I’ve been experimenting with pixel patterns and more pixel patterns lately. After completing the last patterns that were traced from an original drawing, I started to think about the various ways that patterns can be created. I’ve been making repeat pattern designs for about a year and a half now. I’ve tried a few different end-results for the patterns including cut outs, the still in-progress wood burning project, and some notecards, but for the most part the process leading up there has been the same:
- draw designs, patterns, ideas in sketch book
- choose one idea and work with it by drawing several versions of the pattern
- if it’s good enough, import it in the computer and trace with illustrator
- then transfer design to make the final product
When I created my first pixel pattern it was a new experience for me that used a different set of steps. I didn’t have any final look in mind, I just opened a small Photoshop file and started making the pattern with little black squares. At the time it reminded me of making cut out paper snowflakes. I was working with only 1/4 of the final shape that would make up the pattern, and when I assembled it, the result was like unfolding the paper, revealing an unexpected and original shape every time. The process was also like sketching in the computer, consolidating the first few step listed above into one, and the end result is something very different than if I’d started out with an actual pen in hand.
Creating a successful pattern with a new technique is what inspired me to try yet another different technique when and idea for a new pattern popped into my head. I could “see” the new pattern in my mind’s eye. I wanted to make a pattern that would be composed of multicolored stripes with organic forms cut out of a solid white overlay. I could have easily taken the familiar route and started sketching some ideas out on graph paper, honing shapes and the composition until I was satisfied, then maybe use markers to try out a few color combinations before scanning a neat sketch and translating the design into a computer format.
The bug of inspiration had bitten, however, so instead I grabbed some scraps of colored paper that I still had from the note cards I made, some white paper and some scissors.
Inspired by the idea of the cut out snowflakes when I was working on the first pixel pattern, I decided to use a variation of the technique to make my “organic white cut out shapes”. I cut up the white paper into rough squares and cut simple shapes from the center corner. In my head I imagined creating beautiful complex many petaled flower shapes, so I was a little disappointed when most of the shapes looked very simple and few-petaled.
Honestly, I was so disappointed in my inability to create the shapes I could see in my head with this cut out method that I almost gave up a couple of times. It was easy and quick enough that I kept on going. I eventually made a few that were a little more interesting looking, and some that were too interesting and way off the mark for the result I was after.
In the end I had a sample of different cut outs that I was satisfied with, simple though they might be.
I arranged the strips of scrap paper together to create a composition of colored stripes, and arranged the cut out shapes over top the colored paper stripes. The finished project includes the white organic cut out shapes and the colored striped background of my original idea, though the final result is quite different from the specific pattern I’d envisioned.
I must admit though, that if I’d used my typical process that starts with the sketchbook, the result probably still would have been different from the initial vision. I find that often happens when I start a design from an idea; the design evolves as I work on it. By trying a new technique using only paper and no pens, the final result was certainly influenced by the nature of the chosen media. It evolved in a different way than it could have if I’d instead started with a pen and paper or paint and canvas or other process.
Despite the early frustration at the limitations I ran into with the cut paper shapes, it was fun to create a pattern in a new way. It’s a good start, and I think this technique is worthy of further exploration.
