Our Fabric Designers

Brianna Pawlik – The Designer Project

We have absolutely loved sharing these beautiful designs by designer Brianna Pawlik and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! To coincide with Brianna’s “Sink and Sun” collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind approach to creating surface patterns and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Brianna Pawlik and her stunning designs! 

 

‘Brianna Pawlik’

Hello! I am Brianna, Owner/Surface Pattern Designer of Lulu Pawlik Collections and Mumma of three cheeky cherubs. My nickname is Lulu and my designs are the perfect combination of all things kitsch and coastal. My treasured hand drawn and hand-crafted designs and patterns can be printed on any surface such as beautiful fabrics, clothing, homewares, accessories, stationary, wallpaper, even footwear. They are crafted for beautiful brands and businesses to license and use on their products, to stand out from the crowd and offer something unique for their customers! 

‘Brianna’s Studio’

My patterns are playful with a retro vibe and my love for the sea and surf are key elements. I find wonder and inspiration from the ocean and a lifestyle growing up on the east coast of Australia. Family surf holidays and travel adventures run through my designs, in combination with my love for vintage coastal treasures and retro eras. 

‘Design sketches’

Before I became a Surface Pattern Designer, I created a women’s clothing label called Miss Lulu which I designed and manufactured myself successfully for many years. After my first baby, I found little to no time to pattern make, source fabric, sample, sew, press and sell my clothing collections. At this new point in my life, homewares and mumma accessories danced around in my mind. 

digital fabrics_designer fabric_custom fabric_brianna pawlik 4‘Sewing printed Linen Deluxe fabric’

I went on to create a small slow made accessories label, The Sailor Siren & Co. after my second baby which took on a similar design aesthetic to my clothing label. I create retro coastal inspired accessories for mummas and bubs, with natural fibres and sustainability in mind. It was always a struggle to find the fabric prints that I desired for my style and creations. This is what naturally lead me into the world of surface pattern design.  

digital fabrics_designer fabric_custom fabric_brianna pawlik 5‘Brianna’s workspace’

Now as a busy Mumma of three, I can dream and create beautiful, playful, coastal, kitschy patterns that I want to see in the world and I hope other brands will love too. Lulu Pawlik surface pattern design collections are just for you to purchase and print on your beautiful products for your adoring customers. They are sure to stand out and make a wow statement! 

digital fabrics_designer fabric_custom fabric_brianna pawlik 1‘Brianna and 2 of her children’

Follow me and my journey on Instagram or get in touch via email to connect about exclusive custom pattern designs or collaborations for your brand or business. I have a beautiful pattern library of ready to go patterns, that are exclusive to your selected product categories and yours forever after purchase.  

Here is a little insight into my design process. Each design element or motif begins as individual hand drawn pencil sketches that are then inked in a bold felt tip pen. I also love watercolour paints for a more imperfect playful vibe. My motifs are then scanned and vectorized in Illustrator. Beautiful pattern repeats are then created with intention, time, and magic! Colours will vary depending on the surface and texture of the selected fabric, paper, or product, so test prints and samples are then a must to confirm the final desired looks. As a sewer I like the hands-on feel and authenticity of sewing up my mock-ups for shoots and display.  

digital fabrics_designer fabric_custom fabric_brianna pawlik 6‘Palm tree illustration’

Want to get your hands on some gorgeous Lulu Pawlik pattern designs printed on your choice of beautiful fabrics?! The Designer Project at Digital Fabrics displays a selected range from my Sink & Sun collection that you can have printed on any fabric you choose, for your own textile products. You can order by the metre to create magic and please share what you make with me!  

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!

Britney Munday – The Designer Project

We absolutely loved sharing these amazing prints by Victoria-based designer Britney Munday! To coincide with Britney’s beautiful “Pressed Flowers” + “Retro Resilience” collections being made available online to all of our customers, through our Fabric Shop, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind approach to creating surface patterns, a bit about herself and what inspires her work. 

Keep on reading to find out more about Britney and her creative style! 

Digital-Fabrics_The-Designer-Project_Britney-Munday-profile-pic

 ‘Britney Munday’

Hello all!   

I am Britney, the designer behind B.A. Munday Designs and I am thrilled to be a part of Digital Fabric’s Designer Project.  I am currently based in the Gippsland area of Victoria but originated from the United States.  One thing that has stayed constant in my life is living in rural communities that have a love for simplicity and nature.   

Digital Fabrics_The Designer Project_Britney Munday 1‘Collection of painting by Britney’

As a child I was very shy and never was one to draw attention to myself; art was the exception.  After moving to Australia, I put on hold any artistic endeavours and focused on living life, getting married and having kids.  There then came a time when I had been a mom for so long, I forgot what I even liked anymore.  That’s when Surface Pattern Design entered my life.  I have spent the last 2 years cultivating my artistic style, connecting with other artists, and loving the idea of bringing beauty to the world with my designs.    

Digital Fabrics_The Designer Project_Britney Munday 4‘Raw floral sketches’

I recently found out I have ADHD which means my style is always flowing and adapting to whatever my brain is passionate about in that moment.  I usually stick to florals but will sometimes throw in a geometric or abstract design just for kicks.  The same goes for the medium I use to create the artwork for the patterns.  Sometimes I draw solely on the computer, other times its pencils, pens, and painting.  I love to learn and try new things and designing affords me that opportunity every day.  The result is a style that is true to who I am; colourful, passionate and a bit all over the joint.  

Digital Fabrics_The Designer Project_Britney Munday 2‘Britney’s Gouache paints’

There are no limits to what I can be inspired by.  Inspiration, for me, often comes in the form of listening to podcasts, reading, movies, music and of course Pinterest.  Art seems to be an embodiment of all the things passing through my brain and being absorbed into my heart.  My desire to keep progressing and creating is motivated by the stories of people who have built their lives by following their passions. 

Digital Fabrics_The Designer Project_Britney Munday 3

‘Floral Paintings by Britney’

At the end of the day, I absolutely love what I get to do.  Not only do I get to display my inner joy on fabric, I get to communicate with people from all over that only want me to succeed.  Having that kind of support is new to me, but it makes a world of difference.  I appreciate the opportunity Digital Fabrics has given me in being able to connect with so many people on their platform. 

I love seeing people find their own joy when they use a fabric I designed and hope I can continue to bring that to others for years to come.  To follow my life as a designer, find me on Instagram @munday_designs

 

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!

Gabrielle Marlow – The Designer Project

We have absolutely loved sharing these beautiful floral designs by Southern Highlands based designer Gabrielle Marlow and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! To coincide with Gabrielle’s “Nature’s Garden” collection being made available online to all of our customers, through our Fabric Shop, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind approach to creating surface patterns and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Gabrielle Marlow and her gorgeous prints! 

Digital-Fabrics-_-australian-fabric-designerGabrielle Marlow

Art has always been a part of my life; until recently, I was focusing mainly on traditional art, painting horses, pets, and animals as well as landscapes, still lives and florals. I have always had a tremendous love and fascination for surface pattern design.   

Two years ago, I came across some very good online courses in digital illustration and surface pattern design. Now, I am fully immersed in creating designs for fabric. They are used in fashion and home décor, it’s wonderful. 

Digital Fabrics_The Designer Project_Gabrielle MarlowFairy Wren Sketches

The Southern Highlands, NSW is the place I call home. Living and working from home in Balmoral Village I am surrounded by nature, my inspiration. I can walk into the bush or the garden, pick flowers and draw them. Or I photograph them and return to my studio to paint. I then use them in a wide variety of surface pattern designs. 

