My First Patterns Weren’t Perfect—But They Started Everything
When I first joined a pattern design class on Skillshare back in 2020, I honestly thought it would be simple. “Just draw something and repeat it,” I told myself. But the moment I sat down to make my very first surface pattern, I realized: this was going to be a lot harder than I imagined.
Patterns require rhythm, balance, and harmony—and those are things you can’t fake when you’re just starting out. My first designs were clumsy, mismatched, and took forever to finish. Looking back, they make me smile, because they show exactly where my journey began.
Tulips on Red
This was my very first attempt at a repeating pattern. I drew simple tulip shapes in Procreate and arranged them on a bold red background.
It looked stiff and unbalanced—the repeat was obvious, the flowers all looked the same, and the color combination was way too harsh. But even if it was “bad,” it was also proof that I had taken the first step. And that step mattered more than the outcome.
Vintage-Inspired Florals
By 2021, I had practiced more and started to experiment with scale and variety. This design, with pink and white florals on a brown background, felt softer and more cohesive than the first one.
The composition had more flow, and the palette was easier on the eyes. Still, some of the flowers looked like they were floating, and the repeat wasn’t seamless. But compared to the tulips, it was a clear improvement—and it made me realize I was beginning to find my own style.
A Mockup on Redbubble
The third design marked another kind of milestone: putting my work on a real product mockup through Redbubble.
It was exciting to see my floral pattern displayed on a pouch, but here’s the truth—I didn’t even want to buy it myself. The composition was overcrowded, the colors were clashing, and the overall look didn’t feel like something I’d proudly use.
That sounds moment taught me something important: a design isn’t “finished” just because it can be printed on a product. Quality and intention matter more than simply uploading files and hoping they’ll sell.
Lessons Learn
Looking back at these first three patterns, I see more than just design mistakes—I see growth.
Quantity isn’t everything. Rushing to make more designs doesn’t mean better results.
It’s okay to start ugly. No one creates a perfect pattern the first time.
Tools matter. Learning Procreate helped me begin, but understanding composition, color, and later practice pushed me forward.
Most importantly, I learned that progress is slow and often messy, but every attempt gets you closer to something better.
✨ My first patterns may have been awkward, and some were things I wouldn’t even want to own—but they were mine. And they were the first steps on a path I’m still walking today.
