It’s been an absolute pleasure starting off this year’s series of The Designer Project with the ultra-talented designer Daniela Glassop and have adored sharing her beautifully detailed textiles designs with you. Daniela has made a range of her designs available as print ready artwork in our Fabric Shop online, which can be printed onto any of our stock fabric base cloths. To provide some more insight into each of Daniela’s designs the artist herself has put together a guest blog which details the different ways she likes to work and create imagery. Keep reading to find out more about Daniela Glassop and her surface designs!
Daniela Glassop in her studio
Welcome! I’m Daniela Glassop of Daniela Glassop Illustration and Design and I’ve been asked to write about my process and behind the scenes. First of all, I am thrilled to be part of Digital Fabrics’ “The Designer Project” and their intention to promote and nurture the designers that come up with the patterns for fabrics that you can choose from for your own creations.
Daniela’s designs mockup
All my work is about making it possible for myself and others to create living spaces and clothing that make us happy. If your décor and clothing bring joy, then you feel more confident in yourself.
Daniela’s desk space
I take numerous photos wherever I go and use these along with other research to develop ideas which I will roughly sketch while I try out some different design options before deciding on the layout I want to use. It is at this point that I start to draw the elements on hot pressed (smooth) watercolour paper with more details and at a larger scale before adding colour. I use gouache and watercolour mostly.
A canvas painting being varnished
Botanic paintings
Sometimes I will make paintings on canvas with acrylic paints, create imagery from cut paper as in my “Botanical Collage” design or draw my design digitally on my iPad after the research phase. Sometimes I also like to use coloured pencils or ink in my work. After the elements have been created, they will be digitized via scanner or camera and placed in my computer so that I can clean up edges and assemble the design.
Artwork for “Australian Flora, Birds, Butterflies and Bees”
“Australian Flora, Birds, Butterflies and Bees”
I don’t usually make use of a mood board although I always do some visual research before I start and will get together photographic imagery as reference material for my drawings. I will look through visual material, fill my head with some ways that I could approach my own design and then put that material out of sight while I rough out my ideas. If I am going to try a new technique, I may refer to a small collection of images while I try something new or if I have an essence that I would like to instil in the designs to keep me on track. My visual research will take into account the type of aesthetic required and if I have any trend research that I might incorporate. Sometimes, I might want to try a new colour scheme so I will find an image with a mix of colours I admire and use that as a starting point, or collect some coloured objects and plant material so I can work out my colour palette. I usually aim for a modern but elegant look that is kind of timeless so that they remain contemporary for longer as I prefer what I design to look beautiful and modern while not looking out of date too quickly.
Creative inspiration
I remember how thrilled I was when fashion designers were starting to use more vivid and striking colour combinations inspired by location. I have always made art and been able to make things from fabric so designing my own textile prints was always something I aspired to do.
Daniela’s paint studio
I have two workspaces, a clean space for work on paper and computer work while I have a paint studio for my canvas paintings and sewing.
Collection of paintings
Listening to the radio, podcasts or music and visits by my indoor cats help to keep me company while I work and I am surrounded by my favourite design books and sentimental things that have been made for me by my children along with trinkets from my travels.
“Botanical Collage”
I used to like to make gifts to give to special people but ended up with less time to be able to do this, but now that I can get my art onto products means that I can share my work with others and that feels very special to me.
“Australian Flora, Birds, Butterflies and Bees” cushion cover mock-up
I am looking forward to seeing what you create!
“White Butterflies” purse mock-up
You can check out more of Daniela’s work at Daniela Glassop Illustration & Design and via Instagram @danielaglassop.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch!
It’s been an absolute pleasure sharing the work of artist Sue Michael through our latest instalment of The Designer Project. Sue has an on ongoing commitment to bring into form the subtle beauty of Australia. We think this notion is so beautifully seen through her “Everyday Life” Collection which is available as a series of print-ready designs in our Fabric Shop online. We’ve also been fortunate to have Sue put together a guest blog which delves deeper into her artistic practice and inspiration. Keep reading to find out more about Sue Michael and her “Everyday Life” Collection.
