June 12, 2023

Surface pattern design techniques and pattern types

Theren Moodley
Theren Moodley
Co-Founder
A decade's worth of fashion experience across; product design, development, sourcing & logistics

In today's world, visual aesthetics and surface pattern design techniques play a crucial role in almost all industries.

From fashion and interior design to product packaging and digital media.

Understanding surface pattern design techniques and pattern types allow companies to tell their stories visually, in a more aesthetic way.

Surface pattern design pattern types and techniques is an essential element in these creative fields, as it adds depth, character, and visual interest to surfaces.

But what are the key surface pattern design techniques any artist should know about?

And what are the surface pattern design types they should learn?

In summary:

  • Surface pattern design techniques - These come in a number of forms, from hand-drawn and digital vector patterns to block printing and stencil based
  • Surface pattern design pattern types - These can be numerous, but some include geometric, floral and abstract
  • How to combine surface pattern design techniques and pattern types - A key skill, blending hand-drawn elements with digital editing, for example enables designers to produce visually striking patterns

This article will dive deeper into the world of surface pattern design technique and surface pattern design pattern types for both beginner and experienced designers alike.

Read on to discover more 👇

Some surface pattern design techniques on show by our community
Some surface pattern design techniques on show by our community

🥇 Before the surface pattern design techniques, an introduction

What is Surface Pattern Design?

Surface pattern design is the art of creating visually appealing patterns that are used to decorate different surfaces.

Hence the name…

Whether it's a textile design for a fashion collection.

Or an intricate wallpaper pattern for interior decor.

Patterns created using surface pattern design techniques have the power to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art.

The surface pattern design patterns can be intricate, simple, bold, or subtle, depending on the desired effect.

The surface pattern design techniques used by designers use a combination of artistic skills and technical knowledge to produce visually appealing and captivating patterns.

While still being practical in their day to day application.

And almost as impressively, surface pattern design techniques and patterns have been around for thousands of years.

Checkout our blog on what is surface pattern design to learn more.

Importance of Surface Pattern Design

Surface pattern design plays a crucial role in lot of creative industries.

Influential surface pattern design techniques helps differentiate products, enhance brand identity, and create visual appeal.

Whether it's a:

Surface pattern design patterns can evoke emotions, convey messages, and make a lasting impact on the audience.

Additionally, surface pattern design techniques allow designers to showcase their creativity, surface pattern design techniques and artistic flair.

A sought-after skill in the design world.

✍️ Popular surface pattern design techniques

Ok, now we’ve got some of the history out the way, on to the actual surface pattern design techniques themselves.

These surface pattern design techniques come in many shapes and forms.

We’ve only highlighted the top ones for now.

Any surface pattern design techniques you think we’ve missed?

Give us a shout?

Hand-drawn surface pattern design patterns

Hand-drawn patterns add a unique, organic surface pattern design technique favoured by artists.

Increasing so in the mass produced internet world of today.

Using traditional drawing tools or ipads, surface pattern designers create intricate motifs and patterns by hand.

Checkout our super user and community member Dana using some of these surface pattern design techniques in her work.

This surface pattern design technique offers endless possibilities for customization and personalization.

Especially common on more bespoke textile and fashion pieces at the higher end of the scale, also allowing designers to infuse their personal style into their creations.

While this surface pattern design technique may not have massive mass market application it’s a business model worth checking out.

Read our insight on that here.

Digital vector surface pattern design patterns

Digital vector surface pattern design patterns are created using graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator.

Mostly favoured by the fashion industry this technique values precision.

Surface pattern designers use precise lines, shapes, and colors to develop intricate patterns that can be scaled to any size without losing quality.

A surface pattern design technique perfect for both the composition of textiles, and mass market production.

This technique offers flexibility and enables easy modifications and adjustments during the design process.

Block printing surface pattern design patterns

Block printing is a traditional surface pattern design technique that involves carving designs into blocks of:

  • Wood
  • Linoleum
  • Sometime stone

Very time consuming.

Hard work.

But surface pattern design technique that has an incredible outcome.

Once the wooden block is created.

These carved blocks are then inked and pressed onto surfaces, leaving behind a distinctive pattern.

Block printing offers a tactile and handmade aesthetic, making it popular among designers looking for a unique and textured surface pattern design pattern effect.

This surface pattern design technique is also fairly scalable as the block will only need to be created once.

With the colors and combos customized after.

Checkout our insight on the surface pattern design techniques using color here.

Stencil surface pattern design patterns

Tried by all of us (artist or not).

Mastered by only a few.

Stencil surface pattern design patterns are created by cutting or perforating a design into a template made of:

  • Paper
  • Plastic
  • Metal

Very scalable, this surface pattern technique bridges the gap between individual and mass-market appeal.

The stencil is then placed on the surface, and ink or paint is applied over it to transfer the pattern.

The Stencilling surface pattern design technique allows for precise and repeatable designs and is commonly used in:

  • Graffiti art
  • Home decor
  • Textile fabric printing

Screen printing surface pattern design patterns

A surface pattern design technique all the rage the past two years (checkout our blog on that).

Screen printing involves transferring ink through a fine mesh screen onto the surface.

