The Power of One Motif with Rachael Taylor

Hello Everyone!

As we have our next Module 1: Designing Your Way class launching in just four days, I want to share on the impact that YOUR drawings can have and on the power that can lie within a single drawn motif.

Taking ‘Module 1: Designing Your Way‘ earlier this year from Make it in Design (my own e-course!) was truly amazing, inspiring and motivating. I loved connecting with the group and having the freedom to just experiment and let loose. It’s made me really appreciate the courses even more and I feel so lucky to have our wonderful Make it in Design community around me.

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During the module I took part in a lot of the exercises just like the rest of class and completely went back to basics as I experimented with different drawing techniques and media. During class, I created some motifs that I actually used in designs that went into my Surtex, New York portfolio. This was an exclusive sneak peek at brand new designs I created for the show and they hadn’t seen by anyone outside of my studio. I used the opportunity to demonstrate the immense power of one motif:

Motif 1 – Abstract Pod

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As you can see, I started out with a simple black and white drawing after following exercise 1.2 in class. I was inspired by seedpods and trees to create this abstract motif. The motif has a bit of a retro vibe to it and that definitely influenced the composition and my colour choices with the rich brown background.

Every single pattern you see on my final presentation sheets has been created with just that one individual motif. How amazing is that?! This is a technique I have used with many of my designs and it is the choice of colour, scale, layering and composition that can really help you to make the most out of your drawings.

Motif 2 – Textured Tree

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Again, I began with a black and white drawing of a tree after being influenced by the inspiration I captured at our local park. I used a slightly thicker weight of pen this time to produce a different effect. Whilst listening to my favourite music, I began doodling away and just let loose. Module 1 definitely awakened my visual senses more as I began documenting so many textures and patterns that are around me on a day-to-day basis – I really noticed hidden beauty in the most mundane objects.

It really is unbelievable what you can do with a motif once you start to experiment with its orientation and scale. My simple tree drawing was transformed into three very different designs all because of some simple experimentation with composition.

This is ultimately what I hope to teach in the courses: the power and the potential of surface pattern design! Look at all of the possibilities! There truly is a place for everyone in this industry and I really hope you’ll join me on this creative journey.

*** (Please note: although this design is based on one motif, we do explore more complex designs, patterns, and techniques that combine various motifs. This occurs throughout the natural progression of the modules, along with exploration through various genres, media types and a wide range of styles)***

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Rachael xoxo

More on Module 1: Designing Your Way!

Next class: September 25 – October 27, 2017

‘Designing your way‘ (Module 1) is a five week online course where you will learn everything you need to know to turn basic sketches into elements for pattern design. Find out more about colour and pattern, how to create mood boards and how to create repeat patterns in Adobe Illustrator.

Module 1 is a fantastic introduction to the surface pattern design industry and helps YOU to find your passion, personal style and place within it.

Module 1 includes:

  • How and where to seek out design inspiration
  • How to work with colour
  • How to create moodboards
  • How to build a pattern
  • How to develop your signature style and use this to brand your business
  • How to turn elements of a mixed media painting into a pattern (featuring the work of Kelly Rae Roberts)
  • How to create repeats in Adobe Illustrator
  • Time-saving tricks and industry insider tips
  • The secrets of successful surface pattern designers
  • Downloadable pattern source guide

PLUS *NEW* BONUS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP VIDEOS giving you a step-by-step guide to scanning images and basic manipulation in Photoshop and Illustrator, playing with colour and sketching and creating repeats on your computer. See the whole list on our Technical Workshops page.

Not only this, you also get a peek behind the scenes of Rachael Taylor’s life as a dynamic and successful professional surface pattern designer and a glimpse at some previously unpublished designs!

AND… anyone joining us in our February 2017 class will also have the pleasure of Rachael Taylor’scompany as she’ll be an active participant in this class too as well as your course leader!

This is for you if:

  • You are drawn to colour and pattern
  • You want to learn more about how to create your own patterns
  • You don’t have time to study surface pattern design at college or university
  • You want to join a community of like-minded people on a fun and inspiring creative journey
  • You dream of one day licensing your own designs but don’t know where to begin (NB this is the first step – Modules 2 and 3 provide more business-related advice)

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