Treasures found at Marree, Far North South Australia
My name is Sue Michael and I have been painting and photographing overlooked moments of everyday life since 1996. I recently completed a Visual Art PhD at the University of South Australia and feel like I am only now beginning to fully understand the various aspects we can consider when we go to a new location. It is as if the small things all have meaning and are worthy of our consideration.
South Australian Land
My ancestors were pioneers on the land in the Mid-North of South Australia, and although they were faced with challenges with the heat and lack of rainfall, they quickly learnt to love the land, itself. I have been looking at the way people make life more comfortable and accepting of the natural environment, whether that be with hardy garden plantings, bird baths, built arrangements made to provide shade, or the unique rural colour schemes to promote a cooler atmosphere.
Everyday inspirations
The natural patterns in the vegetation seem to be imbued with a sort of untidiness, perhaps are stunted in size, and the colours carry a sort of greyish tint. And then you can have a flock of brilliantly plumed finches that can fly past all of this! I too have come to appreciate these Australian design elements and like to include them in my fabric designs.
Petal arrangement
“Squatter’s Dream”
“Squatter’s Dream” scarf mock-up
Most of my fabrics carry a generous percentage of subdued colours, leaving only small notations of brilliant colour. I like to use colour as if it were like bejewelled broaches or a richly coloured scarf upon a tailored suit. My Mum used to decorate the children’s feasting table with jellies and drinks, providing these points of colour in the same way.
Rocks, fossils and roses
Old photograph capturing a set table
I exhibit genre paintings of everyday life mostly through the West Gallery, Thebarton. People are understanding that I am not being sentimental in my place studies, and that instead, I am locating essential understandings, specific to those little country towns. I am trying to be true to the districts I am visiting, rather than copying overseas models. Much like a painting on the wall, I hope my ‘picture designs’ can follow previous traditions in fabric design and can adorn a city apartment with an endearing beach shack scene, for example, on a luxurious cushion, or allow a petal arrangement to adorn a scarf that can accompany the wearer when a day of resourcefulness is upon them.
“Island Spray”
“Island Spray” cushion mock-up
The connections to the natural world may be there for us to access at any time.
Earth
Second Valley, South Australia
Deep thinking occurs through the actual processes of making art. It can also bring to the surface kindly thoughts and a joyousness that can be shared. I am ‘soodiorama’ on Instagram, and you will find the wide variety of playful experimentations that I have enjoyed there. I am new to fabric design and am absolutely bursting with possibilities.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch!
Our current feature artist in The Designer Project is surface pattern extraordinaire Sarah Ossitt and we have loved sharing with you all her colourful statement textile designs! To provide a little more insight into Sarah’s playful “Moments” and “Dancing Flowers” collections, which are both available in our Fabric Shop online, Sarah has put together a guest blog which shares her typical methodology for creating designs. Keep reading to find out more about Sarah Ossitt’s creative process and her fantastic surface pattern designs!
Hello!
I am Sarah Ossitt, the designer, girl boss and chief tea maker behind Sazerelli Designs. I’m here to share a selection of my pattern designs, for you lovely readers, sewers and crafters, to turn into something magical!
Sarah Ossitt in her studio
The designs can be printed on a large selection of stock fabrics and can be selected from Digital Fabrics Fabric Shop, which can then be made into clothing, homewares and so much more.
“Spring Flowers”
Below is a sneak peek behind the scenes in my studio.
Sarah Ossitt working on repeat surface designs
Sarah Ossitt sketching artwork
My patterns often start from drawings with black ink pens. Currently I am loving using brush pens, to add a variety of pen thickness and hand-drawn feel to my designs. I also like to work on my iPad, to sketch ideas and start playing with colour combinations. I then send everything to Illustrator to fit the puzzle pieces together, create a repeating pattern and start to build up a collection. The colour wheel tool is where I can spend hours of time, it’s amazing how different a pattern can feel in a different colour palette. I usually start with a navy blue – it’s my favourite go-to colour, and I love how the bright colours can really pop when using navy as a background.
