Holiday Operating Hours & Order Cut-off Dates
As we approach the end of 2024, we want to ensure your orders are completed on time for the holiday season! Digital Fabrics will close for the holidays on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024. We’ll be back with a limited team from Monday, January 13th, 2025, and fully operational by Monday, January 20th, 2025. Be sure to check our cut-off dates to get your orders in before the holiday break.
Please note: Our daily production cut-off time is 2 pm. All dates listed below indicate a 2 pm cut-off on those days.
CUT-OFF DATES FOR ORDERS REQUIRING DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS
– Monday, 2nd December – Cut-off for ‘Print & Make orders + delivery’ (depending on quantity).
– Monday, 9th December – Cut-off for ‘Printing only orders + delivery’.
– Wednesday, 11th December – Cut-off for ‘Express Printing only orders + delivery’.
CUT-OFF DATES FOR ORDERS REQUIRING PICK-UP BEFORE CHRISTMAS
– Friday, 6th December – Cut-off for ‘Print & Make orders pick-up’ (depending on quantity).
– Friday, 13th December – Cut-off for ‘Printing only orders pick-up’.
– Monday, 16th December – Cut-off for ‘Express Printing only orders pick-up’.
Key Notes
– Orders can still be placed after the cut-off dates, but those submitted after December 9th are likely to be printed and dispatched in the New Year unless processed as express orders.
– For WA, NT, FNQ, and other remote destinations, we recommend ordering earlier, as delivery times can be unpredictable during this time of year.
– Sample pack orders submitted after December 17th will be dispatched in the New Year.
– From December 9th, all orders will be dispatched via Express Post.
– To speed up the process for fabric printing, we recommend ordering your fabric online through our Online Uploader, which ensures faster processing of your order.
Reach out to our team if you require any assistance with your order.
Meet Tara Royle; Illustrator and Emerging Fine Artist from Tasmania! In this feature, we’ll delve into the creative world of our upcoming designer, showcasing Tara’s cute and cozy style and inspirations. Join us as we explore the behind-the-scenes of her creative process and what what drives her artistic vision. Keep on reading to find out more!
Tara Royle
Hi there, lovely readers! My name is Tara Royle. I’m a 21-year-old signed illustrator and emerging fine artist from the little island of Tasmania, Australia. I create cute and often humorous pieces that depict animals and human figures, aiming to capture the unique, imagined and human like qualities of these characters. Recently, I’ve decided to take an exciting leap into textile design and pattern making, and I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my curated collection of patterns in collaboration with Digital Fabrics Fabric Shop!
Studio Space
My love for animals, especially cats, is a significant source of inspiration for my work. I have two adorable kitties who bring joy and warmth to my creative process, often keeping me company as I bring my visions to life. Alongside my passion for furry friends, I have a deep appreciation for all things vintage and retro, which reflects in my work. I’m particularly drawn to pastel colors and pretty aesthetics, and I aim to infuse these elements into each pattern I create.
I’m excited to share that my patterns can be featured on a variety of products, making them perfect for all kinds of creative projects. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of fun to women’s and children’s clothing, design unique bags, or create cozy cushions or bed spreads, my designs offer endless possibilities. Each pattern is crafted with love and can elevate any piece, turning everyday items into cheerful, and unique artistic statements.
Mushrooms & Ferns – Brown
My home studio is a cozy haven nestled on a mountain in the forest, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. Wallabies roam freely among the trees, providing a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of the unique wildlife that Tasmania offers. This tranquil environment fuels my creativity and allows me to explore my artistic passions fully.
When I’m not creating, you can often find me baking delicious treats, hiking in my forest, practicing pilates, or taking a refreshing dip in the icy Tasmanian waters I call home. Each of these activities contribute to my artistic process, helping me find balance and inspiration in my daily life.
