Pattern and Abstraction: Process

To create a thematic card design focused on patterns, I will use abstractions found in nature. The process of observation, slow looking, examination, and iteration will allow me to compose both analog and digital compositions. I am aiming to create a dynamic design that will sell at the Winter Market event. I am also striving to become more comfortable working in Adobe Illustrator, as I continue to learn different tools and techniques within the program. Focusing on these goals will provide support and encouragement during the ideation and iteration phases of this assignment.

At the beginning of this assignment, we were tasked to take at least ten images of natural forms. I took this literally and found twenty-five objects outdoors to capture. These pictures were then used to use hand drawing techniques and digital applications that focused on principle analysis, direction, components, and value. I completed the chart (shown below) using ten of my favorite or most interesting images from the previously taken ones. After doing so, I was able to realize the importance of contours in the drawings because it allows viewers to understand what the image is supposed to be. However, this assignment focuses on pattern and texture so it was interesting to see how these mixed. Within the exercise phase of this assignment, we used multiple nature pictures to form abstractions onto an eight-by-eight-inch square. Once this was completed, we divided and cut the square into four equal sections. We flipped the right squares to the left and then the top to the bottom in order to create an ongoing pattern. This strategy allowed for a dynamic and continuous pattern out of my chosen leaf to be created (shown below). We mimicked this process in Adobe Illustrator by creating an artboard and adding various-sized circles randomly over the page. The same steps were followed as we flipped the sides and then the top and bottom. Again, a pattern was created that was eventually used to create a swatch, which could be used easily on other artboards and shapes. This process was challenging even though the tools were similar to those with which we worked in the past. The technicality of each step and the importance of attention to detail were things that caused some minor issues within my practice composition. However, I was able to create an ongoing pattern using these steps that could also be used within my final composition. We transitioned to tessellations by hand, which was a concept that I felt comfortable with because it was very analytical. To create a more dynamic tessellation, we then worked in Illustrator to create curves and patterns that would be cut out with a Cricut. This process was more enjoyable for me because we were allowed to be more creative with our shapes. This creativity inspired my design process within the iteration and production stages of this assignment.

Using my previously made nature abstractions chart, I experimented with derived patterns and card templates as well in order to give myself enough options to choose from. These included different card sizes, shapes, and inserts. To convey the complexity of a card, I explored the various ways a card could be folded, bent, cut, and opened. This process was extremely valuable to me because it proved that a card can be so much more than a card. I then transitioned into uniquely crafted cards that displayed patterns that could be found in nature. When creating prototypes for my final composition, I struggled to find a pattern in nature that I wanted to recreate. None of my initial abstractions sparked any great ideas, which led me to explore elsewhere. When looking through my camera roll in the search for nature pictures, I stumbled upon water pictures from vacation. My trip to Norris Lake this summer was filled with boating, tubing, and skiing which ended up being my inspiration for my final card since I was able to pull nature abstractions from them. I found my favorite patterns to be tessellations of these waves because they held a deeper meaning and happy memories for me. I wanted to include this theme within my final composition, so I added my knowledge of color theory to advance my work. Understanding that color is a stimulant and that it plays an important role in the functionality of a design was a priority for me. Through lectures and outsourced videos, I was able to recognize how visual weight, contrast, dimensions, and schemes affect the outcome of color combinations. With that being said, I had the idea to include one color, blue, with multiple hues in order to relate it to my water theme. When creating possible final cards in illustrator, I struggled to settle for a single one because I thought my designs were too simplistic. However, this thought was quickly contradicted when I was able to discuss the topic with Deb and other peers. This confidence boost propelled further experimentation in Adobe Illustrator as I explored different ways to place the waves on the card. This included gradient patterns and a large focus on negative space, with can be seen below. Ultimately, I decided on a pattern that is both open and closed but also combines negative space for viewers to pick out the wave pattern within the tessellation. Once deciding on this, I created a greyscale version and a color version as one of the advancements. Doing so only adds to my theme of water, which continues through my envelope as well. To create a dynamic and unique envelope design I continued the wave pattern onto each side of the final composition. Making the card a square, allowed me to place equal size waves (that were to scale with the waves in the design) on each side. I created a prototype using the Cricut machine (shown below) where I practiced gluing three of the sides together to create a pocket for the card. I ran into a difficulty here because my card would not fit inside the envelope since I had to downsize it to fit on the Cricut. However, I liked the size of the card, so I decided to use Fed Ex to print both my cards and envelopes. This was a nerve-wracking process for me since it was the first time I had done it and I would half to cut the envelopes out by hand. Unfortunately, I faced difficulties in this process because of stock issues which delayed my process. Fed Ex also changed the dimensions of my designed pattern which caused large problems when creating my envelope since the measurements were thrown completely off. This set back my predicted plans as I was pushing the time limit, but in the end, I am glad I used Fed Ex to print my pattern because of how sharp the colors came out. Eventually, I completed the process of cutting out all five cards and used an adhesive scrapbooking dot to ensure that the envelopes would securely close (shown below).

Reflection

Throughout this assignment, I was challenged to push my limits and break through my comfort zone. Doing so allowed me to expand my design skills and create a composition that holds meaning while being structurally correct as well. This accomplishment is one I am most proud of because I had difficulties with measurement throughout the project. Looking back, I wish I would’ve expanded my nature studies off campus so that I could have found more ideas for possible card designs. However, I am happy that I took the chance of looking through my camera roll to find the pictures from Norris Lake this summer. I also learned how important it was to create multiple iterations of my nature pattern abstractions because it allowed me to choose which I was drawn to the most. Giving myself options has proved to never be a waste of time since it provides me with new ideas, like the negative space within my Illustrator prototypes. If I were to improve upon this project, I would consider changing the dimensions of the card and envelope in order to conform to standard delivery measurements. However, the square is one of my favorite parts of this design because it provides a strong contrast against the curve of the wave. This allowed my final composition to involve the principles of design including rhythm/movement, contrast, and emphasis. Doing so resulted in a design that holds a strong theme and is constructed well.