“Windows”
“Windows” singlet mock-up
My hand-drawn geo collection “Moments” started out as some mark-making and simple sketches. I didn’t have an end vision, it was just about getting pen to paper whilst my daughter was busy drawing rainbows and my baby son was napping. With a young family I have to fit in my creativity when I can, sometimes there is no plan and that can be the best place to start!
Hand-drawn pen illustrations
“Spotty Stripe”
The second collection “Dancing Flowers” is a curated selection of some of my bold and bright floral designs. I like to use different pattern techniques in a collection, from tightly placed motifs to big and bold flowers, and add in some simple coordinates such as spots and stripes to add variety. I can imagine these designs on full circle skirts or dresses.
“Dance”
“Dance” cushion mock-up
I love to create fun, vibrant patterns that bring a smile to your face. I create a mix of florals, geometric and occasional prints and patterns. I am also a stationery addict and have my own range of greeting cards & printable wall art.
Sarah’s workspace
Sarah’s greeting cards
I would love to see what you create, feel free to tag me so I can share your creations. You can find me on Instagram or Facebook @sazerellidesigns.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch!
We’ve been very excited having the super talented creative Rachel Darling as our current feature artist as part of The Designer Project and have adored sharing her breath taking textile designs. To coincide with Rachel’s “Peninsula” designs being added to our Fabric Shop online, Rachel has put together a guest blog which shares some background information about the artist herself, the inspiration for the collection and how Rachel likes to work creatively. The blog is simply a joy to read! Keep reading to find out more about Rachel Darling and her “Peninsula” Collection.
Rachel Darling at her home studio
My partner and I recently bought our first home and we were over the moon that we managed to stay on the LeFevre Peninsula, in the suburb of Largs Bay. We both mostly grew up on the peninsula, so we had personal connections and community here, plus we love the historical and industrial vibes of the area. And of course, the beach! Our house is just a short walk from the coastline and while I love all the usual things one would love about the beach, I have always thought the foliage in the peninsula sand dunes to be uniquely beautiful. This is what inspired my collection “Peninsula”.
Largs Bay, South Australia
Foliage found around Largs Bay
Foliage found around Largs Bay
I spent a lot of time photographing and sketching different plants and flowers from the dunes and walkways, observing their unique shapes and textures. I also love the overall colour palette of the landscape, how it looks different according to the time of day, but always has an underlying muted feel to it. Some of the flowers I found offered crazy pops of colour, but I chose to stick to the overall colour scheme of the landscape for this collection.
“Beach Wattle”
Process artwork for “Wisp”
“Wisp – Sand”
At the moment, I “balance” full-time work with my creative freelance work. I am a marketing officer for the government by day, and a creative by night (or by very early mornings, which is when I most like to work!). Because of this, my creative process can be a little disjointed, and I’ll fit creative work in wherever I can. I also do a lot of my creative work on the weekends.
Rachel’s home studio
“Yellow Daisy Magic” designs
Rachel’s home studio
On an ideal day, I will go for a walk in the morning with my dog, Lottie – this is her favourite part of my creative process! Along the way I’ll collect photos of plants, flowers, textures and colours to take back to my studio. Once I’m back in my studio I use the photos as reference to sketch out my designs (either with pen/pencil or directly onto the computer, using my Wacom tablet). I like to include as much detail as I can. While I am not going for a ‘realistic’ look, as such, I am trying to capture textures, impurities and fine points that make up the overall look. I will then colour my sketches digitally, and this is where I loosen up a bit. I do not stay within the lines and I take the time to colour my designs in a ‘manual way’ so that these imperfections come through. I feel that this contributes to my illustrative style. I will often add some little markings made up of tiny dots, circles and star shapes. I am not sure why or when I started doing this, but the markings have become part of my style and I have started to describe them as “bits of magic.” These feature a lot in my “Peninsula” collection.
“Spring Begins – Sky”
Rachel and her studio manager – Lottie the pup
Floral illustrations for the “Peninsula Collection”
You can check out more of Rachel Darling’s work at Rachel Kate Darling and via Instagram @rachkatedarling.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch!
