Week One - Paper & Correspondence. A Surface pattern design Challenge

A February art challenge as a way to get back to surface pattern design and my creative practice.

The surface pattern design challenge

Four weeks.

Four weekly prompts.

Four patterns.

Week 1 . The prompt is Paper and Correspondence.

So far, it’s off to a good start. I am keeping things intentionally simple... one medium (which is my iPad and Procreate), one colour, one brush and simple motifs. No pressure to make something finished or polished. Just experimenting with the ideas that pop into my head or supplied by the challenge prompt.

Getting Back to Creating

I’ve been squeezing in moments wherever I can like late at night when the house is quiet, while sitting in the chalet at the ski hill, even a few minutes at the spa while celebrating my 9th wedding anniversary! (Yes... it was wonderful thank you ☺️) Sometimes it’s just five minutes, sometimes more. I am loving how 5 mins really adds up if you just stick to it.

This rough, hand-drawn style is intentional... an continued experiment in letting the lines stay loose and trusting the process as it is.

I’m starting to see a few ideas take shape now. Instead of overthinking them (which I tend to do), I’m choosing one and moving forward with it. (Revising my artwork is always an option, but lingering too long can shift my perspective on it... and that's often when it gets set aside. )

Setting challenges for myself has always been hard. I spend my days working within brand guidelines and while that structure is familiar, it also comes with a lot of pressure. There’s expectation. There are rules. There’s usually a right answer you’re working toward, and most days that doesn’t leave a lot of room to play.

That’s why creating with my art, especially surface pattern design feels so free to me. It’s where my ideas get to come alive. Where I can explore ideas without trying to meet someone else’s expectations.

So yes, challenges still feel uncomfortable. But I’m trying to stay relaxed with this one. Using it as inspiration rather than something to “complete, or compete in” Keeping it simple. Keeping it me!

I have a head full of ideas most days and sometimes that’s exactly what makes it hard to start. This challenge gave me a spark and a starting point to get those ideas out of my head. And by slowing it down to one week at a time, made it feel more open with the schedule I work in.

So with that being said, my "love letter" pattern developed into some fun wrapping paper and a fun wallpaper for a reading nook. Maybe it is a little punk vintage? Maybe not!? but it was fun!

Love Letters Wrapping Paper

Love Letters Wallpaper

Thank you to the hosts; @retrobananadesigns, @lifes.peachey, @mollymariepea, @care2c, @papergrapeprints

Up Next Feb 9 - 15: Sewing & Textile Finds!!