How to create a repeat pattern
Repeat patterns can be used for all sorts of things, I use this simple method on Photoshop when I'm creating patterns for fabric, wrapping paper and notebooks.
Step 1.
Create a square document (cmd/ctrl+n to create a new document)
I start with a 1000 x 1000 pixel document with the resolution set to 300
Step 2.
Next we need to add some guide lines so that we can easily find the middle of the page.
View > New Guide > Horizontal 50% > OK
View> New guide > Vertical 50% > OK
3. Create a new layer
4. Place your image(s)/ shape in the middle of the page
TIP: Make sure the background of the image has been removed/is transparent
5. Make a copy of the layer (cmd/ctrl+J)
6. Now we need to offset the image,
So make sure the copied layer is selected then: filter>other> offset or (cmd/ctrl + f).
By moving the settings 500 pixels horizontally and 500 pixels vertically this will create the edges of your pattern.
TIP: If any overlapping occurs play around with the composition and sizing of your original shape, remember to copy the layer (cmd/ctrl + J) and offset (cmd/ctrl + f) it each time you move any objects around.
**This next bit is about applying your pattern to a document **
7. To add your pattern to a shape you need to define it (save it with a name)
Edit> define pattern.. (choose a name for your pattern)
8. If you haven't already, you need to create the canvas that you'd like to add your pattern to. Create a new, separate document (cmd/ctrl + d) for the project you are working on i.e. wrapping paper (A2) mood board (A4) etc..
9. Next we will apply our new pattern to our canvas.
Layer> New Fill Layer > pattern… > OK
Once you select 'OK' you will receive the next box:
'Scale' is the scale of your design, so the lower the percentage, the smaller the pattern will turn out and the higher the percentage, the larger the pattern will turn out.
10. Play around with any settings to tweak and perfect your pattern!
*Don't forget to save your masterpiece*
Please add your own tips to the comments, do send me your creations- I love to see them!
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It's Facebook, everyone has a profile, right?
I've had a personal Facebook profile for years and it seemed like the next step was to create a profile for my business too.
It seemed like a logical thing to do, it's free advertising after all...
Hooked.
Facebook makes it's money from your attention span. It's as simple as that.
The more time you spend scrolling, the more money lines Mark Zuckerberg's pockets. The better content you make, the more time your audience spends on your page and the more money lines Zuckerberg's pockets... and the whole process keeps everyone's attention spans short in the meantime.
You don't own it
You might spend years building up a great following on Facebook. Then, as it does every so often, it crashes. One day it might not come back, they might just sack it off and call it quits - they won't - they make too much money... but they could, the power is theirs.
Also, because you don't own the platform, you have no control over the algorithms or who actually sees the post you've put time into making. Your best post might be sandwiched between two completely irrelevant or even damaging pieces of content.
Try somewhere else
There's no doubt that a lot of people have made a lot of money using Facebook and it's targeted ads to sell things. I just don't believe it should be the only place for a creative business to show off it's talent.
Newsletters are a great way to directly contact the people who are interested in what you do, you can share so much more value with them and start up conversations in a place that at least feels safer and more intimate than social media platforms. No one can take that list away from you either.
Get in the spaces where your creative community are hiding: podcasts, Pinterest, magazines, in person at social groups, even creating your own website and blog.
Remember: you're a creative business! Get creative and find new and exciting ways to reach your audience! Experiment and have a play with what you can do instead.
Yes it's 'free' advertising but at to what other costs?
Find ways to bring more creativity to your life and business in this post too
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Recently, I took part in a Fashion Illustration workshop run by Derbyshire based artist Tracy Fennell.
This fashion illustration workshop focused on drawing clothes and materials on the human figure. Starting off with quick sketches looking at shape and then moving on to line and pattern with watercolour paints and inks.
A Quick Warm Up
The session started with quick 2-3 minute charcoal drawings to get us all warmed up. This is a great exercise as you can focus on the shapes in front of you without becoming too precious about the drawing itself.
The workshop lasted the whole day and remained challenging and exciting. Even as energy levels dipped in the afternoon, the whole class stayed focused and engaged. This is the type of activity that I could loose interest in half way through the day if I were to attempt it alone in my studio.
As always with life drawing, it's really interesting to see how everyone's work looks at the end of the session. No two drawings are ever the same.
I learnt a few tips throughout the day and thought I'd share them with you. These tips can be used in all sorts of drawing activities.
1. Longer Spent = Less Spontaneity.
The longer you spend working back into a drawing and adding to it, the less spontaneous it will look and you will run the risk of over working the drawing. Think quick and confident lines.
2. Know When To Stop
Know when to stop adding more layers, a bit of extra pencil, a bit of colour... You have to decide that enough is enough and when to move on to the next drawing. Even if there is still plenty of time left, you don’t need to use all of it up.
3. Use suggestions of details and shapes to communicate the pattern or line
You don’t have to draw absolutely everything in order for your drawing to be understood. Suggestions are a great way to save time and to stop you from overworking the drawing too.
4. Colour in the negative spaces around the model
By colouring in the negative spaces around the model, whatever shapes or proportions that aren’t working will jump out at you.
Here are a few North UK based life drawing classes that I have come across so far, please feel free to add any more to the comments.
+ Life Drawing With HOP - various venues
+ Life Drawing Plus at Studio Bee, Northern Quarter- Central Manchester
+ Fashion Illustration Workshops with Tracy Fennell (keep an eye out for upcoming dates)
+ Sandbar, 120 Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HL
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