultimate dream is to build and expand One Thread into a global company that empowers and supports thousands of women across the globe and continually pushes the boundaries of design at the same time.

2) What inspires you most when it comes to designing?

As a designer, I am heavily inspired by patterns and shapes found in nature. There is nothing more beautiful than a simple flower, it is absolute perfection. I am also inspired by antique Indian jewelry, the patterns on vintage pieces are absolutely exquisite. When I am designing, I try to create detailed designs that make people want to take a second look just to make sure they caught everything. As a social entrepreneur, I am utterly inspired by the women that I work with. Our artisans have experienced so much struggle and pain in their lives, yet they have grown into strong, independent women and mothers. They are my inspiration for not only the business but for my entire life, they have truly given a new meaning to my life and the word “woman.”

3)What is unique about your company?One Thread is a fair trade company that works with communities of impoverished female artisans in South India to produce beautiful, socially-conscious throw cushions. Our work enables battered and marginalized women to become self-sufficient and improve the quality of life for both themselves and their children. Each of our products comes with a hand-signed label with the name of the artisan that tailored the piece, what she believes in, and an artisan number. You can read about the individual artisan's life by looking up her artisan number in the artisan section of our website.

4)Where can we find more of you?

You can find out more about me and our amazing artisans on our website: www.onethreadfairtrade.com. You can also follow me as I document our journey on Twitter: http://twitter.com/one_thread_ft.

And for all those facebookers out there, join our fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=80452624746

5)What are you current projects?
Currently, I am working on a line of small accessories and purses. It is still in the very early design stages but I am very excited about the possibilities. I am actually leaving to India in a couple of weeks to work with our artisans on the new products. Our next trade show is the Las Vegas Home and Gift Show in August.


Join me next week for another talented Featured Artist.

Friday's Featured Artist- Lara Cameron

Since my new found love for Textile/Surface design has entered my life, I've been searching for such designers whose work I absolutely love and admire. One designer that fits the bill is none other than Lara Cameron. I just love her nature inspired textile designs that look simple yet so stylized. Her pieces have an organic and flowing essence to them. Couldn't you see these patterns on pillow cases for your couch?

ginkgo pattern

riverstones dots

bulokku

*photo credit-laracameron.com

Her creativity doesn't stop here, she also designs stationary, identity pieces, promotional pieces, but one of her most recent ventures is wall stickers. Her designs are now available to embellish your home with at The Wall Sticker Company. A big plus is that they are carbon neutral! Here are a few that I love.

                                                                                  

*photo credit- The Wall Sticker Company

Hope this has inspired you to do a little decorating via Lara Cameron! Have a fabulous weekend and see you next Friday for another Featured Artist.