Illustration in Progress (ft. kitty)
I’m very excited to share this new chapter of my creative journey with you all. If you’d like to follow along and see what I’m up to, please connect with me on my Instagram @wallabymountain
I’d love to hear your thoughts and share my passion for art, design, and all things whimsy and cute.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me and my work. I can’t wait to see how you all engage with my patterns, and I hope they bring a touch of joy and creativity to your projects!
The Paws & Pastel collection features the sweetest flora and fauna motifs, in a range of complimenting colourways! Each fabric can work for a range of both women’s and children fashion and perhaps home home projects too!
Meet our newest featured designer in the Designer Project, Anthea Beazley. Dive into her world of creativity and innovation as we explore her unique design journey. In this blog post, we delve into the behind-the-scenes design process that fuels Anthea’s creativity, enabling her to bring vibrant and visually stunning fabric prints to life.
Keep reading to find out more!
Anthea Beazley
My design process begins with a spark of inspiration, often drawn from my surroundings or experiences. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the Australian landscape, I seek to translate the natural beauty of my environment into captivating fabric designs. Whether it’s the rich hues of a mesmerizing sunset or the intricate patterns found in native flora, I immerse myself in my subject matter, aiming to convey its essence through my designs.
Armed with a plethora of digital tools and software at my fingertips, I set out to breathe life into my design concepts. I meticulously craft each element of my fabric prints, weaving together a symphony of colors, shapes, and textures. Through a combination of sketches, inspiration and digital manipulation, I transform my vision into tangible design samples.
Colour plays a vital role in my designs, as it evokes emotions and sets the tone for the final fabric prints. With a vast array of hues to choose from, I engage in an exploration of colour palettes, carefully selecting shades that harmonize and complement one another. Through a series experimentation, I strike a delicate balance, ensuring that the chosen colours captivate the viewer.
Designing in Progress
One of the defining characteristics of fabric prints is their ability to seamlessly repeat across the textile’s surface. I ensure that my designs flawlessly tile, allowing for versatility and scalability in their application. I achieve a seamless flow that adds visual interest and depth to the fabric. Whether it’s a floral motif or an abstract pattern, my attention to detail guarantees a stunning final product that will enhance any garment or interior design with grace and sophistication.
My personal journey as a digital artist has taken me on a remarkable creative adventure, one that has allowed me to express my artistic prowess through captivating fabric and textile prints. My process of conceptualization, digital creation, color experimentation, and pattern repetition culminates in designs that exude beauty and allure.
The “Natural Wonders” collection celebrates the breathtaking beauty and ever-changing moods of the Australian landscape. Inspired by nature, the series captures the essence of each season, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the fiery hues of autumn. Through a blend of vibrant colors and intricate details, these prints invite you to explore the magic of the natural world and embrace the enchanting spirit of Australia’s diverse ecosystems.
Next up as our featured artist in The Designer Project is the wonderful Anzela Simcock – with not one…but two textile collections ‘Stitch & Spark’ & ‘Summer Shore near the Tropics’!
As part of Anzela’s feature, the designer has also put together a guest blog which details her typical creative process as well as the things that inspire her! Keep reading to find out more!
Anzela Simcock
I’m Anzela Simcock, a Latvian-Australian surface pattern designer, driven by a profound passion for transforming joyful art and digital elements into fabrics, wallpaper and other surface patterns. Join me on an immersive journey through my unique artistic styles and enchanting creations, inspired by the fusion of my Latvian heritage, Australian surroundings and experiences, and the cherished moments with my children, family and garden.
Mouse pad with one her designs
Nature and the power of mind, a constant muse, ignites my creative spark. The vast landscapes of Australia and the natural wonders of Latvia intertwine in my designs, capturing the essence of their beauty. From the serene beauty of Australian flora to the whimsical charm of Latvian gardens, my patterns embody the vibrant colours, delicate textures, and ethereal allure found in these enchanting environments.
Abstract art becomes my canvas for exploration, enabling me to transcend artistic boundaries. Drawing from my Latvian heritage’s rich artistic traditions and the multicultural influences of Australia, my abstract creations take on a diverse and thought-provoking form. Through intricate patterns, bold shapes, and adventurous colour palettes, I invite you to delve into a realm of imagination, where emotions are evoked, and connections are forged.
