Repeat Patterns
Repeated Pattern Design
Repeat Patterns are where lines, shapes, tones, colours, textures and forms are repeated, often in a structured or arranged pattern. Many repeat patterns convey symmetry either horizontally or vertically, and in some cases both. Repeat patterns are used for tiling, wallpaper, textiles, packaging, backdrops, jewellery and even in architecture and can be created using any medium, including ink or paint through stenciling or printing or just hand painting for example. Computers are also used to generate repeat patterns as this is a quicker, cheaper, more efficient and more accurate way to produce a pattern design. William Morris was one of the best pattern designers of the Arts and Crafts Movement and described decorative pattern as, " Something that will not drive us into unrest or callousness; something which reminds us of life beyond itself and which has the impress of imagination strong on it; and something which can be done by a great many people and without too much difficulty and with pleasure"
How to create a pattern using Adobe Illustrator
To create a repeat pattern on adobe
illustrator, first create the design you want to repeat. There are six categories
of tools on this program which can be used to create the original design. These
are: paint; draw; type; select; modify; navigate. Once you have created your
pattern, use the ‘selection tool’ and drag a square over all you work to select
it as one design not individual lines. Then click Object>Pattern>Make.
Your design will then automatically be generated into a pattern, but you can
edit the style of the pattern by looking at the ‘Pattern Options’ box that has
appeared. A message will appear that says “Note that any changes applied in
Pattern Editing Mode will be applied to the Swatch upon exit”. You will need to
click ‘OK’ to accept and then name your pattern to carry on editing you
pattern.
Under the ‘Patter Options’ box there will be
multiple options which will allow you to make your repeat pattern personal to
you. The first part is the ‘Tile Type’. You have the option of Grid, Brick by
Row, Brick by Column, Hex by Column and Hex by Row. Underneath this is the
Brick Offset. If you have chosen Grid before, Brick Offset will be disabled. At
the top left of the ‘Pattern Options’, is a square button which, when clicked,
will place a blue square around your pattern and then will allow you to adjust
the distance between each repeat. The height, width and spacing section will
allow you to change the proportions and sizing of the pattern, while keeping it
all in proportion. The ‘Copies section allows you to increase or decrease the
amount of repeats in your design (5x5 is the default). The ‘Dim Copies’ is set
to 70% and should only be changed if you moved the copies closer together or to
make it clearer to see the pattern. After doing any necessary changes, click on
the ‘Done’ heading at the top of your workspace.
Here are some repeat patterns I have created using word, inspired by nature:
