the glory of patterns

25/10/2012 Comments Off

Working with patterns is one of most fun as well as useful and efficient methods for a rich designs. Let's go through the creation of one example to practice :)
↓ download source files: includes vector source file for pattern creation, HTML/CSS files for testing.

Here are 2 lists for various tutorials you might find useful, for creating patterns in both Illustrator as well as Photoshop. If you found any others for other apps, or different methods, please do share these via the comments.

NOTE: please be aware that the version of software used in the tutorials varies, I tried to collect a few for each version to give you flexible options ~ would be great if you could share your findings in case you came across any more :)

tutorials: creating patterns in illustrator

Creating seamless patterns in Illustrator, Veerle Pieters
How to create a baroque pattern in Illustrator, Sebastiano for wegraphics.net
How To Create a Repeating Camo Pattern in Illustrator, Chris Spooner on spoongraphics.co.uk
Illustrator Quick Tip: Using the Blend Tool to Create Repeating Patterns, Nathan Brown for wegraphics.net
Create a Trendy Seamless Type Pattern, vectips.com
How to Create Seamless Subtle Patterns in Adobe Illustrator
Learn How to Create a Pattern in Illustrator CS5, illustratoratoms.com
Create a repeating pattern in Illustrator, Andy Buckle for .net magazine

tutorial collections - Illustrator

Veerle Pieters - Illustrator tutorials
Veerle is an undisputed master of vector graphics and shares her techniques and working methods on her blog. I cannot recommend her blog enough, not only for her wonderful tutorials but also for all the inspiration :)
Fabio Sasso - abduzeedo - Illustrator tutorials
abduzeedo is one of the most inspiring design blogs, sharing inspiration as well as tutorials for various graphic techniques, well worth exploring! :)
Illustrator CS5 Tutorials: 70 Wicked Tips - a huge collection of various tutorials on designrfix

For inspiration and some great examples of good patterns - have a look at 'Pattern Head', run by John Rawsterne.

You will find a vast collection of patterns in different styles and designs - well worth studying. Hopefully, you'll soon feel inspired to create your own :)

There's also a good post showing "25 Inspiring Sites that Use Repeat Patterns and Seamless Textures Effectively"

And lastly - a list of links to pattern related sites :)
note on terms of use and licensing: first of all - these examples should serve as learning samples for you, not as material to be used 'as is'. After all, you're designers so you can - and need to - produce your own originals. Professional pride alone will demand it. :)

If you do want to use these, for your own or any future client projects - make sure you read the terms of use and check the licensing. As with any visual material, such as photos, fonts and icons, there will be clear guide to what you can and cannot do with this material. There will be some which require a link back to the designer or site, some will ask for donations and link back. Some can be altered and used - others can't. Make sure to respect the designer's rights.

beautiful patterns

tags: illustrator patterns

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