Creative Office Space
As a Latvian-Australian surface pattern designer, I celebrate the nostalgia and cultural fusion that shape my artistic expression. Inspired by the beloved memories of my Latvian roots and the vibrant tapestry of Australian life, my designs pay homage to iconic eras and cherished moments. From the rhythmic beats of Australian culture to the folklore of Latvia, I intertwine these influences to create patterns that transport you through time and celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity.
As a devoted mother, the laughter and innocence of my children inspire a profound sense of creativity within me. Their joy and curiosity find expression in my designs, adding a touch of whimsy and playfulness. Moreover, my beloved garden, an oasis of tranquillity, serves as a wellspring of inspiration. The vibrant blooms, delicate petals, and gentle rhythms of nature’s symphony find their way into my designs, evoking a sense of serenity and harmony.
Anzela and her youngest helper
The Stitch & Spark Textile Collection offers a delightful blend of fun graphics, playful colors, and a fresh take on traditional designs. The combination of these elements creates a unique and vibrant aesthetic that is sure to add a touch of whimsy to any home decor. Summer Shore near the Tropics Collection is where warm minimalist coastal prints meet vibrant tropical motifs. Clean lines and an earthy palette celebrate laid back beach side living, while bold, saturated hues capture the energy of nearby lush rain forests. Ideal for summery projects seeking timeless simplicity accented by vibrant pops of natural wonder.
These designs would be great for a range of both Fashion & Interior projects! Each of Anzela’s designs are available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Simply head to our Fabric Shop online to view the whole collection and choose your favourite fabric!
Next up as our featured artist in The Designer Project is the super-talented Cassandra Feguson or better known as The Digi Dame – with her incredible fabric collection!
She has put together the most wonderful blog post, diving deep into her creative process and inspirations for creating these amazing designs. Keep on reading to find out more!
Cassandra Ferguson
Hi everyone, I’m Cassandra, aka The Digi Dame! I am thrilled to join the Designer Project at Digital Fabrics! I’m a brand designer from Western Sydney, who loves bold colour and joyful design. With a background in graphic design, I’ve recently delved into the world of surface pattern design; I am really enjoying the process of developing this new skillset and loving the freedom it gives me to get back to drawing.
From the time I could hold a pencil in my hand as a young child, I was drawing. In adulthood, this favourite pastime took a back seat as life got in the way, as it often does. I served in the Australian Navy, worked in Makeup Artistry and became a mum before finally finding my groove in graphic design in my thirties, by chance! It was then that my love for design, colour and creativity was beautifully reignited. Now, with my recent immersion into surface pattern design, my love for freehand drawing has been reimagined in digital format.
Sunday Funday W.I.P
My design style is colourful and abstract with an imperfect hand-drawn feel. I love creating bold patterns on a large scale for maximum impact. Some of my patterns can appear a bit folksy, but folk art is not where my influence lies. My favourite artists have always been the 19th century impressionists of France; particularly the thin brush strokes applied adjacent to each other. So perhaps that’s where the decorative strokes in my work come from.
When I’m not designing for a client and therefore not following a brief, I’m inspired by the colours, textures and diversity of the Australian landscape and Aussie icons. I will often refer to photographs of chosen subjects, rather than draw from memory, and in this way, I can find direction for colour palettes and design layouts. The process is pretty fluid and informal – I will usually draw the motifs and elements in black and white first, then add colour, then make placements to form the pattern layout.
Sunday Funday Moodboard
When designing for a client, my process is much more defined; beginning with the design brief and brand research, then developing moodboards and style direction before commencing any solid designs for the client. I work predominately in Adobe Illustrator – I feel most comfortable working with vectors. I love the scalability, and Illustrator best suits my drawing style and use of block colour. I draw digitally using a Wacom tablet, directly onto my laptop touchscreen or using my mouse. I don’t use any other device like a tablet; I like the simplicity of doing all my design work on a single device using Illustrator.
