CATH KIDSTON - illustration

In order to help gather some inspiration in terms of pattern design, I have decided to look at a range of illustration to see how patterns can be built up using simple shapes, objects and colours.

Charlotte Trounce

Charlotte Trounce creates beautiful illustrative patterns using hand crafted techniques that are vivid, contemporary and fun. The above examples show how patterns can be built up and repeated whilst still looking seamless. Although quite busy, the use of pen and felts adds definition and textures to the designs, making them quirky and giving them the ability to work across a range of different scales and formats. 

Nicholas John Frith

The above designs show how objects can be used to build up a conversational print, which is what Cath Kidston are after. These prints create a story around a theme, using a repeat that works and intertwines with one another so that it doesn't appear awkward and too organised. Appropriate colours have been used, as well as well additional smaller illustrations which can be included in order to pad out and build up the design. This helps to break up the repeat also. 

Adam Avery

The above prints show how pattern can work across different formats and scales, such as wrapping paper and stationary. Once applied, the pattern looks less rigid and stepped. These patterns make use of quite a simple background made up of block colour, using large scale illustrations to build up an overall visual. 

Sam Brewster

Sam Brewster's illustrations are made up of shape and colour, creating beautiful and contemporary designs. It is interesting to look at illustration as it shows how a conversational print could be built up from separate images.