Tag Archives: fabric printing

Meet the Designer – Virginia Das Neves

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on our next featured designer, Virginia Das Neves. Her work is full of rich colour, thoughtful motifs, and a unique sense of storytelling that brings each pattern to life. Curious to learn more about Virginia’s creative process, inspirations, and how she turns everyday motifs into timeless textile art?

Keep reading to step inside her world.

 

Hello everyone! My name is Virginia Das Neves, from Gin Das Creative, and I am thrilled to announce that I have 9 patterns up on the Digital Fabrics website as part of their Designer Project. If you’re feeling inspired to make yourself a new wardrobe or brighten up your home interior, there’ll be plenty of beautiful fabric options to bring your project to life!

 


I’m a Textile Designer and Illustrator based on Norfolk Island, which is an island paradise located in the South Pacific. This collection of patterns features a variety of motifs inspired by my love of nature, travel and objects. My Ancient Vessels pattern below was created from a series of photographs I took at the archaeology museum in Florence, back in 2019. I used to be an Archaeologist and have always loved ancient pottery so when I saw all these beautifully shaped pots, I knew I had to make a pattern out of them. Everything was hand drawn in pencil and pen, then scanned into Adobe Illustrator where I digitise the drawings, add colour and create a repeat pattern. It’s one of my favourite designs and it always reminds me of my trip to Florence. I think a pair of linen pants with this pattern would make a bold and fun statement in your wardrobe! As a sometimes- perfectionist, I recently updated this repeat pattern and removed the original background. I find that as an artist and designer, I often go back to my work and try and improve it.

My love of textiles really started when I worked as a Costumer for theatre, opera and film back in 1997. I always loved the patterned fabrics we used to create the costumes and wondered how they were designed. In 2017 I took an online surface pattern design course and learnt how to create repeat patterns based on my drawings using Adobe Illustrator…this was a pivotal moment for me as far as extending my creative practise and finally being able to design my own fabrics.

 

My patterns start off as either pencil sketches or gouache paintings, and my favourite part of the process is drawing or painting in my sketchbook. Norfolk Island is such a beautiful place to live and I often go for a drive up to Anson Bay to draw in my sketchbook. It’s such a peaceful and inspiring spot and often hours go by without me realising! Recently I taught myself to use Procreate on my iPad and am working on a new
collection of patterns based on the marine life of Emily Bay lagoon on Norfolk Island. You can see a couple of my fish illustrations I am working on below. The original drawings were in pencil, then I redrew these in black and white in Procreate, and am now working on the coloured digital paintings for the final pattern. I still have a lot of work to do for this new collection, but I am am enjoying the process!

I hope this has given you some insight into my process and sparked ideas for your next sewing session! Maybe cushions for your loungeroom, or a party dress with some bright olive branches or animal print!

You can browse my patterns in the fabric shop and choose the perfect fabric base you need as well as how many metres you’d like to get printed. The great thing with Digital Fabrics is that the minimum is only 1 metre.


Thank you so much for reading this post and I look forward to seeing what you create! Please make sure you tag Digital Fabrics and myself so we can see your beautiful projects. If you’d like to follow along with my design stories and posts, you can find me here on Instagram.

Much love,
Gin x

 

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

Wild Forms & Ancient Echoes brings together bold colour, nostalgic motifs, and layered techniques inspired by nature, travel, and heritage. Expect rich hues like burnt orange, cobalt blue, lilac, peach, and jewel red paired with playful and meaningful motifs — from ancient vessels and olive branches to jaguar markings, doves, and whimsical animals. Each pattern blends traditional and digital techniques, creating vibrant, medium to large-scale designs perfect for fashion, interiors, and storytelling through textiles.

Meet the Designer – Janice Sheen

It’s come that time again, where we say HELLO! to our latest featured design in The Designer Project. Welcoming Janice Sheen and her textile collection ‘Boho Adventures‘. Join us as we dive into her world of creativity and innovation as we explore her unique design journey. Get ready to be inspired by Janice’s captivating designs and artistic vision. Let’s embark on a journey through the extraordinary work of this talented designer.

 

 

Hi Everyone 🙂
My name is Janice. And I love being able to bring colour & texture into folks every day lives. I believe that the things we surround ourselves with are not just a reflection of who we are or want to be, but also have an influence on our moods and outlook. I want to create patterns that affect our lives in positive ways, from bright joy and excitement to quiet calmness and peace.

