Design an idiom-inspired repeat pattern, made up of icons.

Your Project

Design an idiom-inspired repeat pattern, made up of icons.

Introduction

This project is a super fun way to learn the basics of pattern making, unlocking a core design skill. I've made the first few steps easy (hint: just jot down your idiom!) so you can get started in your project workspace right away.

Be sure to scroll to end of this page for more links and resources, too.

You're here because you signed up! I encourage everyone to do the project + share your progress over time.

Can't wait to see your work!

— Kimi

What to Share in Your Project Workspace

1. Your Idiom

Kick off your project workspace by sharing your idiom. Check out my favorite idioms list for inspiration!

Ex: Kill two birds with one stone

2. Your Moodboard

Grab a few images that inspire you. It could be color, shape, texture, or the actual objects in your idiom. What feel are you going for? You could do this on Pinterest, in Illustrator, or even just by taking a picture with your iPhone. Share your board in your project workspace.

2a4f7649

3. Your 2-3 Icons

Icons will form the building blocks of your pattern. Choose ones that make sense with your idiom, and then you can design them in a way to fit the feel of your moodboard. Feel free to use a few icons from the Noun Project, or make your own!

79a8b780

4. Your Pattern Progress

Share your designs, progress as you start to add color, think about arrangement, and really work with your design. I'd encourage you to share your pattern block on its own (the core square) so we can all see the edges!

bff2f56e

5. Your Final Repeating Pattern

Show off your pattern in a repeating grid so we can all check out the flow and feel. Pat yourself on the back — you designed a repeat pattern!

9a6c32b4

Bonus!

See it in real life! Mock-up your pattern on a piece of clothing or other accessory. Or, if you really want to take it to the next level, print it through Print All Over Me or Spoonflower and upload a photo of the real thing.

e54cf0f0

Resources

Helpful Links

Kimi's Top 30 Favorite Idioms (click to download)
The Noun Project (a directory of over 150,000 icons to get you started)
The Noun Project Mac App (easily drag and drop icons into Illustrator)
Print All Over Me (a great resource to bring your pattern to life)
Spoonflower (another great resource for printing fabric, wallpaper and gift wrap)
Illustrator Template (click to download)

Other Skillshare Classes You Might Enjoy

Icon Design: Creating Pictograms with Purpose with Edward Boatman
Illustrate Your Day: An Intro to Symbol Design with Edward Boatman
Pattern Design I: Creating Inspiring Repeats with Elizabeth Olwen
Editorial Illustration: Draw Idioms the "Designy" Way with Mikey Burton

55253e9d

Shirley Allen

Graphic designer

13

70