I don’t have a dedicated home studio; I’m always in awe of other designers’ gorgeous workspaces! But I make it work and love what I do. Oh, and one last thing about me? I work better with cake! Thank you for taking a peek into my creative little corner of the world!
Her design style is bright and colourful, hand-drawn and abstract, with Australian elements as a strong inspiration. She particularly loves to create wildly colourful patterns and collections that are based upon our Aussie landscape, flora and fauna (which is greatly reflected in her fabric collection)
Get ready to meet our next talented designer in the spotlight – De-Anne Strange! In this feature, we’ll delve into the creative world of our upcoming designer, showcasing De-Anne’s unique style and inspirations. Join us as we uncover the stories behind her designs and the passion that drives her artistic vision. Keep on reading to find out more!
De-Anne Strange
A change in creative careers brought a lifetime of experience and skills, to help make pattern designs unique and true to me.
Work in Progress Painting
I have always been inspired by people who are their true self and create their own unique path through life, whatever that may be. From a young age I have been able to see the beauty in all things, the tiny detail that is often missed and had a great sense of appreciation for this beautiful world we live in, and this now helps in my design process.
Colour Matching Designs
I’ve been fortunate to be a creative entrepreneur in various industries and share my art with others. Years of hairdressing showed me how much I love to help bring joy through my art and creating hair styles that helped make others feel good about themselves. Many Years in my Photography business brings the ability to look at any situation or subject, through a creative lens where anything is possible and problem-solving techniques to make that anything come to life! Completing a Diploma in Visual Arts with an amazing teacher has given me the courage to step even further from my comfort zone and give anything a go, you never know where it may take you. Also helps calm perfectionism without compromising best practices and quality.
Wheat Crops Inspiration
When I first discovered the surface pattern design industry, I was so intrigued and just felt so strongly that this was the direction I needed to go. I found that the professionals in the industry were the most welcoming and supportive I’ve ever known and just love to help others reach their goals. The saying ‘there is room for us all’ is used often and I’ve seen so many new designers flourish in this supportive environment. I love being a part of it too and helping others. I have participated in lots of different education and mentor groups worldwide, which has shown me how many talented artists are creating the life they want and supporting their families from their art businesses.
Collection Colour Palettes
When I am in the first stage of a new collection creative process, I use a mix of all the skills I’ve learnt and work in mixed mediums including Photography, painting, drawing and digital artwork on my iPad Pro. When creating art on paper or canvas, I love to work with Acrylic and water colour paints, inks, charcoal, calligraphy pens, pencil and more. I use my camera to photograph anything for inspiration, create my own textures and capture my finished.
Work in Progress Painting
artworks, rather than scanning them onto my computer. I use my professional photography skills to photograph my work with good lighting and keep the digital quality high. Once I have imported my original art works, I mainly use Adobe illustrator to create my designs but also lightroom and photoshop depending on what style I’m creating.
Photographing Inspiration
Currently I have released 6 design collections, all very different and I have my next 3 already in progress. I love showcasing beauty in nature and feel my style is unique, elegant and intriguing due to abstract composition. It suits most industries but looks great on fabric, clothing and accessories, wallpaper and homewares.
I hope to keep creating my art and finding companies who wish to licence my designs, so I can help inspire others to follow their dreams too.
De xx
Love of the Land, embracing Australian Agricultural Farming and Grain Crops. Living in the Central Wheatbelt Western Australia and jointly running a farming business, De wanted to showcase this industry in a new modern light, to show its beauty. This collection is full of life, texture and interest, with an abstract feel. Using her professional photographs taken on their farm of various crop varieties at different stages of their growing processes, she has created these unique illustration patterns. Colours are pulled directly from her photos and each pattern has its own unique story and meaning to her family.
Alive – a collection bursting with life! Bold, beautiful and striking, filled with stunning colours, layers and textures. This collection is timeless and will bring life to any project. Each design is a thoughtfully made, piece of art. Every hero design has her signature hidden butterfly.
