8 Game-Changing Tips
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Every Surface Pattern Designer Should Know
Creating patterns isn’t just about getting the repeat right or picking the perfect color palette. It’s about expression, growth, and finding joy in the process. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your creative voice, these 8 tips for surface pattern designers are here to inspire and support you along the way.
Here’s what I’ve learned (and keep reminding myself of) as a surface pattern designer, maybe it’ll resonate with you too.
1. Design with intention, not just for aesthetics
It’s easy to fall into the trap of creating something just because it “looks nice.” But the patterns that truly stand out are the ones that feel like they mean something, even if that meaning is just “this reminded me of a happy memory” or “these shapes bring me peace.”
Before diving into your next design, ask yourself: What am I trying to express here? What feeling do I want to evoke? Giving your work a little more emotional context can make the creative process more fulfilling and the final pattern more impactful.
2. Start small and let yourself play
Not every motif or pattern has to turn into a full collection. In fact, some of the best ideas come from quick sketches, messy experiments, or color doodles on a lazy afternoon.
Instead of aiming for perfection right away, try giving yourself permission to explore on a smaller scale. Maybe it’s a quick motif using one brush, or testing a new layout without pressure. This kind of playful approach helps you get out of your head and reconnect with what made you fall in love with pattern design in the first place.
3. Mix in hand-crafted elements for a personal touch
Even if your main tools are digital, don’t underestimate the beauty of something hand-drawn. That imperfect pencil line, the texture from ink on paper, or even a scanned-in collage can bring so much warmth and originality to your work.
You don’t have to go full analog to make your pattern feel alive. Adding just one hand-crafted detail, even something small, can transform a flat design into something that feels rich, tactile, and uniquely you.
4. Color palettes are powerful, use them intentionally
Color is one of the most emotional elements in design and I love experimenting with it. A different color palette can shift the entire mood of a pattern with just a few tweaks. That’s why it may be helpful to build your own little color library over time.
Try setting aside moments just to play with color. Pull inspiration from nature, photography, vintage prints, or even your own wardrobe. Having a go-to set of favorite palettes can make starting new designs so much easier, and it keeps your style cohesive across projects.
Need a little inspiration? Then check out my board Color Palette Design Inspiration on Pinterest @kathrinwoodesign and follow for more. You will find a fresh palette every month to spark creativity.
5. Make your repeats feel natural and seamless
Creating a technically seamless repeat is one thing. But making that repeat feel natural and balanced, that’s where the real magic happens.
Ask yourself: Does my eye move comfortably through the design? Are the elements too crowded in one area and sparse in another? Sometimes stepping away for a bit and returning with fresh eyes can help with spotting any issues. I also recommend scaling down the pattern to ensure the repeat isn’t too obvious. You can also test your pattern on mockups (like fabric swatches, wallpapers, or notebooks) to see how it flows in context.
This is where it always gets so fun! It’s just an amazing feeling to see how your designs would look on real life products. If you know, you know. It’s a great way to check your design and also, somehow, some kind of visual affirmation. You will start dreaming of seeing your designs out there, in the real world and eventually gather enough courage to do the work to make it happen. Don’t be afraid to shift things around until it feels right. Keep trying, be patient and make it happen.
If you’d like to try playing with mockups, I recommend my all-time favorite mockups by Creatsy*. (*Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link. I earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources that align with my values and standards, so I feel confident sharing them with my audience.)
Creatsy mockups are always high-quality and easy to use. Not only is using mockups a great way to test your patterns but you can also showcase your finished designs on social media or pitch it to potential clients.
Just have a look at how I use one of their fabric mockups to showcase one of my collections.
6. Keep a visual journal (even if it’s messy)
Think of it as a scrapbook for your ideas, a space just for you. It doesn’t need to be organized or pretty. You can jot down motifs you want to try, glue in color swatches you’re obsessed with, add screenshots of inspiring textures, or notes about patterns that didn’t quite work out, you name it.
This kind of behind-the-scenes documentation can be a goldmine when you’re feeling stuck or looking for your next spark of inspiration. Over time, it also becomes a beautiful record of your creative growth.
I always carry a small notebook to jot down any ideas that pop into my mind. This mom brain has tried to remember things on the fly, but I’ve learned it’s best to write or sketch them down as soon as inspiration hits. It has helped me capture so many ideas and prompts that would have been forgotten otherwise.
7. Share your work before it feels “finished”
I know, this one can feel scary. But showing your work-in-progress can open doors you didn’t expect. Whether it’s a small community of fellow designers or just one trusted creative friend, getting gentle feedback can help you see your design from a new perspective.
Sometimes it’s a tiny suggestion, like adding more breathing room or tweaking a hue, that makes everything click into place. And more often than not, people will cheer you on more than you think.
If you’d like to check out my own personal side project, I post fun and witty (unfinished) banana art every day.
After creating my Banana Yoga pattern design a few years ago, I keep getting positive messages from people and this banana character seems to follow me everywhere. Do you know what I mean? It’s that selective perception thing.
Suddenly, I see bananas popping up everywhere! So I thought, why not add to it? Because, in its own weird way, the banana truly brings me joy and has even helped me rediscover my sometimes twisted sense of humor.
I’m not sure where this journey will take me and banana, but it’s my way of navigating the everyday highs and struggles of life — my personal way of celebrating, dealing and healing.
If you would like to see where this project goes, I started the account @itsbilliethebanana on Instagram. How about you join the bunch? Disclaimer: It’s just crickets for now but don’t go bananas over it—your fruity content fix is just around the corner!
8. Inspiration is everywhere, if you slow down and look
You don’t always need to scroll through Pinterest or trend reports to find your next great idea. Sometimes it’s hiding in the pattern on your grandmother’s tablecloth. Or the way light hits a wall. Or the moss on a stone during your afternoon walk.
Let your daily life become a visual library. Take photos. Sketch in the moment––right into your small carry-along-sketchbook, remember? Collect color combos from your surroundings. When you start seeing the world as a pattern designer, everything becomes a source of inspiration.
Your creative voice matters
At the end of the day, surface pattern design is a journey, one that’s meant to evolve, surprise you, and reflect who you are. So whether you’re designing your tenth collection or just getting the hang of repeats, trust your instincts and keep showing up.
There’s room for your style, your story, and your perspective in this amazing world of patterns.
Which of these 8 tips for surface pattern designers speaks to you today? I’d love to hear your thoughts or see what you’re working on! Come say hi on Instagram @kathrinwoodesign and share your latest favorite pattern with me.
Keep creating,
Keep getting better.
We’re in this (banana bunch) together!
xo, Kathrin