Today I'm happy to share with you the work of Hannah Sheffield. Hannah uses simple lines to build out most of her patterns, and works only in black and white. No color. You would think this would be too restrictive, but Hannah's patterns draw viewers in with their complexity and detail. I just had to interview Hannah to find out how she's inspired to create these patterns and what her process is. Are you ready?

Hi Hannah, Please tell us a little bit about your background as an artist and how you got into surface pattern design.

Firstly thank you so much for your interest in my work!

I’m not a trained artist, I am a web developer. I studied science and technology policy in college and went on to further explore complexity theory and complex systems after graduation. However, drawing is all I ever really wanted to do! My dad is an artist, so I think it’s in my blood. I take photographs, some of which you can see on my website.

To skip to the end of a long story, my recent interest in surface pattern design is an accumulation of a number of things I think. I had a eureka moment when I was sitting in a beautiful hotel lobby in the fine city of Cork, Ireland, earlier this year. It was my birthday. There was beautiful wallpaper on the wall and as I studied it the idea came to me - I have to make patterns! So just like that, I started, and here we are.I had a ton of drawings in old Moleskine sketchbooks but hadn't drawn properly for years. I used to draw every day. So I started with them, photographing and tracing the ones I thought would work as patterns in Illustrator. I started getting my head around how to lay out a pattern. I love it.

Doing that has led me to start drawing again.

How would you describe your signature style? Did it take you awhile to settle on one?

It is just who I am really, nothing decided upon. I seem to bypass my brain and see what comes out of the end of my pen or pencil. It comes from a very calm, still, contemplative place and I hope that shows up in my work.

I think if I had to describe my style to someone I'd be quite vague and say black and white line drawings that I make into detailed patterns. Beyond that it's hard for me to explain.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from so many places, everywhere and everything!I think there are three key elements for me.The first and foremost is yoga. I practice yoga every night before I go to bed and with that consistent practice comes strength and love. It is humbling and I have a lot to learn

Second is my understanding and appreciation of complexity theory. You take something simple and from it emerges something complex that cannot be precisely predicted, it is organized but not perfect. At the edge of chaos. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Thirdly, music. I am constantly listening to music. Luckily enough my job as a web developer allows for me to be plugged in to my headphones all day!In addition there is my beautiful old dog Levi, Liberty of London (I am a Londoner), William Morris, any delicious smells. Of course nature, the furl of a leaf, the way the light falls on a winter afternoon, birdsong, the sea. I am an observer. People and how they make me feel - you know how some people just bring it out of you? That’s magical.

Complexity Theory. Can you tell us a little bit more about how you see this theory relating to patterns?

I think that there is a simple 'setting' to our world that produces patterns, they can be seen everywhere. Fractals in particular, a piece of broccoli looks like a whole broccoli which in turn looks like a tree canopy. We are naturally drawn to the golden ratio, there are snails snailing about doing their snaily business with that exact same pattern on their shells. Patterns are everywhere. The link with complexity theory is that they start with something very simple.

When you design do you have an idea of what you want the final pattern to look like, or do you just start drawing lines and see where it leads you?

I like it best when there is no plan and an empty mind so I tend not to think too much about it. It's quite good because if I want to think of an idea I can just spend a few minutes and pick one out. However, I can only do that when I feel like it.

Do your patterns always work out? Do the lines always come together and form a pleasing pattern, or do you sometimes have to start over?

Noooo! I've got loads that I don't particularly like. Some are too bold, some just don't feel good. They can stay filed away.

You have a very specific point-of-view and style. Does this ever feel restrictive?

It doesn't feel restrictive at all, in fact it feels like a freedom because I am not trying to be anything other than myself. There are infinite possibilities with a bit of paper and a pen. I don't feel like I have a specific point of view and style at all!

What are some challenges you’ve faced so far as a designer?

The challenges are time and energy. Working full time, life can get in the way. I think it is important to not lose sight of what is driving you. I have been lost before. For me my motivation is a desire to share a message of love, peace and kindness. Anything else that comes from this is a bonus.

What advice can you give others who are just starting out?

Start using Instagram! I have come across some wonderful people in the past few months on Instagram. Anyone looking for encouragement should join. Honestly, the people are just so supportive and kind, it feels like a community. Also keep going, don’t ever let your light be dimmed.

From Simple to Complex: Pattern Inspiration with Hannah Sheffield