I am excited to have the opportunely to join Digital Fabrics and be a part of The Designer Project, and am pleased to be able to present my first collection, Boho Adventures. For this set, I started with the colour palette, wanting to explore the beautiful soft desaturated tones that the bohemian style is known for, then played with a wide range of patterns types. I loved discovering how the mutual colour palette drew such different patterns together into a relatively cohesive collection.

 

 

I first dabbled in patterns for fabric around 2010/11 before becoming distracted by my ‘day job’ as a senior tour guide. For the last 4 years I have been (& continue to be) a fantasy cartographer, drawing maps for role playing gamers. Late last year, needing an additional creative outlet, I dove back into patterns and have been loving the rediscovery.

As well as surface design & fantasy cartography, I also crochet and occasionally play with photography and abstract art. Ceramics and Photography are the only things I have formal training in. Ceramics in year 11 & 12 and photography as a ‘class on the side’ for 2 years while studying Outdoor Education at Latrobe Uni, Bendigo about 25 years ago. Otherwise I am ‘self-taught’ through books, video tutorials and play.

 

 

Colour & texture are the core hubs of interest that all my work spins around …. I tend to lean towards the textural, abstract and geometric, with a preference for the imperfection of hand drawn lines – I love how those imperfections give a pattern a gentler more organic feel.
Currently, I am a ‘digital nomad’, living and working all over the place in Tasmania in my little Hiace camper-van. In-between traveling, I stay with my Mother when she needs me and house sit when I can. Being able to spend time in different environments is incredibly inspiring.

 

 

(And that is Eddie, my stuffed Echidna keeping an eye on things)

As a result of the lack of space in my ‘studio’, I mostly work with digital tools (Procreate, Photoshop & photographs). For example, The Rock Garden Block Print pattern is not a traditional block print. For this one, I started out with a bunch of sketch ideas in Procreate, trying for something that felt like abstract rocks made from potato-cut sort of shapes. Mostly, my ‘sketches’ (top left in the image below) stay very rough, incomplete & unformed. From there I dove straight into making a set of Procreate ‘stamp-brushes’ which I then digitally ‘stamped’ all around to make the pattern; infilling with a few dots in-between. I also added splatters and a bit of watercolour texture to the flat-colour shapes, to give them more life.

 

Occasionally I include ink-on-paper elements. The Beach Diamonds pattern started out life as a series of little doodles drawn about 8 years ago. I scanned had them into the computer at the time and filed them without doing anything with them. More recently, I dug the scan out of my archives and selected a few that made me think of beach shells and rock strata the most. Using Photoshop, I enlarged them a LOT, cleaned them up, arranged them and coloured them, adding a splatter texture over the top to break up the flat colours.

 

 

So there we go…. I hope this little snippet of time has given you some inspiration for your own projects and creativity.

Don’t forget to tag me on instagram ( @janice_sheen ) if you post a a photo of something made with any of my designs… I am looking forward to admiring what you create 🙂

 

About the Collection

Boho Adventures started as a limited set of 15 warm and cool colours inspired by the Bohemian style trend.

Apart from that, I did not have any grand plan apart from wanting it to feel hand drawn and textural. I tend to let creative projects flow and ‘grow themselves’. If I try to plan too much, the result can sometimes feel stagnate and over-worked. I played with & explored a variety of different ideas, including elements inspired by more traditional designs and motifs, as well as the more abstract wilder ones, and then tied them all together with the chosen colour set.

The result is a varied set of patterns that are vaguely rustic and inspired by rocks, water and textures found in nature… But also modern & fresh, and best of all, with a few unexpectedly large scale, bold patterns that I truly looking forward to seeing used.

Meet the Designer – Clare Martin

Introducing the visionary behind our current featured fabric prints – Clare Martin! In this blog post, we will explore some behind the scenes of her start in surface pattern design as well as what inspires her work. You’ll also get an inside look at her unique creative process and discover how she transforms ideas into stunning projects. Keep on reading to find out more!

Clare Martin

Hi everyone, I’m Clare, a surface pattern designer and illustrator living by the sea in Fremantle.