Our current feature artist as part of The Designer Project is the wonderfully creative designer Tammy de Zilva and we have been so fortunate to have her talents on board! Tammy has offered a range of her colourful and figurative designs as print-ready artwork in our Fabric Shop online, with each being available to print onto any of our stock fabrics! What’s more exciting is that the artist herself has shared with us a guest blog which discusses her primary inspirations and creative processes. Keep reading to find out more about Tammy de Zilva and her “Playground Stories” Collection!
Hello friends! Tammy de Zilva here from Loopla. I’m a Surface Pattern Designer from Brisbane and am so excited to join The Designer Project with Digital Fabrics. I love to create playful retro designs for both kids and adults, using bright bold colours to inject a punch of happiness into my work. My biggest goal is to bring joy to others with my art.
Tammy de Zilva
Today I’m sharing with you my collection “Playground Stories”. This playful collection was inspired by the creative storytelling of an imaginative 4-year-old and his mum, me! From bunnies frolicking through gardens to pink bananas rolling down hills, this collection has sweet, playful and happy tones. The designs are perfect for fashion, bedding, homewares and interiors for kids and big kids (like me!) alike.
“Floral Lines” tote bag mock-up
My son loves creative storytelling, especially a progressive story where we will take turns adding to the story which often adds many crazy twists and turns or something just plain silly. They give me so much inspiration for my designs and often make me think outside the box.
Tammy’s wonderfully colourful studio
Quite often I will start my design development on my iPad Pro and then take the designs into Adobe Illustrator on my computer to turn them into a repeat pattern. I love having the flexibility to change things around easily by working digitally from the start.
Tammy sketching motifs for “Floral Lines”
Occasionally I do go back to the sketchbook and do some initial doodles there first before digitising them.
Initial sketches for “Bear Faces”
Initial sketches for “Bear Faces”
“Bear Faces” will make the most adorable children’s clothes. I just love these cute little baby harem pants. The wonky lines just add that extra element of playfulness to them and the darker background really makes the colours pop.
“Bear Faces”
“Bear Faces” baby harem pants mock-up
I also love creating some designs in a larger scale to add impact. “Happy Flowers” and “Going Bananas” are both large scale designs in this collection and would look amazing as a dress, cushion or tea towel. I love having bold colourful tea towels in the kitchen to brighten things up.
“Happy Flowers” dress mock-up
“Going Bananas” t-shirt mock-up
I cannot wait to see what fabulous things you make with my designs. Be sure to tag me on Instagram and Facebook so I can see them and cheer you on!
Tammy de Zilva
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and we will be in touch.
We’ve been absolutely thrilled to have paper artist and surface pattern designer Ariane Nijssen of Aribombari take part in our latest instalment of The Designer Project and have adored showcasing her work! Ariane has made a range of her unique, detail-rich designs available in our Fabric Shop online with artwork that is suitable across both fashion and homewares applications. Ariane has also put together the blog below which details the different steps she takes to create her comprehensive body of paper-based materials, which are then transformed into her gorgeous designs. Keep reading to find out more about Ariane’s fascinating process!
Hello, I am Ariane Nijssen and I would like to tell you about how I create my patterns.
Ariane Nijssen in her home
I have recently joined Digital Fabrics as part of their Designer Project, so it seems like the right time to tell you about how I transform my ideas into digital files ready for printing on fabric. My patterns feature colourful, textural mini collages that all started as mono printed pieces of paper.
Hand-made printed and paper-cut elements
“Flower Power” homewares mock-up
It’s quite a process actually and that is what I like! It all starts with coming across shapes and textures around me; in my garden, my neighbourhood and even in my kitchen. I work out how I can get these ideas printed using a home-made gelatine plate. I sketch the patterns that I like and create stencils from them. Or I collect leaves or other objects that I know will work as masks or stencils in mono printing.
Hand-made printed and paper-cut elements
Most weeks I aim to spend a few hours printing, using the stencils I have made and layering older prints. I end up with interesting, colourful pieces of paper that are ready for collaging.