Gabrielle’s bushland inspiration from her walkDigital Fabrics_The Designer Project_Australian Floral with Red BottlebrushAustralian Floral with Red Bottlebrush 

I love drawing and painting and using pure paint pigments. I use a real painting as my initial design. Art on paper. I pick flowers on walks in nature or photograph flowers, plants, foliage, insects, birds, and other animals to use as inspiration. There is nothing quite like being outside and immersing oneself in nature to get truly inspired. Handpicked botanical collectionDigital Fabrics_The Designer Project_Kangaroos, tiny Fairy Wrens and SpringtimeKangaroos, Tiny Fairy Wrens and Springtime

I use an ordinary pencil for the initial sketch or drawing on paper, then watercolour paints on artist quality paper. Sometimes I work in oils and pen and wash as well. It just depends on what I feel like doing and what it is for. Some of my best artworks are scanned, digitised, and made into illustrations and repeat surface pattern designs though! 

Digital Fabrics_ The Designer Project_Bright and bold Australian FloralGabrielle’s website: www.planetwombat.com 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gabriellemarlowdesign 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ahappyplaceforeveryone 

Geneva Richards – The Designer Project

It’s been such a treat sharing these beautifully unique designs by designer Geneva Richards, who’s based in our home town of Sydney’s Inner-West. We hope that you’ve enjoyed her designs as much as we have!  

To coincide with Geneva’s “Assortment of Life” collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind approach to creating surface patterns and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Geneva Richards and her wonderful prints! 

Studio Geneva_geneva

‘Geneva Richards’

Hello! My name is Geneva and I’m the illustrator behind Studio Geneva. I’m so thrilled to be a part of the Designer Project!  

I only discovered the world of surface design in 2020 during my pandemic career shift into illustration and design. A creative career is always something I wanted and I also love writing; so I took an extremely broad degree at university, studying communications where I explored visual and digital communications as well as public relations, advertising and marketing. I worked in the public relations industry for a few years in beauty and tech before shifting my focus back to my true love – design – in 2020.  

  Digital Fabrics_The Designer Project_Studio Geneva_desk inspo

‘April Showers – design in progress’

For my personal work, I like to take a prompt from my list of popular motifs and create a pattern based on the prompt. This helps me just start a design and focus on creating without worrying about the result. Building an exciting collection of books about design and illustration, as well as folders of inspirational images I’ve gleaned from the internet, and even scraps of paper from magazines or wrapping paper all help me to make my design decisions (I like to think of myself a collector of ideas but really, I am a trash goblin) 

  Studio Geneva_collection notes

‘Design notes + details’

When designing for a client, I explore inspiration, moodboards, colours, motifs and collections before drafting ideas and beginning the pattern design process. 

My actual design process is probably best described as ‘chaotic’. I’d love to say that there’s a specific way that I make patterns but there just isn’t! Sometimes I sketch motifs in a sketchbook, sometimes I make a digital sketch, sometimes I just throw some shapes around and see what I like. Sometimes I decide what colours to use in advance, and sometimes I change my mind 30 times. I take the time to explore different ideas and programs in my projects in order to create striking patterns and designs.   Studio Geneva_Kitty Kats_cushion mockup

‘Kitty Kats Cushion Mock-Up’

I mainly sketch either by hand in a sketchbook or on Procreate on my ipad. I use Photoshop to re-colour and arrange my textured raster patterns, or I colour my designs on Adobe Fresco before transporting them to Illustrator. I use Affinity Designer to create seamless repeat patterns right on my iPad. Depending on where the mood takes me, I might use one or two, or all of these programs for a single project!   Studio Geneva_unicorn sketches

‘Magical Unicorns Sketches’

For me, surface design is about creating, expressing and exploring rather than the result. I hope you enjoyed this peek behind the curtain! 

Geneva x 

Check out more of Geneva’s work at studiogeneva.com.au or visit her Instagram @studio.geneva for all the amazing inspo she has to offer. 