Workspace

Almost all my childhood memories involve either drawing or doing some crafty activity, so when I left school there was no question that I’d get a job doing something that involved art. After school I
studied fashion design and later went to uni to get a Degree in Graphic Design, working for many years as a graphic designer. About 5 years ago I discovered the beautiful, creative world of surface
pattern design and am so happy I did! I get inspired by interesting plants and animals, with their gorgeous colours, textures and patterns, everyday things, and vintage objects I remember from growing up in the seventies. My aim is to create joyful, colourful designs full of whimsy, texture and details that will make you smile; art that you’ll want to surround yourself with everyday!

Australian Wildflowers Layout

When I start a project, I’ll either search my photo library for images of what I want to draw or I’ll look for photos to reference on Pinterest. All my designs are drawn by hand, some start off as drawings in my sketchbook, or on watercolour paper, either with black markers or my trusty nib pen and ink. I love the quality of linework you get with a nib pen, ink sploodges and all. Depending on the type of artwork I want to create and how I’m feeling, sometimes I’ll paint on watercolour paper with watercolours or inks instead, and work over it with the nib pen or add some coloured pencil. Everything gets scanned and then digitised in either Illustrator of Photoshop, or a combination of both, depending on the materials I’ve used, the effect I want to achieve and whether it’s going to be a repeat pattern or an illustration.


Colour is a huge part of the design process for me, I love it, it makes me eyeballs sing, so I spend a lot of time getting just the right colour combination for each design. I love putting my designs into collections, using pattern, scale and colour to match it all together to create something interesting and harmonious.

Australian Wildflowers WIP

I’m really excited to be joining the other fab designers here who have a collection of prints available with Digital Fabrics. You can follow along with me on instagram @claremartindesign, and please feel
free to tag me so I can see what you make, I’d love to see your amazing creations!

My website link is: https://www.claremartindesign.com.au/
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/claremartindesign/

Meet the Designer – Lynn Priestley

Meet Lynn Priestly, the creative force behind the enchanting designs of the ‘Wild and Winged’ collection. Her unique approach blends imagination with artistry. In this blog post, we’ll explore her whimsical design process. Discover how Lynn transforms ideas into captivating creations. Join us as we unveil the magic that makes her work truly special.

Lynn Priestley

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, I find my muse in the whimsical and beautiful. Crafting designs that breathe life into imagination is not just a passion but a delightful journey I embark on every day. It all starts with a spark of inspiration. Whether it’s a vibrant sunset, a playful childhood memory, or the intricate patterns of nature, I draw inspiration from the world around me. I keep my senses open, ready to capture that fleeting moment that can ignite a whimsical masterpiece.

Workspace

Colour is the language of emotions, and in my design process, it’s where the magic truly begins. I carefully select a palette that resonates with the theme and emotions I want to convey. Vibrant hues and so[ pastels often find their way into my creations, creating a visual symphony that dances before your eyes.

Moodboard

With inspiration and colours in my arsenal, I start sketching. Pencil and paper become my best friends as I translate the images in my mind, usually hand sketched on paper to begin with and then digitally as the work progresses. These initial sketches are like the blueprint of a dream, a whimsical outline of what’s to come.

Sketches

In today’s digital age, once my sketches make their way into the digital realm, I add intricate details, experiment with different textures, and weave the whimsy into my designs. Digital tools offer boundless possibilities, allowing me to refine and enhance my creations.

Workspace

Design, for me, is a playful journey. I iterate, experiment, and sometimes, start over. Each iteration brings me closer to capturing the essence of whimsy and beauty I am after. It’s like a puzzle coming together, piece by piece, until the final picture emerges.

Final Design

When I finally step back and look at the finished design, it’s a moment of pure joy. The whimsical beauty I envisioned has taken form, and I can’t help but smile. It’s a testament to the magic of creativity, where ideas become tangible works of art. The beauty of whimsical design is in sharing it with the world. I believe that art should evoke emotions, tell stories, and bring joy. That’s why I’m eager to share my creations with you, hoping that they might add a touch of magic and wonder to your world.

Bandicoots by Night Mockup

And there you have it – a glimpse into my whimsical design process. It’s a journey where inspiration meets imagination, where colours and sketches blend into something beautiful and magical. So, next time you see one of my designs, know that it’s crafted with love and a sprinkle of whimsy, just for you.