“Fish Market” design
“Fish Market” apron mock-up
Side note: gelatine printing is absolutely fantastic! Affordable, available, and lots of fun. But I have to warn you too – it is addictive! You’ll end up with stacks and stacks of prints! If you want to know more about gelatine printing, have a look at Pinterest.
At home gelatine printing
My collage process starts by choosing a colour palette and selecting matching prints from my stash. With those, a pair of scissors and a scalpel I kind of ‘paint with paper’ to create mini collages. I actually mostly do this at our dining table, which means that I have to stop working when my family is ready for dinner. I actually started collaging as a simple way to be creative in between family commitments – it is easily packed away and started again.
Ariane creating designs use her paper art
Once I have the mini collages ready, I scan them and use Photoshop to create the patterns that are ready for printing on fabric.
Development of “Zesty Citrus”
“Zesty Citrus” design
“Zesty Citrus” cushion mockup
I hope you like my quirky colourful patterns as much as I like creating them. If you would like to see more of my work (some designs are stand alone pieces, not repeat patterns for fabric printing), you can find me on Instagram @aribombari123.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and sure, we will be in touch.
Hi, I’m Louise from Radge Design. I’m a graphic designer & surface pattern maker based in outback Australia. I’ve always enjoyed creating. Art was my favourite subject at school and a bit at odds with my other maths/science subjects although they come in handy when working out repeats.
Louise Addison in her studio
My process is a little backwards in the day and age of digital design (I don’t own an iPad or digital sketching device).
I love pen and paper, almost all my designs start from sketches in my sketchbook.
I may have an idea in mind when I start, or I could be filling in time and in that case you never quite know where the illustrations will go as often. I sketch at night when sitting on the couch and watching TV.
Louise sketching motifs
After creating the random sketches, I scan them in and convert them to digital formats so that I can then edit and manipulate the motifs in Illustrator.
Some designs I design on the page as a repeat, others I create each individual element and then layer and arrange them on the screen to create a repeat pattern I am happy with.
Process works by Louise
The “Paintbrush Faces” collection is based on a few different sets of illustrations that I layered together to create the collection that is available at Digital Fabrics.
Printed fabric from the “Paintbrush Faces” Collection
I’m inspired by artists from a range of different movements and styles and especially like the Art Deco period for design in particular. I tend to design with limited colours in any one design. There may be a number of colours within the collection that complement each other without being evident in each pattern from the collection.
Louise sketching motfs
“Funky Friday”
“Funky Friday” dress mock-up
When working to a brief I will look at the information and then go away and brainstorm/sketch ideas for what I feel will work. Before then taking the next steps of scanning, altering motifs, adding colour and creating the repeat design.
“Mondrien Monday”
“Basic Sunshine”
“Blue Sunday”
I enjoy the challenges associated with taking the elements and creating a pattern that is pleasing to the eye and versatile so it can be used across a range of items from fabric to paper products or homewares items.
Louise in her studio
You can check out more of Louise Addison’s work at Radge Design and via Instagram @radgedesign & @radgedesignfabric
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and sure, we will be in touch.
Around two years ago, I decided to combine my skills as a graphic designer and an artist to create bespoke surface art. From this my small business, Trace of Colour, was born.
Tracy Hall in her studio
My designs have an arty feel about them and usually involve familiar shapes with curious perspectives and punchy colours. All my designs start from a quick pencilled sketch, then outlined and defined using ink markers. Whether it’s common objects or the fauna and wonder of seasonal change, it doesn’t matter, I love the simple process of drawing.
Every day I go on long walks with my two dogs and I always carry a sketch book with me – you’ll never know what you’ll see or what will pique the imagination. There’s an endless and amazing source of inspiration in this world.
Selection of Tracy’s designs
Once I’m happy with the finished image, I’ll scan it and use Photoshop to digitally enhance and create a repeat pattern. This way I can easily alter or adjust each element of the final design (colour, scale and/or texture) to suit any application or product. I’ve found this is the best way to personalise a pattern for my clients.
My dragonfly designs are a good example of this process. It started with two drawings and ended up being a collection of different colours and size patterns to suit fabrics for fashion and/or home décor.
