When I first started learning how to create repeat patterns in Procreate, the method I used was clumsy and temperamental. I'd forever be finishing a pattern only to realise that the motifs bumped into each other or there were big empty spaces that looked strange.
Sound familiar?
The problem with the method I was using is that I could never see the pattern coming together as I went along and if there was a problem it was impossible to go back and fix it later without loosing loads of work – so frustrating!
It didn't allow me to plan out the pattern as a whole or be in control of the placement of each motif.
Since learning how to design a repeat within a template I have not looked back. If you have downloaded my free templates and guide book you are well on your way to designing using this method too!
But there’s a lot more to the template design process. I have developed a really simple workflow that saves me so much time when I sit down to create a pattern!
I know that it can take me just a few minutes to fill the sketch layer and test the repeat. Placement of motifs becomes simple and it is very easy to make little tweaks so you know your pattern is going to look great when it is in repeat.
I also frequently create a colour block layer which helps me to see how all the colours are going to work together in the pattern as a whole.
This step by step process saves so much time and eliminates the trial, error and frustration that can result from the previous method I had learnt.
The best part? It creates a half drop repeat without any fuss! It is also very simple in this method to add a repeating background texture to your design.
The Formula:
I will be sharing a deep dive into this process in my upcoming class, but for now take a look below at the breakdown of this process which I implement each time I create a new pattern:
1. Create a template
Creating a template can be as simple as a dimond shape, or as interesting as a scallop or ogee shape. A template is simple to create and can be used over and over again for different patterns.
2. Gather inspiration
There are numerous ways to gather inspiration for your patterns, including taking your own photographs or using royalty free photos from other artists to help you. Ensuring that you have some ideas for your motifs at this stage is important. When I gather inspiration for my patterns I like to think of one motif that will be dominant and then one or two supporting motifs that coordinate with it. Having specific objects or animals (rather than just flowers!) is really good for your SEO.
3. Create a sketch within the template
The great thing about a template is you can create your whole pattern in one place on the canvas. Because the template is a tessellating shape, you know it is going to fit together when you create the repeat. Taking time to arrange your motifs in your sketch layer will save you so much time later on.
4. Test the repeat
This is a really fun part of the process and is super quick once you get the hang of it. Even when you create in a template there can sometimes be elements that crash into each other or big empty spaces when you create the repeat. (sound familiar!?) Once you have tested the repeat it is very easy to make the necessary changes to placement and size in the sketch layer to ensure that it all looks just right and fits together perfectly!
5. Colour block
Colour blocking is a great way to test out the distirubution of your colours in the pattern before you spend a lot of time desinging each motif. By blocking out in a rough fashion where each colour will go and creating a repeat, it is easy to see how it will look when it is completed. Again, as it is only a quick colour sketch it is easy to go back and change things if it doesn't look quite right.
6. Ink the final design
This stage should be very straightforward once you have already spent time on the composition and colours. All you need to do now is ink over your sketch layer using the colour sketch to help you.
7. Add texture
Another fun part of this process is adding texture to the foreground and background of your pattern. Again, if you have used a template, it is straightforward to add textures to your designs using a clipping mask and to create a repeating background texture.
Take a look below at some of stages I went through to create this winter woodland pattern.
What are the benefits of using this workflow?
You eliminate the need to move elements around.
As Procreate is a raster program, moving and resizing images is a definite no-no. By using mulitple sketch layers and by testing the repeat as you go along, this formula ensures you to get all the elements in place before you start inking the final design. By this point all the hard work is done so you can let your creativity run wild!
It saves time!
We all love a time saving hack, and this formula is certainly a huge time saver. Before I used this method my patterns took me ages. I never had any confidence it was going to turn out looking good and there was so much trial and error. With this formula I now know that once I have nailed the sketch layer, everything is straightfoward from there. You can even reuse your sketch layer to save even more time with future patterns!
It is easy to edit later
With my previous method of creating repeats there were so many different stages and processes it was impossible to go back to an earlier stage and change elements if I needed to later on. By creating in a template it is easy to come back and change colours and textures later on if you need to for customers and clients. Being flexible with your designs is so important to maximise thier usage!
You can design from start to finish in Procreate!
When using this formula, there is absolutely no need to bring your pattern into another program to touch it up or build the repeat. I think there is sometimes a myth among the surface pattern design community that to create professional patterns you need to create vector files. The more I learn about surface pattern design, the more I am convinced that this is not true! To create patterns for products, POD sites and licensing it is totally possible to create from start to finish in Procreate.
In my Procreate Patterns class I take you step by step through the formula I use to create my patterns. Each lessons covers one of the steps of the forumla.
By the end of the class you will have learnt a simple workflow to create all sorts of beautiful patterns in Procreate that you will be able to add to your Print on Demand shops or add to your licensing portfolio.
I'd love to see you there!
If you have any questions about this process feel free to leave the question in the comments below and I’ll get back to you!
コメント