HELP! I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO BUILD A PATTERN

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I love patterns and for a long time wanted to learn how to make them. However, when I started looking into the process about 10 years ago I couldn’t find a lot of information on how to go about it. The process just seemed too overwhelming, so I moved on.

Luckily, these days pattern design has become less of a mystery and a much more accessible art form.

Now anyone can learn the process and make their first repeat. In fact, if you just google ‘surface pattern design’ you will find a plethora of online classes aimed at helping you make that first pattern.

But which class is best for the newbie?

I may be biased, because this is the first class I took when starting out, but I just love Bonnie Christine's class: Intro to Surface Pattern Design: Learn Adobe Illustrator

Why I like it?

  • The class provides a solid overview of Illustrator. It shows you how to set-up your workspace and introduces you to all the tools you will use when building patterns. I love that while the class helps you develop a solid understanding of Illustrator, it doesn’t overwhelming you.

  • The class breaks down each step of building a pattern. You will brainstorming ideas, create mood boards, and sketch out motifs. As long as you follow each of the steps you will create a well thought out pattern.

  • The class provides a detailed explanation of how to create a seamless repeat. When I took the class I was scared of this step, and though making a seamless repeat would be hard. Bonnie makes it easy.

  • Bonnie encourages students that they can succeed in pattern design. She does this by highlighting how she built her career from scratch, and by describing many of the challenges she faced. Her mantra during the course, and what still rings in my ears is ‘there is a place for you’. Great advice when you search the web and see all of the amazing pattern work out there.

  • The class is offered through Skillshare, an online learning platform that offers a user friendly interface, a wonderful community of creatives, and a low monthly subscription fee. Win-win!

Tip! Sign-up for a free month of Skillshare at the same time you sign-up for a free month of Illustrator. Then you can try this class without dropping a lot of dough.What surface pattern design classes have you taken? Can you recommend another class for newbies?

Bonnie Christine, skillshare, surface pattern design2 Comments