Original sketches used for Tracy’s “Dragonfly” designs
“Dancing Dragonflies”
“Dragonfly Green Garden”
“Dragonfly Garden”
I have a lovely little room in my house that has become my studio. It’s decked-out with numerous bits of paraphernalia, material swatches and eclectic artwork. This is my creative space where I become completely immersed in the design process. I am not a hoarder by nature, but I don’t throw away any of my drawings and as a result, I have shelves full of sketch books. I tend to use my sketch books as others would mood boards. To me they represent a visual collage of ideas and inspiration for my pattern creations.
Tracy illustrating designs
I also love the history of textile design and have an extensive collection of pattern and textile books. It’s fascinating to learn about the origin of patterns – why they were created and their possible cultural connections. Did you know that the ‘animal skin’ pattern was created as a status symbol to give the wearer a sense of empowerment? This concept definitely influenced my animal skin patterns – we all need to feel empowered, right?
“By The Light Of The Moon”
“By The Light Of The Moon” Top
To me, patterns are what I call ‘usable art’. Generally we often wear dark or plain coloured clothing, and paint our homes in neutral tones. My style of artwork and patterns challenges this status quo.
A bespoke patterned piece of fabric can completely alter an outfit – giving it a ‘wow’ factor and make it look stunning. It can transform an old drab armchair into an eye-catching piece of furniture that everyone will rave about.
“Octopus Lace”
“Octopus Lace” Cushion Mockup
I truly enjoy the process of creating something from nothing and producing unique pieces of artwork that can be used as everyday items. I believe that most of us have an innate desire to style ourselves and the spaces we live in, so why not use my surface art and create something special.
You can view Tracy’s fabrics available in our Fabric Shop or follow Tracy’s creative journey on Instagram and Facebook.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and sure, we will be in touch.
Welcome to my little corner of the world, my name is Sami Sparrow, artist, author and designer. I’m delighted to share my work, process and latest collection “Favourite Things” with you. An extravaganza of fun, cute and character filled designs awaits you. Some hand-painted, all hand-drawn. I’m so thrilled to be teaming up with Digital Fabrics to bring you designs for you to create a more personal project with.
Sami Sparrow in her studio
“Favourite Things” is a collection of just that, a few of my favourite things. This diverse collection has a variety of designs, some created digitally, some painted but all hand-drawn. I enjoy creating in both styles depending on where the mood takes me. My work is inspired by my eclectic life and love for vintage, bright colours, children’s book illustrations and cute things in general; I like to think this is reflected in each of my designs. When developing this collection I wanted to bring a sense of comfort, homeliness and childhood excitement, with each design telling its own story.
Sami’s creative space
Sami hand-painting watercolour motifs
Behind the scenes in my studio, I take on the ‘more is more’ interior design concept. Being an extremely visual person, I enjoy being surrounded by an assortment of inspirational items that I have been collecting throughout my life and continue to curate on a regular occurrence. From childhood toys and books to vintage, geometric and graffiti works of art, my studio is my temple; my decorated hive; my place of creative oneness.
Selected designs from the “Favourite Things” Collection
“Bugs – Leaf Green”
Interestingly, I’ve just realised I do not tend to share my creative process very much. So I’ll give you a taste of how my creative brain works. Each of my designs begin with me sitting down and doing a bit of inspirational research. As I said, I’m a very visual person and my eyes love to devour as much content as possible. Colours, shapes, movement and expression are just some of the attributes I will be seeking to recreate with my own style. This also helps me to decide if the design will be hand-painted or digitally drawn. With sketch book in hand I roughly draft some ideas. Once I have a page filled with concepts I refine my scribbles in another sketch book giving the designs more character and personality. Depending on my desired format, I will either photograph the sketch to re-draw digitally in Procreate, or re-draw on crisp paper and begin painting for an organic finish before scanning and digitally creating the pattern repeat. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to complete.