Amy Jessup – The Designer Project

It’s been so exciting having the delightful designer Amy Jessup, as our current feature artist of The Designer Project and have adored sharing her absolutely divine textile designs. Amy has put together a guest blog for you all, which shares a bit of background info on herself, some behind the scenes of her creative process and as well as what inspires her and her ‘House of Vintage’ collection. Keep on reading to find out more about Amy Jessup and her creative style!

 

Digital Fabrics, Digital Fabric Printing, Custom Fabrics, Designer Project, Amy Jessup 2

‘Amy Jessup’

Hi, I’m Amy from Midnight Rise Design. I’m a Textile and Surface Designer based on the beautiful Gold Coast. I love exploring Australia in our van. Life on the road, immersing in our stunning landscape and living simply is most definitely for me. 

Oh, and I’m obsessed with my Whippet Luna! My sleepy, sassy gal is in the studio with me daily! 

AMY 10 edited and cropped

‘Original Illustrations and Paintings’

I’m super excited to join the Digital Fabrics team with my collection now available in their fabric store! When I first saw Digital Fabrics, I was instantly drawn to the beautiful idea. Allowing artists, small business owners and creative minds to connect on a platform full of unique designs, high quality fabrics and no limitations. Ahhmazing!  

  Digital Fabrics, Designer Fabric, Custom Fabric, Amy Jessup, Zephyr Rust

‘Zephyr – Rust’

This collection is inspired by everything and anything vintage. I have always been drawn to vintage homes, swimwear and furniture. I would say my style is a modern twist on vintage concepts. My studio is my favourite room in the house! It’s my inspiration and motivation every day. I truly believe having a space which makes you feel light and excited to take on the day is so important.  

   Digital Fabrics, Digital Fabric Printing, Custom Fabrics, Designer Project, Amy Jessup

‘Wild Daisie in progress’

Every collection starts with a mood board. My most exciting ideas are sparked when I’m completely relaxed and present. Whether that be when we’ve been traveling around in our van, laying by the beach or it could have been something I’ve seen on my morning walk. I am an organised, list writing, non-clutter kind of gal – Haha! So, Pinterest boards are my go-to (I’m obsessed!). This is one of my latest boards. A mix of colour inspiration, textures, travel pics. Let your mind run wild when creating your next mood board. Anything that feels good, add it! 

  Digital Fabrics, Designer Fabric, Custom Fabric, Amy Jessup, Wild Daisie 1

‘Wild Daisie’

I’m a little bit of a creative mixer, I love all styles! Sometimes I design starting with sketches, other times I’ll dive straight into digital and even explore with watercolour and acrylic paint.  

 Whichever way I begin a design. The original artwork is scanned into Photoshop or Illustrator. I love that the options are endless and you can work so freely here. Original artwork is fine turned, colour pallets are explored and a seamless pattern is created.  

  AMY 8 edited and cropped

‘Amy in her studio’

While my designs are created in different forms of art. They are suitable for fashion, baby wear and homewares. 

Check out Amy’s creations via Instagram @mightnightrisedesign or her website: https://www.midnightrisedesignandfilm.com.au/DESIGN/

 

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!

 

Amanda Laing – The Designer Project

We have absolutely loved sharing these beautiful floral designs by Brisbane-based designer Amanda Laing and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! To coincide with Amanda’s “Garden of Memories” collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind approach to creating surface patterns and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Amanda Laing and her stunning designs! 

 

Workspace2_AmandaLaing

Amanda Laing

 

I’m Amanda Laing, a surface pattern designer from Brisbane, Qld. My inspiration comes from my surroundings whether they be the natural world or the built environment. I am always finding things that catch my eye and love to express it visually through colour, form and pattern. 

Amanda Laing_Watercolour

“Rosie – Watercolour Painting”

With a background in Interior Design and Art teaching I design surface patterns for both paper and fabric. Paprly is my small business designing for wrapping paper, gift cards and tea towels. 

