The Power of One Motif with Rachael Taylor

Hello everyone!

Today I want to talk about the impact that your drawings can have and about the power that can lie within a single drawn motif.

Taking ‘Module 1: Designing Your Way‘ from Make it in Design (my own e-course!) has been truly amazing, inspiring and motivating. I’ve 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. I too have to fit the exercises in around my other commitments and like some of our students I’m playing catch up this week ahead of Module 2, which is starting on Monday. It’s been so great to experience the class as a real student.

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 will actually be using in designs that will go into my upcoming Surtex, New York portfolio. This is an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek at brand new designs I have created for the show and they haven’t been seen by anyone outside of my studio. I’m giving you this exclusive access to demonstrate the value that a single motif can have.

Motif 1 – Abstract pod

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

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 has definitely awakened my visual senses more as I’m documenting so many textures and patterns that are around me on a day-to-day basis – I’m really noticing 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 has been 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)***

Rachael xoxo

P.S. As a bonus I’ve recorded a number of extra videos across my social media accounts along with a few Facebook lives. I will continue to do this and share sneak peeks behind the scenes, as well as posting my own Module 2 progress. The class seemed to especially love taking a look at all of my portfolio books that have never been seen before!

If you’ve already completed Module 2 but want to keep involved with Rachael’s progress, don’t worry! We have a fabulous team at Make it in Design who will share everything in the Module 3 private Facebook group as well. We want to make sure everyone feels as inspired as possible and that you don’t miss out on Rachael’s experience.

If you want to know a little more of what you’ll learn in Modules 2 and 3, below is a quick peek at what you can expect to find! Our acclaimed modules really do provide you with the essential building blocks for a successful career in surface pattern design, so we encourage you to follow your dreams and sign up today!

Module 2 teaches you:

How to start your own label
How to develop your signature look
How to build your brand image and gain recognition
How to understand and predict trends
How to put a collection together
How to get noticed and get press
How to market yourself and build your online presence
How to protect your work

PLUS…

How to create technical repeats and static and rotating blog ads
BONUS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP VIDEOS giving you a step-by-step guides to design using Photoshop and Illustrator

Module 3 teaches you:

How to identify multiple streams of income for your designs
How to sell and license your designs
The ins and outs of freelancing
How to get into manufacturing your own product
How to choose the right distribution channel for you
How to negotiate a contract that is right for you
How not to get ripped off
How to manage your time and money, and stock levels
How to get a job in design
How to stay motivated

PLUS…

How to create a pattern portfolio to show to potential clients
How to apply patterns to mock up product templates and room sets
How to turn a placement print into a technical repeat for wallpaper or fabric
Everything you need to know about getting in, getting ready and attracting customers at trade shows
How to design a Trade Show Brochure in Adobe Illustrator
Invaluable industry info such as colour print specifications for both paper goods and textiles