Sami working on the “Cats and Dogs” design
“Favourite Things” Collection designs bag mockup
An exceptional example of my digital work is “City Scape”. This piece is inspired by the skyscrapers and tall buildings crammed into a small space in cities all across the world. I love the geometric shapes of these buildings and how shadows and light play on the faces of the structures throughout the day. The piece was a great challenge to create and had to be made digitally to get the sharp edges and angles I was looking for. For a beautiful contrast why not use this geometric charm on a flowing dress, skirt or robe.
“City Scape”
“Favourite Things” Collection design mockup
As for hand-painted designs, you cannot go past “Floral Fungi”. This complex smaller scale design sprung to life through my love for the natural world. I’m a long-time admirer of fungi and feel they are just as beautiful as many flowers, so incorporating them with flowers was a natural progression for this creation. I knew I wanted to capture the organic textures left by using watercolour paint as details within both the flowers and fungi, so this design had no chance of going digital until it was time to create the repeat. I feel this design would look stunning as a blouse, cushion or even a shawl.
“Floral Fungi”
“Floral Fungi” robe mockup
“Favourite Things” Collection designs cushion mockup
I’m excited to bring our stories together and see what you create with my designs. From “Cats and Dogs” to “Butterfly Collector” to “Bugs”; “Book Worm” or “Donuts” there is just as many awesome fabric bases to choose from at Digital Fabrics as there are designs to choose. You will only be limited by your imagination for what we could achieve together. Please share your projects with me via Facebook or Instagram, I just can’t wait to see what you make. Thank you so much for your time and happy creating!
Sami in the studio with her fur babies
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and sure, we will be in touch.
The third creative powerhouse to feature in The Designer Project is artist and designer Anna Markula. As part of the instalment Anna has made a range of her captivating designs available in our Fabric Shop online and we are so thrilled to be able to offer these for printing on any of our stock fabrics! Anna herself has put together this blog which invites you into her creative studio to see what goes into Girl and the Deep Blue Sea designs.
Hi everyone! Anna here from Girl and the Deep Blue Sea – I’m so excited to have some of my pattern designs available through Digital Fabrics. Girl and the Deep Blue Sea is all about fun, vibrant, tropical vibes and I hope you enjoy this blog post about my design process.
Anna Markula in her studio
I created Girl and the Deep Blue Sea to allow an escape from the everyday…. a shimmering, vibrant, lush, neon-esque tropical island surrounded by crystal clear waters bursting with colour and life!
My goal with my designs is to capture a certain feeling or a fleeting moment, like water ripples in the sun, or that overwhelming joy from dancing to your favourite song.
One of Anna’s many moodboards
Anna’s creative space
I love creating Pinterest boards with images that capture the feeling of Girl and the Deep Blue Sea, and often gain inspiration for my designs from this. I also have a huge photographic library from years of travelling, and am constantly inspired being outdoors in nature, especially at the beach or snorkelling a coral reef!
I work with a variety of mediums, mostly acrylics and watercolours. I love to experiment with different art materials to get a particular look I am after.
I like to work from a moodboard, but will often see (or dream!) the final design in my head and then I will work out how to create it.
‘Blue Diamonds’ design
‘Blue Diamonds’ design used for a beach throw
Process work for the ‘Blue Diamonds’ design
When I’m ready to start a new design, I set myself up with my moodboard images, some fun music (like Pnau), and the colour palette and art materials I want to work with.
I love to then spend a few hours just painting and creating lots of motifs – and usually drinking lots of green tea too!
Creative process behind the ‘Palm Swirl’ design
‘Palm Swirl’ design
‘Palm Swirl’ design used for a cushion
I then scan everything into Photoshop and start the fun part of turning the motifs into a repeat pattern. I will often layer my artwork with photographs to create a unique design, or sometimes I will create a design purely from my photographs such as Blue Lagoon.
The absolutely most exciting part of the process is seeing my designs in real life as lovely fabrics, and imagining what could be created with them.
‘Bird of Paradiso’ design
Anna at work in the studio
Anna’s ‘Summer Nights’ Collection
I hope you enjoyed this blog post, and that you are inspired to bring some Girl and the Deep Blue Sea into your life!
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and sure, I will be in touch.