Amanda Laing_Pink Watercolour

“Eloide + Pink Petal Gouache Paintings”

I teach art workshops in primary schools and just completed a graduate certificate in visual arts. I also have a background in commercial Interior Design and Art Teaching. When it comes to surface pattern design, I’m pretty much self-taught and constantly being driven by the need to design and make things. 

australian made fabrics, australian designer fabrics ,digital fabrics, amanda laing, blue pink yellow floral

“Daisy Drop – Fabric Design”

Personally, I prefer hand drawing to digital and use a wide range of media from pen, watercolour, gouache and paint. Experimenting with textures and layering is also something that I love, as well as experimenting with different mediums. As a result, my style is wide and varied. My designs are both naïve and realistic prints but always with the aim of trying to create unique and original work. 

 

You can check out more of Amanda’s work via her Instagram @mandalouau or view all of her lovely products on her website https://www.paprly.com.au/

australian made fabrics, australian designer fabrics ,digital fabrics, amanda laing, pink yellow lace butterfly flower floral“Lace Mimosa – Fabric Design”

 

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!

Michaela Burgess – The Designer Project

What a fantastic start Michaela Burgess’ feature has been for what’s now our third year of The Designer Project! Michaela is a multidisciplinary artist with a teaching position that enhances her professional design work with fine art practices. We’re so excited to have not just one, but two of her collections, “Bombay Mai Tai” and “Jungle Blue” available in our Fabric Shop. These designs are available to all of our customers as print-ready designs which can be printed onto any of our fabrics. We adore Michaela’s beautifully detailed designs and hope you’ve been as captivated by them as we have. As part of this feature the designer herself has put together a guest blog which we’ve posted below!

Michaela Burgess

Hi my name is Michaela Burgess and I’m really thrilled to be working with Digital Fabrics as part of The Designer Project and making these collections available for fabric printing. My early studies were in Object Art and Design, in both ceramics and glass and I’ve been teaching Visual Arts and Design for almost 20 years now. I balance teaching with creating my own work and have continued to exhibit throughout my career.

“Indigo Magnolia” cushion cover mock-up

I ventured into surface design in 2014. I love the process of surface design and seeing my work on a range of surfaces, especially fabrics – continually thrills me! One of my earliest memories is diving into my mother’s scarf bag, it was full of fabulous prints and fabrics from the 70’s, and creating wonderful wrap around creations for myself with her beautiful scarfs before going to a friend’s birthday party.

“Marigold Teal” blouse mock-up

I draw influence from the world around me and find that nature is a huge influence on my process. I use a range of techniques; hand-drawing, etching, printmaking and painting, to create the bases for my designs for fabrics. I then use Illustrator to bring the elements together and place into repeat.

“Taj Mahal Nude”

I’ve shown work at Premier Vision in Paris and Surtex in New York. From experiencing both of these events I truly believe Australian design is in a unique position on the world stage, in that it is fresh, dynamic and informed by Australian aesthetic sensibilities that allow it to hold its own in a first-class arena.

“Indigo Blue Vine” dress mock-up

After completing a Master’s of Cross Disciplinary Art and Design in 2015 with studies in Textiles, Fashion, Interior Design, Urban Design and Community Projects, I’ve got several projects coming to fruition over the next year so keep a look out for the updates. A hint on what’s to come: I’ll be using Digital Fabrics and having several designs printed on their gorgeous Dilly fabric! The print and fabric quality that you are able to access through Digital Fabrics is incredible.

You can find updates on Instagram @_michaelaburgess or my website!

“Bombay Mai Tai” collection day bed mock-up

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!

Lillie McDonagh – The Designer Project

It’s been an absolute blast sharing the playful work of Lillie McDonagh for our current instalment of The Designer Project and we hope you’ve fallen as in love with her designs as we have! The Sydney-based designer creates illustrations and print designs which feature quirky hand-drawn motifs which celebrate everyday simplicity. We’re so thrilled to have Lillie’s “Lil’ Bit of Sunshine” collection available in our Fabric Shop and are keen to see all the inventive ways our fabulous customers will use them! As part of Lillie’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! We’ve shared the blog post below so keep reading to find out more about Lillie and her charming designs!

