My Journey Creating My First Floral Pattern: Lessons Learned and Surprising Discoveries

Embarking on the journey of creating my first floral pattern was both exciting and filled with unexpected lessons. What started as a simple project quickly evolved into an enlightening experience that taught me more than I could have anticipated.

Painting the Elements

I began by painting four flowers, choosing two vibrant colors: orange and purple. Along with the flowers, I painted matching leaves to complete the design. However, not all elements turned out as expected, and I ended up with fewer motifs than I originally started with. As a novice, I didn't realize that having too many motifs could be an issue until much later in the process.

The Digitization Process

As I moved from painting to digitizing the elements, I encountered several challenges. The first surprise was discovering that I had inadvertently created two distinct colorations for the leaves. This inconsistency was something I didn't notice until I started arranging the elements digitally. The realization that I had too many motifs also dawned on me during this stage, adding another layer of complexity to the project.

Photoshop Challenges and Solutions

Working with an old version of Photoshop presented its own set of difficulties. The offset feature, which is essential for creating seamless patterns, was particularly troublesome with my unusually shaped objects. Frustration with these limitations led me to upgrade to a newer version of Photoshop. This decision proved to be beneficial, making the process smoother and more efficient.

Dividing the Elements: A Creative Solution

Faced with the dual challenges of having too many elements and two distinct sets of leaves, I decided to divide the elements into separate patterns. This decision resulted in the creation of the "Purple Flowers" pattern. Despite the initial hurdles, I found joy in recoloring and arranging the elements, which led to a satisfying and visually appealing final product. The pattern may have originated from a series of adjustments and realizations, but it ultimately reflected my creativity and adaptability.

Final Thoughts

Creating my first floral pattern was a learning curve that involved overcoming unexpected obstacles and making creative decisions on the fly. The process taught me the importance of flexibility and the value of upgrading tools when necessary. Although the journey had its challenges, it also brought about a sense of accomplishment and a pattern that I am proud to call "Purple Flowers."