Repeating Pattern Design (Part 18)

Practice pattern design in this art lesson: repeating pattern design (part 18).

🎨 Studio Brief #35

Patterns repeat motifs in a predictable way.

🎯 Your mission

Less is more. Then take one more thing away.

⚡ The twist

Cut every word that doesn't need to be there.

What you'll learn

Patterns repeat motifs in a predictable way. They appear in textiles, wallpaper, architecture, and nature. Design your own repeating pattern.

Get ready

Techniques you'll practise

pattern designrepeat unitcolor harmony

ScissorsGlueColored pencils

Step 1 of 4

Draw a simple motif: a flower, a geometric shape, a small animal.

Step 2 of 4

Repeat the motif in rows and columns across your paper. Keep spacing even.

Step 3 of 4

Add color using a limited palette of 2-3 colors for unity.

Step 4 of 4

Identify the repeat unit—the smallest section that, when tiled, recreates the whole pattern.

Did you know?

🤯 Mind = Blown

🤯 The 'recycle' triangle was designed by a 23-year-old in 1970.

🌟 Artist Spotlight

🎨 Massimo Vignelli designed the NYC subway map. People still argue about it.

You did it!

🎯

We'll pick an art project that matches exactly where your skills are right now.

✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you see this: Every menu, app, and sign you've ever read was designed by someone like you.

🏆 Try this week: Redesign one boring sign you saw today. Make it better.

👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “If you could design the logo for our family, what would it look like?”

Send it to a parent looking for a 15-minute screen-free creative win.