Lillie McDonagh

Hello! I’m Lillie, or Lil’ Designs – the designer behind the new Digital Fabrics collection “Lil’ Bit of Sunshine”. I am super excited to be sharing these print designs with you. I hope they add a lil’ bit of sunshine to all sorts of amazing DIY projects!

“Summer Sunset”

“Summer Sunset” Tote Bag Mock-up

The pattern designs in this collection feature warm colours and playful illustrations that all started as small sketches and doodles I made of little things that I think bring joy – sunsets, stars, flowers. I love creating simple line-drawings and turning them into fun designs for greeting cards and print designs, and even just to share on Instagram to spread a little creativity!

Lillie’s pen and marker illustrations

“Autumn Leaves” Cushion Mock-up

One of my favourite creative exercises at the moment is drawing something in as many different ways as possible. Whether it be flowers or stars or rainbows, it really gets you thinking and experimenting, finding ways to draw these things in a way that’s unique to you and your style. Then I’ll see what I can make them into! These patterns are pretty much a product of this process, with “Spring Blooms” featuring all different types of flowers, and “Autumn Leaves” lots of different leaf motifs. This is my favourite way to work as it creates nice variation and adds that hand-drawn feel to the finished pattern or design.

“Spring Blooms”

“Spring Blooms” Tote Bag Mock-up

My designs always start out as pen on paper. I find it’s the easiest way for me to feel free to experiment and make mistakes as nothing has to be perfect right off the bat. I have about a million different weights of felt-tip and gel pens, and lots of different brush pens and markers that I like to experiment with while I draw. Then I’ll scan them in and clean them up a bit, and that’s where the patternmaking begins! Personally, I really like patterns that are random and fun. Not so structured or repetitive, and have a really hand-made feel to them. I think it adds so much character to the final product!

Lillie’s marker illustrations

“Golden Moon”

These designs are perfect for your fashion and interior projects, bound to bring some warmth and add a little bit of joy. I hope you love them as much as I loved creating them!

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!

Cass Deller – The Designer Project

It’s been such a joy showcasing the incredible work of our current feature artist in The Designer Project, surface designer Cass Deller and we hope you’ve adored being introduced to her gorgeous style. Cass creates stunning surface pattern designs which relies on the perfect pairing of her professional graphic design skills with her exceptional watercolour artistry. Her designs are beachy, playful and simply elegant, and we’re so thrilled that Cass has made a selection of them available in our Fabric Shop online. To coincide with this the designer herself has also written a guest blog which we’ve featured below! The blog shares Cass’s background and inspirations before taking you through her typical process when creating a collection. There’s also plenty of snaps of her beautiful studio and designs. Keep reading to find out more about Cass Deller and her work!

Cass Deller

Hey fellow fabric lovers! I’m Cass, and you may have seen my new collection released with Digital Fabrics, inspired by my love of design, colour and coastal living here on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Cass’s watercolour paintings

I have been a watercolour artist and graphic designer for over 8 years. For me, seeing my designs on fabric being used in beautiful unique ways is definitely the most rewarding aspect of being a designer. I have collaborated with hundreds of brands over the years and the excitement never wears off.

“Mango Floral”

The process of creating art for fabric is so unique to each and every artist, which is the beauty of each collection. My inspiration has always come from the ocean and that coastal, holiday vibe that we all love. I grew up in Brisbane, however our family holidays were always spent in Noosa. For three weeks of the year we would leave our “real” world behind and soak up the sunshine, sea breeze and sandy beaches. I didn’t realise at the time how much those days would influence me in the future, but they are infused into everything I do now.

