About This Class

In this class, you will learn how to create a lovely finished pattern using the Ogee reflection repeat full-drop pattern template. I adore this finished pattern! If you look at Spoonflower’s best-selling designs, you will find many simple patterns in this style. 

The pattern will consist of ogee-shaped butterflies alternating in design. We will also explore different background colors and the addition of vector textural patterns, all done within the template. This way, you can see the pattern in real-time as you work on it. Throughout the class, I will assist you in troubleshooting any issues that may arise and emphasize good composition and design principles.

In one of the lessons, I demonstrate the pros and cons of using the pen tool versus the pencil tool while drawing the butterfly. I draw the butterfly using each tool and explain why I prefer the pen tool for certain tasks. The alternate butterfly will use the same drawing, and I show you how to make adjustments to create a new appearance without starting from scratch.

The great thing about the provided template is that it allows you to quickly generate new patterns effortlessly. This class aims to familiarize you with its use so that you can efficiently produce multiple patterns. Why not start a collection using this technique? My goal in Full Drop Ogee Pattern Butterflies in Affinity Designer, and all the Affinity Designer template classes, is to help you learn how to use the templates effectively and efficiently.

This will streamline your pattern design process and provide you with a starting point right from the beginning! I now use these methods for every pattern I create in Affinity Designer.

But that's not all!

Towards the end of the class, I will briefly explain how to upload your patterns to the Spoonflower site. I have more classes planned on print-on-demand (POD) sites, and this is just the beginning to help you get started.

In this class, you'll learn:

  • using the Ogee Full Drop Template
  • creating a reflected butterfly step-by-step
  • comparing the pencil tool and pen tool in Affinity Designer
  • adding vector textures with clipping masks
  • adjusting vector textures as needed
  • incorporating alternate colored background areas in each Ogee
  • exporting and testing the swatch (making sure it is without one-pixel lines that plague pattern designers)
  • test the pattern in Affinity Photo

Key concepts covered:

  • vector drawing and fills with both the pencil and pen tools
  • compositional strategies to enhance patterns
  • approaches for creating different motif iterations quickly by editing an existing vector

By learning to use the pencil tool, the pen tool, and templates in Affinity Designer, you'll elevate your pattern creation and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing pattern repeats in real-time.



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