Valley Library
Whimsical Cosmos: A Journey in Pattern Making
Project Detail
Retail Pattern Making for
Everyday Products
Role
Graphic Designer
Duration
January - February 2023
(8 weeks)
Tools
Illustrator
Photoshop
Brief
To create a cohesive set of original patterns and apply them across a range of products. The designs needed to be functional, visually appealing, and demonstrate versatility in both technical and practical applications.
Overview
The project involved developing four unique patterns inspired by celestial and whimsical themes, creating technical drawings of products, and visualizing the final patterns through realistic mockups. The focus was on ensuring scalability, usability, and emotional resonance with the target audience.
Solution
Designing bold, vibrant patterns with celestial motifs that could be seamlessly integrated into products, meeting both aesthetic and functional demands of the target audience.
Research
Target Audience
Individuals aged 18 – 30
Dynamic young adults with an interest in self expression, creativity, and design-driven products.
User needs
Unique and visually appealing designs that
add personality to everyday items
User goals
Products that reflect their individuality
Align with current design trends
Fit their lifestyle seamlessly
User frustrations
Generic, uninspired product designs that fail
to stand out or capture personal style
Standout patterns that reflect personal style
Need & Solution
Patterns should adapt seamlessly to different surfaces
Scalable designs maintain quality across various product sizes
Goal
Designs must align with trends while remaining practical
Cohesive theme and color palette enhance appeal and usability
Create a versatile, engaging pattern collection that blends creativity, self-expression, and functionality
Custom hand-drawn patterns ensure originality and individuality
Design
Design System
Theme
Celestial Whimsy
Color
Playful
Tone of Voice
Whimsical
Expressive
Modern
Moodboard
Pattern Designs
Illustrator
Technical Drawings and Products
Illustrator
Mockups
Photoshop
Patterns (from up left to down right):
Celestial Moths
A dreamy pattern featuring whimsical moths, crescent moons, and stars, evoking a sense of nighttime magic.
Mushroom Meadow
A playful design showcasing vibrant mushrooms, rainbows, and delicate starbursts on a pastel lavender background.
Stellar Checkered
A modern checkered pattern in navy and lavender, blending classic structure with a celestial-inspired color palette.
Forest Whimsy
A charming woodland-inspired pattern with tree stumps, leafy elements, and delicate floral accents on a blush backdrop.
Realistic product mockups that showcase patterns applied to various items with accurate scale and perspective ensuring designs align with user expectations.
Using Illustrator, I create precise technical drawings for each product design. Then, I apply my patterns to these digital prototypes, demonstrating how my designs integrate seamlessly into real-world products such as backpacks, pencil cases, mugs, and cardigans.
This process highlights my ability to bring imaginative concepts to life through technical skills and practical application.
Learned
The critical role of cohesive color palettes, seamless pattern integration, and realistic mockups in making designs resonate with the target audience
The importance of scalability and balance in pattern design to ensure adaptability across multiple products without losing visual appeal
Takeaway
Designing for user needs balances visual appeal and functionality, ensuring both aesthetics and usability