Cass painting

When my husband and I both started working for ourselves in 2013, it was a no-brainer to move up the Sunshine Coast where we could build a self-paced life of freedom, and daily beach walks. It’s so easy to be inspired when we are surrounded by this beautiful lifestyle every single day.

“Mediterranean Palette” baby romper mock-up

With each collection, they always start with a feeling or a vibe. The feeling of summer, or of motherhood, or of the simple things in life. I then take these feelings and thoughts and relate them to a subject matter or theme that I’m inspired by at the time. This could be anything from palm trees to lines in the sand.

“Beach Sesh”

I will usually collate a moodboard to gather my thoughts and ideas. The moodboard can consist of Pinterest imagery, photographs and real life elements. I love that each collection can feel so different. From the mooboard I start to sketch. This sketching stage is usually just elements and ideas which I then form thumbnails around how the pattern could be formed. This really helps me when it comes to the process of creating the pattern on-screen.

Cass’s watercolour paintings

Once I have a general idea and direction for the patterns I will start to illustrate and paint the elements – my favourite part. Once I’m happy with the elements, I scan them into the computer where I edit them, experiment with colour palettes, and turn them into repeat patterns.

“Miami Palms” baby blanket mock-up

Being able to intertwine the traditional art of painting and the more modern techniques of design is such an art form within itself, and I love that I can integrate both into my work. I also love that I can teach my process to other creatives through my online courses and coaching offers. Seeing other designers dive into the world of textile and surface design is such a joy for me.

You can find more of my work at www.cassdeller.com.au or on Instagram @cassdellerdesign.

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!

Shelley Lee Steere – The Designer Project

We’ve absolutely adored sharing Shelley Lee Steere’s designs with you all and hope you’re all enjoying this instalment of The Designer Project! Shelley is a primary school teacher turned surface pattern extraordinaire who provides gorgeous designs through her studio label Motif Manor. The designer’s “Australian Flora” collection has been made available in our Fabric Shop and features a stunning range of designs inspired by native flowers. The designs each stand on their own or also work beautifully when used together. What’s more is we’ve been so very fortunate to have the artist herself put together a guest blog which is shared below! Keep reading to find out more about Shelley’s work, inspirations and typical creative process!

Shelley Lee Steere

Hello!

Hi, my name is Shelley and I am owner and designer behind Motif Manor, where I share my passion for colour and pattern. I love creating patterns and designs to adorn textiles and products that bring added joy to a person’s day. I am so excited to be working with the fabulous humans at Digital Fabrics through The Designer Project, and to share my “Australian Flora” design collection with you.

Some of Shelley’s current sources of inspiration

Marker illustration

About Me

I have a deep love of learning and surface design. In fact, creating patterns was something I even did as a child where I developed an eye for detail. My professional life began as a primary school teacher before focusing on my family, made up of an amazing husband and three fabulous children – including twins! Imagine my delight, years later when I discovered I could design patterns for a job!

The “Banksia” design coming together

“Banksia”

My Work 

My work has been described as detailed and intricate.  I am inspired by nature, cultures from around the world and the Arts and Crafts Movement.

My current focus for design (or should I say obsession) is the amazing native flora we have right here in Australia. My process starts with collecting inspiration from books and my own photos. All of my work begins as hand drawn motifs using just the humble pen and paper. I like to capture the shapes and details in my line work before sitting down at my computer.

The wonders of digital technology allow me to take these black and white drawings and transform them into colourful, layered patterns and placement prints. The joy I feel at seeing a pattern come together lights me up.

Marker illustration

“Golden Wattle”

Why Surface Pattern Design?

There is something special about designing that fulfils my need to be creative. I love the challenge of making perfectly seamless tiles and the possibilities of what they can used for. I believe that everyone deserves to have nice things and that beautiful surface design can bring us back to the present moment.

Thanks so much for taking the time to learn a bit more about me and my work. I can’t wait to see what you clever people create with my designs!

Head to Motif Manor and Instagram to check out more of Shelley’s amazing work.

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!

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