She hopes to give an insight into this profession through her art and also show its possible to be a Farmer and an Artist at the same time! Through the constant support of her Husband Leigh and their 3 sons, she has been able to bring her dreams to life and they have always been there helping along the way. Head to our Fabric Shop online to view the whole collection and shop now!
Meet our newest featured designer in the Designer Project, Melissa Hamlyn. Dive into her world of creativity and innovation as we explore her unique design journey. Get ready to be inspired by Melissa’s captivating designs and artistic vision. Let’s embark on a journey through the extraordinary work of this talented designer.
Keep reading to find out more!
Melissa Hamlyn
Welcome! I’m Melissa Hamlyn, creator of Painted Lady Studio. I’ve been working with various materials for years now, but have only recently begun creating my own surface design patterns as well as writing blogs about art and design!
Mood Board
My creations often feature bold colours and patterns made using digital and traditional printing techniques. I enjoy experimenting with new materials and techniques, which is part of what makes my designs unique. I love to sketch and test with scale and materials such as paint, markers and pen as well as styles such as realistic, abstract and geometric. Over the course of my university studies I had a tactile and sculptural practice and I experimented with different mediums such as fabric, wood and plastic – these too have influenced how I think about making two-dimensional art.
Studio Space
I have a passion for pattern, colour and texture. My work is an exploration of these things. Once I’ve settled on some sketches I scan and experiment with the image in Photoshop and Illustrator where I introduce textures and motifs I’ve made like marble effects, ginghams and shiny foils. I then begin to finalise each hero design so that it has a strong graphic impact and then I mix and match coordinates to make a collection or sometimes a design all on its own!
When choosing co-ordinates I focus on colour, never limit myself to just one colour palette and use a colour wheel to help me choose colour pairings that work well together as well as complimentary colours and contrasting shades of the same colour, this helps to create a bold look that is eye-catching but not too overbearing.
Design Work in Progress
In addition I mix different prints together – floral prints with stripes, polka dots prints with stripes, polka dots with checks, anything goes! A strong graphic look and feel is my aim and I love to include a little bit of humour in my coordinates too. I love the classic look but I like to add a twist by using modern prints and colours that make my designs stand out from other patterns and designs.
The Mosaic Blooms collection features a series of prints, that have been cherry picked from various pointcanvas of Melissa’s surface pattern designer life and captures the approach she takes with each new design idea! We think these prints would work best for Home & Interior projects and fashion accessories such as scarves. Each of Melissa’s designs are available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Simply head to our Fabric Shop online to view the whole collection and choose your favourite fabric!
Welcoming the talented Julia Reader as our next featured artist in The Designer Project – along with her wonderful fabric collection ‘Flowers & Foliage’!
To coincide with Julia’s fabrics being available in our Fabric Shop, she has also put together a guest blog which shares some background information about the artist herself, the inspiration for the collection and how Julia likes to work creatively. The blog is simply a joy to read! Keep reading to find out more!
Julia Reader
Hello! My name is Julia and I am the graphic designer and artist behind Julia Reader Creates! I work from a small light-filled studio in Mount Gambier, South Australia in which I sell a small range of creative products from original art and textiles to paper goods. I also teach watercolour from a large, refurbished farm-house table!
Watercolour paintings that will transfer to a pattern.
I live in the lovely Limestone Coast of South Australia. I am surrounded by nature and it fuels all of my creativity. I have a particular fascination with Australian native flora and fauna, but do love a dahlia too!
Princess Gum flower – design inspiration
My creative process usually starts with a photo that I have taken. My phone is filled with videos and photos of plants and their flowers – it’s a creative library of sorts. This library sits idle until I have a brush in hand, of which I search for the image that talks to me the most. A lot of the time I have no idea what I will create, and I love the spontaneity of that. Some of my best work has arrived from having fun and experimenting. I also have a love for colour and this finds its way into my work naturally.
