Meet the Designer – Jennifer Reid

This month, we shine the spotlight on Jennifer Reid, an artist, illustrator & surface pattern designer. Her creativity knows no bounds, and her work speaks volumes. In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of her creative process. You’ll discover what inspires her and learn a bit about her creative process for her prints and patterns. Get ready to be inspired by Jennifer’s unique vision and artistic flair.

Welcome to the joyful world of my design process — a journey that weaves together the vibrant threads of my upbringing in Western Sydney Australia, and my deep connection with nature and everyday life. As an artist, my canvas is an intricate dance of diverse culture, Australian florals and cherished memories of home.

I live in a beautiful semi-rural town on the outskirts of Sydney Australia, with my hubby and two kids, who are the loves of my life. Before starting my design business over 15 years ago, I worked in a few different areas – as a primary school teacher, retail assistant, finance manager and even a beauty salon owner. But it was actually a really scary cancer diagnosis some years ago that changed my career trajectory, when I started using art as therapy to get through some pretty tough days. Art saved my life. It calmed me, helped me to dream and hope, and literally sparked joy and sunshine in my darkest days.

My adventure begins with the raw and tactile nature of gouache, watercolour and acrylic paint, or the cosy familiarity of coloured pencil and ink. But thankfully, the modern artist isn’t bound by traditional mediums alone. Enter Procreate on the iPad — my invaluable companion that breathes digital life into my creations. It’s a tool that allows me to add a contemporary touch, enhancing the dynamism of my patterns.

My designs often take another digital leap when I scan them into the realm of Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator – my fun digital playground, where the true magic unfolds. The scanned elements become the building blocks for my intricate patterns, layer upon layer of creativity blending seamlessly as I navigate through the endless possibilities these powerful software programs offer.

At the core of my designs is a homage to the wonders of nature, with Australian florals and birds usually taking centre stage, paying tribute to the diverse ecosystems that have inspired me since my childhood days exploring the great outdoors.

But my work is about cultural roots too – the nourishing ingredients from my mama’s kitchen and garden find their place in my patterns, a visual celebration of my heritage and the warm embrace of home. Home and sanctuary emerge as recurring themes, mirroring the cherished memories of my childhood – the kitchen and garden as hubs of gatherings and creativity, serving as an emotional backdrop for my designs.

Art, for me, is not just about aesthetics; it’s a therapeutic outlet. The process of expressing myself through these patterns has been my healing balm, guiding me through many of life’s challenges with each brushstroke. A healing power that extends beyond my studio walls, I believe that art has the ability to offer solace and inspiration to others. Through my patterns, I hope to share a bit of the comfort and joy that I’ve found in creativity. My ultimate goal is to spark joy. I want those who encounter my patterns to feel a sense of delight, to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary of everyday life, just as I have.

Life is a journey filled with challenges and art has been my constant companion through it all. It serves as a reminder of the comforts of home and the resilience found in the embrace of nature. As I continue this artsy adventure, I am crafting a patterned world – one that speaks to the heart, embraces cultural richness and invites others to find joy in the tapestry of life. Join me on this colourful journey, where brush strokes become pixels and every pattern tells a story.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’d love to see the beauty you create with my designs, so please be sure to tag both Digital Fabrics and me @jenniferreiddesign in any of your amazing projects using fabrics showcasing my designs! Please also follow along with my art adventures on Instagram (@jenniferreiddesign) and subscribe to my email list to receive newsletter and blog updates, as well as a free downloadable art print.

Never Stop Dreaming, Jennifer Reid xo

Growing up in a melting pot of cultures and languages, I’ve soaked in the beauty of nature and everyday life, which light up my creative spark. I use bursts of colour, playful shapes and interesting textures to spark joy in the world. But my art goes deeper than that. It’s all about exploring the connection between people and our planet. I want to remind everyone how important it is to take care of our Earth for the next generations. I’m particularly drawn to Australian flowers and birds, and the nourishing ingredients from my mama’s kitchen and garden – a nod to my heritage. So, my art revolves around the idea of home and sanctuary. When I think back to my childhood, I remember the kitchen and garden as hubs of fun and creativity. In my art, you’ll find flowers, birds, butterflies, fruits & vegetables – all symbols of love and happiness to me.