This technique is highly versatile and allows designers to print surface pattern design patterns on various materials, including:

  • Fabrics
  • Paper
  • Glass

Screen printing offers vibrant colors, excellent durability, and the ability to create complex patterns with precision.

A surface pattern design technique that works in hobbyist and mass market world.

We visited PV in Paris in 22 to see this surface pattern design technique in action.

Screen printing surface pattern design technique in action
Screen printing surface pattern design technique in action

Collage surface pattern design patterns

Last but not least a surface pattern design techniques we’ve heard a lot of artists love.

Collages.

For theres some innate reason that this surface pattern design technique resonates with artists.

Collage patterns  is a surface pattern design technique involving assembling various elements, such as:

  • Photographs
  • Illustrations
  • Textures

To create visually rich and layered designs.

Designers can combine different media, both traditional and digital, to achieve unique and eclectic patterns.

Collage pattern are a surface pattern design technique that offer a great way to experiment with textures, colors, and compositions.

👀 Exploring surface pattern design pattern types

Next up, lets dive deeper into the surface pattern design types.

Surface pattern design pattern designs come in a wide range of types, each with its distinct style and purpose.

Let's explore some of the common pattern types used in surface design:

Geometric surface pattern design patterns

Inspired by the art deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s bold geometric shapes, colors and patterns have been in our minds for a while.

Geometric surface pattern design patterns are characterized by regular, repetitive shapes such as:

  • Squares
  • Triangles
  • Circles
  • Hexagons

These surface pattern design patterns create a sense of order, symmetry, and balance.

They also seem to be everywhere we look these days.

Check-out our blog on that.

Geometric patterns are widely used in

  • Architecture
  • Fashion
  • Graphic design

Bold, brash and colorful, geometric patterns are a surface pattern design pattern we’ve all come to love.

Floral surface pattern design patterns

Another surface pattern design pattern everywhere the past few years.

Florals.

With the world and consumers wanting more of nature it’s no real surprise across surface pattern design pattern categories.

In particular we have seen textiles and garments carry lots of surface pattern design patterns the past two years.

  • Dresses
  • Shirts
  • Blouses

To name but a few.

Go checkout our blog on the latest surface pattern design patterns and trends for 2023.

Abstract surface pattern design patterns

Very vibey.

Very 90s/00s.

Very 2023.

Surface pattern design patterns incorporating abstract patterns are commonplace in design circles.

Abstract patterns are non-representational designs that do not depict recognizable objects.

  • Squares
  • Lines
  • Slashes

They feature bold shapes, colors, and lines, creating visually striking surface pattern design patterns and compositions.

With the bigger, bolder aesthetic of the 00s and 90s common today learning to master this technique is important for artists and designers.

Textile surface pattern design patterns

Next up, a speciality of ours.

Surface pattern design patterns for textile and fabrics.

What differs here in this surface pattern design patterns and surface pattern design techniques is the designer needs to take into account key physical elements associated with textiles.

Textile patterns can range from simple prints to complex weaves depending on the designers skill and industry expertise.

Textile design, both from a surface pattern design pattern aspect and manufacture aspect is a topic to itself.

Which we hope to cover in detail a bit later.

👏 Combining surface pattern design techniques and pattern types

It may be tricky, but experienced surface pattern designers often combine different techniques and types to create unique designs.

It may take some time to combine surface pattern design patterns and techniques but with learning and experimenting it’s certainly possible.

The best designers could:

  • Blend hand-drawn elements with digital editing.
  • Combine geometric shapes with floral motifs
  • Match abstract surface pattern design patterns with a block printing technique

Leading designers to produce visually striking surface pattern design patterns that stand out from the crowd.

A few key takeaways and tips for how to master surface pattern design patterns and surface pattern design techniques to get to this level up next.

How to combine surface pattern design techniques and types
How to combine surface pattern design techniques and types

🙌 Tips for creating unique surface pattern design patterns

Creating unique surface pattern design patterns requires a combination of:

  • Creativity
  • Technical skills
  • Attention to detail

Here are some tips we’ve heard from our surface pattern design community to help you create the surface pattern design patterns in your journey as a surface pattern designer:

Any tips we missed?

Let us know.

8. FAQs

Q1: How can I learn surface pattern design?:

There are various resources available to learn surface pattern design, including online courses, workshops, and tutorials. Additionally, practicing and experimenting with different techniques and types will help you develop your skills.

Q2: Can I use surface pattern designs for commercial purposes?:

Yes, surface pattern designs can be used for commercial purposes, such as textile manufacturing, product packaging, and interior design. However, it's important to respect copyright laws and obtain proper licensing if necessary.

Q3: What software is commonly used for digital surface pattern design?:

Adobe Illustrator is widely used for digital surface pattern design due to its powerful vector editing capabilities. Other software options include Photoshop, Procreate and Adobe Express picture maker for creating hand-drawn or mixed-media patterns.

Q4: How do I ensure my surface patterns are unique and stand out in the market?:

To create unique surface patterns, it's important to find your own style and incorporate personal elements into your designs. Stay updated with current trends, conduct thorough research, and focus on creating patterns that offer something fresh and distinctive.

Q5: Can surface pattern designs be protected by copyright?:

Yes, surface pattern designs can be protected by copyright, especially if they are original and meet the requirements for copyright protection. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand the copyright laws in your jurisdiction.

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