Watercolour paintings that will transfer to a pattern.
I scan in my watercolour paintings and clean up the elements that I plan to use in my pattern. This can take quite a while to do, and oftentimes I don’t use everything that I paint. I tweak colours and layout until I am happy, and will also apply the pattern to a mock-up file just to see how the pattern will transfer to a product.
Crab Apples Watercolour Motifs
Crab Apples Design Mockups
I have a large store of watercolour paintings that I sift through every once in a while. I love to re-purpose my artwork and combine different elements and styles, so having this archive of artwork allows me to do that.
Stored Paintings for future inspiration
As an artist, my aim is to always create what feels aligned. By working in this way, my style remains authentic and will continue to evolve with me over time. I invite you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook where I share my work and my inspiration. Or, head over to my website where you can see everything that I do! I hope to see my patterns on your products in the future – and please make sure you tag me as I love to see where my creations end up!
Much love, Julia
Flowers & Foliage is a collection of nature-inspired, abstract prints that are influenced by the bright and wondrous things that Julia finds on her daily walks (she is a collector of leaves, shells, feathers and more). From the colour of Autumn leaves and crab-apples to the shapes of gum and grevillea leaves, these prints are designed with homewares in mind, but work beautifully on scarves, dresses and children’s wares.
Next up as our featured artist in The Designer Project is the ultra-talented Meredith Gain from MGK Designs – with her textile collection ‘Beach Days‘!
She has put together the most wonderful blog post, diving deep into her creative process and inspirations for creating these amazing designs. Keep on read to find out more!
Meredith Gain
“Hi there
I’m Meredith Gain of MGK Designs and I’d like to share my inspiration and design journey for my fabric collection Beach Days that I’m so excited and proud to have available via Digital Fabrics and The Designer Project. I grew up in the carefree beachside suburb of Nth Curl Curl on the northern beaches NSW in the 70s where I spent my time swimming in the surf, exploring the rocks and generally having fun in the sun! My journey into surface pattern/textile design came about from my love of design and always the need to be creating! Prior to finding my way to textile design – after I had my 2 kiddos – I was creating delicious food as a chef for over 15years before I had my family and moved back to the beach for that carefree lifestyle I had growing up!
Creative Space
I now spend my days creating art for fabric, actually any surface that needs a design! And of course, I still love cooking! And always with music playing! I pursued my love of art and design via a surface design course at ISCD and won several awards at the time … This led to an opportunity to design a wallpaper and interior fabric range for Emily Ziz .. I now have 3 collections with them. Alongside my interior fabric collections, I also continue to create for several print studios for swimwear and women’s wear … and even have a few rugs and carpet designs! I am happy to create and adapt my style to many different briefs and clients, but my natural handwriting lends itself to an organic abstract very textural coastal vibe. I love to walk the many bush tracks and coastal paths of sunny Sydney; in fact, any coastline will do !
Peach Breeze in the making
I gain so much inspiration and joy from the surrounding nature and I find this comes out in my art via the mark making and line work that makes up much of my artworks. The designs I have available here for Digital Fabrics are in a lovely warm palette of pinks, peaches and oranges, reminiscent of a sunrise and the happy rosy glow after a day spent by the beach; with sunscreen, sunglasses and hat on of course!! I work mainly on my iPad in Procreate to experiment & muck around.Working with layers and effects that I then upload straight to my mac to work on further to put into repeat and play with colours. It’s usually straight to Illustrator and sometimes Photoshop but I’m definitely team Ai !
Iceream Trek Original Art
Each design usually starts with a mark making frenzy when something inspires me. Again, mainly on the iPad but sometimes I like to spend a day and get the paints out to do a big batch of swirls, marks, shapes and lines that get used in my designs. Though I even recently did a piece using the only material I had on hand…a lipstick and a notepad!! I then take photos of the mark makings and digitise using image trace in Ai. This is where I like to play around with layers, textures, colour and scale. As it helps to visualise the end product, I like mockups to see how the designs might look on a skirt or swimwear. The colours are generally depending on if I have a brief or what I’ve recently seen that inspires me. On a recent girls trip away to Daylesford VIC I was so inspired by the scenery and the colours that I just had to create a mood board! It actually inspired the design SAND DRIFTS…even though I’ve changed up the colours for this collection!
