Pattern Design That Pops: From Sketchbook to Shop Shelf
Patterns are like potato chips — you can’t make just one. Once I start sketching a repeat, I’m already imagining it on wallpaper, wrapping paper, tote bags, and maybe a mug or two for good measure.
Over the years, I’ve turned my illustrations into pattern collections that now live on everything from wallpaper, wrapping paper to throw pillows to zip-top pouches — thanks to print-on-demand platforms like Spoonflower, Contrado, Printify, and Printful. Oh, and yes — you can also shop them directly through my own store.
Step 1: From Doodle to Digital
Every pattern starts with an idea — sometimes it’s a client brief, sometimes it’s just me falling down a vintage textiles rabbit hole. I sketch the motifs (plants, landmarks, geometric shapes, you name it) and then bring them into Illustrator or Adobe Fresco to refine.
Step 2: The Repeat Test
The secret sauce of a good pattern? A repeat that’s seamless.
I experiment with scale (does it work tiny on stationery and big on wallpaper?)
Test the repeat in multiple colorways
Make sure the flow feels balanced, not “clip-arty”
This is where the magic happens — or where I scrap it entirely and start over (it happens).
Step 3: Brand Meets Versatility
Patterns have to play nice with products. That means:
Color palettes that match my brand (or my client’s)
Elements that scale without losing detail
Flexibility for both light and dark backgrounds
This is how a single pattern can become wallpaper on Spoonflower, fabric on Printify, and a tote bag on Contrado — all without feeling like the “wrong” version.
Step 4: Putting It Out Into the World
Once a pattern passes my “would I want this on a pillow?” test, I upload it to different platforms:
Spoonflower – Perfect for wallpaper, fabric, and home goods
Contrado – Great for high-quality apparel and bags
Printify & Printful – Ideal for product drops and merch lines
My Shop – Where I curate my favorites (and you can buy direct)
Each platform has its quirks, so I tailor the file size, color profile, and product mockups to make sure it looks just as good in person as it does on screen.
Why I Love Pattern Design
Patterns are storytelling in repeat. They can be subtle brand signatures, bold statement pieces, or simply something that makes you smile when you see it. And when they end up in someone’s home (or wrapped around their favorite gift), they’ve done their job.