The ‘Wild and Winged‘ fabric collection showcases a delightful exploration of colours, textures, and aesthetics. With a deep love for joyful and beautiful design, Lynn strives to infuse every piece she crafts with a sense of wonder and delight.

Meet the Designer – Emily Foresto

Next up as our featured artist in The Designer Project is the super-talented Emily Foresto from Emily Kiara Designs – with her incredible Watercolour 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! 

Emily Foresto

Hi, I’m Emily, the artist and surface pattern designer behind Emily Kiara Designs! I am currently based on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches, a place that has inspired much of my artistic style. Ever since I can remember, I have been a creative soul, and from the moment I could pick up a paint brush and hold a pencil I have been drawing and painting! I love creating beautiful patterns that uplift and inspire and I am so excited to be sharing these designs with you!

Studio Work

The very first step in my design process is to explore and find lots of beautiful inspiration. For me, this can come from the simplest of things. Whether it be nature’s colour palette, an interesting plant or flower, or a pattern in the clouds, inspiration truly is everywhere and it’s waiting to be discovered. I take photos of everything because you never know when or how inspiration will strike!

Mable Painting

Dusky Painting

Once I have lots of beautiful ideas and I’m feeling really inspired, I put pencil to paper and start to sketch out the designs. Whether it be a watercolour or pen design, I’ll set up my workspace with my chosen materials, put on some music, make myself a tea and enjoy the art- making process.

Studio Work

I scan my artworks using my Epson Perfection V600 scanner and take them into Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator where I transform them into repeating patterns. I play around with the colours and layout until I reach a cohesive design that I love and that flows beautifully.

Finally, I create a couple of mock-ups to really visualise my designs on products. This is the exciting part as it’s where I really see my designs come to life!

Aspen Painting

I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!! Make sure to tag me at @emilykiaradesigns.

All the best and happy creating,

Emily

 

The Watercolour collection features a range of different themes; from feminine florals to abstract shapes and detailed themed illustrations, Emily’s patterns are playful, bright and colourful, yet refined.

Meet the Designer – Bec Hayward

Introducing the visionary behind our current featured fabric prints – Bec Hayward! In this blog post, we will explore some behind the scenes of the collection. You’ll also get an inside look at her unique creative process and discover how she transforms ideas into stunning projects. Join us as we meet the designer and celebrate her artistic journey.

Bec Hayward

Hello, fellow creators and design enthusiasts! I’m Bec – a wife, a proud mom of two, a surface designer, a dedicated gardener, and a lover of all things creative.

I am so thrilled to be part of Digital Fabrics’ Designer Project series and excited to share that a curated collection of my designs will soon be available in the shop for your own exciting projects. How amazing is that!


I would love to offer you a glimpse into my studio world, where I will share a bit about my design process. It all begins with curating ideas from various sources and creating mood boards that have a variety of inspiration and a clear vibe. As for the medium, whether it’s paint, digital magic (thanks to Procreate), the elegance of watercolor, the boldness of ink, or the simplicity of pen and paper – I’m always up for an artistic adventure.

My inspiration often flows from reference books (I just can’t stop adding to my collection), the ever-inspiring Pinterest, and the Australian women’s fashion scene. We have SO many amazing local brands.
I take pride in crafting each element of my designs by hand – it’s a process where the creative journey often leads me to unexpected and exciting destinations. This is precisely what I love about surface design – the infinite possibilities to digitally transform and change a design into something completely new.


Once my handcrafted elements are ready, I scan them into Photoshop to clean up, colour (if not already painted), edit, and transform them into repeat designs. Playing with layouts and colorways is a dance I adore, with possibilities that are infinite. Iʼm so glad I stumbled upon this art form ten years ago, and I can’t help but marvel at how far the journey has taken me and how much my style has changed. Here’s to the next ten years of creativity and exploration!

If you’d like to follow my journey, you can find me here: @posyprint
Much love,
xx

This wonderful collection of prints is influenced by bohemian, vintage and ethnic designs. Bec loves to embrace that hand crafted feel through drawing and painting her designs, celebrating the beauty in imperfection.

 

Meet the Designer – Tara Royle

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 the Designer – Anthea Beazley

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.

Meet the Designer – Anzela Simcock

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! 

Meet the Designer – Cassandra Ferguson

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)