Behind the Scenes: How I Turn a Doodle into a Repeat Pattern
Have you ever wondered how a simple doodle can transform into an intricate, seamless pattern that ends up on fabric or wallpaper? As a surface designer, I love taking those sparks of inspiration—from nature hikes to online trend-spotting—and turning them into designs that bring joy to everyday objects. Here’s a peek into my process:
1. Gathering Inspiration & Color Palettes
My first step is to look everywhere for inspiration. I often take photos during walks in nature (flowers, leaves, interesting textures) or browse online and in stores to see what’s on-trend. Once I have a mood board of ideas, I start piecing together color palettes that spark my imagination. Sometimes it’s a bright set of candy colors; other times it’s soft earth tones that remind me of a calm forest scene.
2. Sketching & Painting Motifs
Next, I grab my sketchbook or paintbrushes and let the motifs flow. Whether it’s a single floral illustration or a quirky geometric shape, these initial doodles capture the essence of what I want to create. I don’t worry about perfection here—it’s more about getting ideas on paper and exploring different variations.
3. Digitizing in Illustrator
Once I have a handful of promising sketches, I scan or photograph them and bring the images into Adobe Illustrator. Here, I vectorize each motif, fine-tuning lines and shapes to make them crisp and scalable. This step is where the doodles start taking on a more polished, professional look.
4. Adding Color & Laying Out the Pattern
After vectorizing, I begin experimenting with my chosen color palette, filling in motifs and adjusting shades until everything feels cohesive. Then comes the fun (and sometimes challenging) part: laying out the pattern. I arrange motifs into a repeating design, ensuring edges line up seamlessly—so when the pattern tiles, it looks continuous without obvious breaks.
During this layout process, I often stumble upon new ideas. Maybe a supporting pattern emerges, or I realize a certain motif would work better if it were bigger or smaller. Sometimes I end up creating an entire collection around a single original doodle because the ideas just keep flowing!
5. Prepping for Spoonflower & Beyond
Once I’m happy with the repeat, I export the files for Spoonflower (or any other platform) and test out how the pattern prints on fabric or wallpaper. I also create mockups to see how it might look on products like throw pillows, gift wrap, or even pajamas. This not only lets me show clients or buyers a real-world preview, but it also helps me refine any last-minute tweaks.
6. Updating My Portfolio
Finally, I upload my designs to my online portfolio so I can easily share them with potential clients, licensing partners, or anyone who wants to see the latest additions to my collection. It’s a great way to keep track of my progress and stay motivated to create more.
From a simple doodle in my sketchbook to a finished repeat pattern, each step of this process is fueled by curiosity and a deep love for all things creative.
If you’ve been thinking about trying your hand at surface design, I hope this glimpse into my method inspires you to pick up a pencil (or paintbrush!) and let your imagination run wild. Who knows—your next doodle might just be the start of an entire collection!
Need a guide on where to start?