Lipstick Art
My work is always evolving!
You can find my latest works in progress or my ‘just because I’m feeling it art’ on instagram @mgkdesigns and my website https://www.mgk-designs.com/“
Beach Days is a collection of organic, abstract, all-over patterns; inspired by coastal walks by the beach. Many things inspire and remind Meredith of her childhood, spent living by the beach: bark on the trees, bird footprints in the sand, coastal bushes, sand hills, beach debris and lazy summer days! These designs would be great for any number of applications such as sundresses, swimwear, cushions, beanbags, tablecloths & napkins, tea towels, scarves, sarongs and beach towels! Each of Meredith’s designs are available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Simply head to our Fabric Shop online to view the whole collection and choose your favourite fabric!
We’ve absolutely adored sharing the beautiful work of Queensland-based designer Naomi Robinson and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! Naomi’s designs bring a playful, fresh Spring-time vibe.
And reflects Naomi’s charming, organic and whimsy style.
To coincide with Naomi’s ‘Follow Me Sunshine’ collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which we’ve shared below! The blog takes a closer look at Naomi’s creative process, detailing every step from initial sketch to final design. The blog also includes gorgeous photographs and process images which really help tell the story of Naomi’s work and the ‘Follow Me Sunshine’ collection. Keep reading to find out more about Naomi Robinson and her stunning designs!
Naomi Robinson
Hi, I’m Naomi a watercolour and mixed media artist based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. A place that is rich with natural beauty, and very tropical! I have been a visual artist for over 10 years, taking to watercolour only a few years ago. And recently beginning my career in surface pattern design, an aspiration I have had since 2012. I grew up 40 acres of bushland, close to where I live now. Spending much of my childhood playing outside; pondering, observing and interacting with the natural world. This sense of wonder and excitement has impressed my soul, and greatly influences my arts practice today.
Naomi working on her Dandy Wishes print
You may have already seen my curated selection of designs ‘Follow Me Sunshine’ available here at Digital Fabrics, I’m super excited about it! They are intended to reflect my organic, whimsy and delicate style. As well as being a stand-alone collection offering a playful, fresh, Spring vibe. My process for creating a pattern collection begins with inspiration from the environment around me. I go on to ask myself a series of questions; “What specifically is intriguing or inspiring me? Shape, form or colour..?” “What feelings arise from that? I.e. imperfect, playful, tropical”.
Original Sketches
Once I have my descriptive words I go on to collate images together to create a mood board and gather any other images that can help me further tell the story. It’s a very intuitive process. Colour is the next step, and again it is done intuitively and in response to the feelings I experience from my descriptive words. When I’m ready to sit down to paint, I begin by quickly and roughly sketching the motifs on paper to practice their form and build some muscle memory. So that when I go to paint I’m able to retain a ‘loose’ style. I assess the painting as I go and ensure it’s in alignment with my key words.
Designing in Progress
Once I’m ‘in the flow’ (a few watercolour pages later!) I start to see beautiful and organic shapes arise. My painting technique allows the magic of watercolour to take centre stage. I work quickly, and try not to fuss or overwork it, as I believe the natural and earthy pigments of the paint mixed with water imbue the artwork with an aliveness, imperfection and beauty much better than my conscious mind ever could!
Creekside Maiden Motifs
I’m really looking forward to seeing my patterns live a new life on your gorgeous products! Please tag me @naomirdesigns and @digitalfabrics in your projects on social media. And if you’d like to see more of my artwork and designs, head on over to my Facebook or Instagram page @naomirdesigns, I’d love to connect with you there!
Patterns, Love and Nature. x Naomi
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch!