I've always loved pattern!
In fact, when I designed the very first UPPERCASE magazine back in 2009, having a pattern on the masthead and along the spine was a key design element.
That first pattern was as simple as could be—it was a celebration of polka dots! With each new issue, I would design a new pattern that related to the content themes presented inside the magazine.
The second issue had a smashed ice-cream on the cover. Inspired by the waffle cone, I created a simple diagonal waffle design!
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I just kept designing new patterns in Illustrator with each new issue. I didn't know what I was doing, really, I created each with a simple step and repeat.
(That's not the efficient way of doing things! I wish I had taken Bonnie Christine's Immersion to know how to use Illustrator properly because later on I had to re-draw my archive of patterns.)
In those early issues, I had no idea about the wonderful world of surface pattern design—that one could make a career out of making patterns! (Not once was it mentioned in art college! Even in the silkscreen class I took, the possibility of printing on fabric was never mentioned.) I didn't have a sewing machine, so I didn't go to quilt shops.
One of the joys of publishing UPPERCASE magazine, whose tagline has always been "for the creative and curious", is discovering new possibilities. And when I finally realized that surface pattern design was a thriving, inspiring profession for illustrators, artists and designers... I was enamoured!
I wanted to know everything I could about this industry and so the very first UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide was born.
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The first Guide was published inside issue #21 (Spring 2014). The magazine cover was by ceramicist Molly Hatch and the interior guide cover was by Jan Avellana.
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Click on the cover above to download the first-ever Guide from 2014.
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When the Guide was first printed, I didn't have any connections in the fabric world so there weren't any opportunity partners like we have now... but when the first guide was released, it was noticed by Windham Fabrics and they quickly licensed Jan Avellana's artwork for her first collection. They also licensed art from a few other artists included in the guide. It was very gratifying to see the artists profiled within get this sort of professional attention!
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After the first Guide, I followed up with Mickey Krueger, president of Windham, to find out more about their collaboration. That interview is included in the digital download.
This connection later led to my own first fabric collection—but I'll save that story for another time!
May you have a creative day. I'll see you soon.
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Time flies! There's a video on the bottom of this page of me talking about the first guide in 2014. My hair is very much streaked with grey now and my favourite red polka-dotted shirt disintegrated at the elbows and is now woven into a rag rug. But I've released 35 more UPPERCASE issues since then! Amazing!
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This Free Mini Workshop hosted by Bonnie Christine starts on Monday!
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