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Fun with Patterns

pattern design for packaging placed against a watercolor brush

I’ve been working on repeating patterns for a lot of my recent “behind the scenes” design work. Since I’ve brushed up on my digital skills, creating these has become really simple, and therefor addictive. For a few weeks, every time I look at a drawing, part of my brain asks: “Could that be a seamless pattern?”

I have a good excuse, though – I can actually use these for what I’m working on right now! I’m going to print the pattern above on the back of some sticker packaging.

This lettering exercise inspired me to create some maximalist, calico-style prints from my recent floral illustrations, and although I like them, I’m not sure how I’m going to use them yet, if at all. They’re busy and saturated with color, but might be useful to contrast against plain paper for something like book endpapers or envelope linings. Or, I might get them printed on quilting cotton and make myself some sweet potholders!