Overview

This is not an ordinary surface pattern design class. I, Di Ujdi, turned my workspace into a filming studio so I could document the entire process of designing a full pattern collection from start to finish. In the age of perfection and seemingly quick results, I’m inviting you behind the scenes, where together, we can embrace our flaws and become more mindful of the creation process. In this class: - You’ll see me working on the pattern collection idea, story, and sketches - I’ll walk you through my process of planning and structuring a pattern collection. - I’ll be brave to share my internal doubts, struggles and abandoned project ideas. - I’ll show you how I’m figuring things out as I go until the collection is completed. - You’ll see the entire creation process of 8 different pattern designs from start to finish. I hope by sharing my experience, I can help you become more mindful when navigating this project on your own. To keep it factual, when the lessons start in the upper right corner, you’ll see the information about real-time it took me to complete that milestone. At the end of each lesson, I’ll provide takeaways and recommendations on what you can work on. And finally, the narration you’ll hear is based on the creative process diary I kept each day of the filming. This class is best suited for intermediate levels or beginners who already know how to create pattern repeats. Instructor bio: Di Ujdi (Nina) is an illustrator and surface pattern designer best known for her bold floral motifs and playful, stylized illustrations. Inspired by nature and color, her work celebrates the beauty of the world in a bright, joyful way. As a Skillshare Top Teacher, Nina is passionate about sharing her creative process and helping others discover their own artistic voice. Through teaching, she hopes to inspire and support learners on their creative journey while continuing to learn and grow herself.

Syllabus

Course Introduction & Project Setup

Start your creative journey by exploring the structure, goals, and expectations of the course. This module helps you define a personal project that will guide your learning and provides tips on how to get the most from the course videos. You’ll set the stage for your pattern collection by identifying your creative goals and understanding key project milestones.

Laying the Creative Foundation

Dive into the exploratory phase of your design process. Through guided sketchbook sessions and style experiments, you’ll begin to uncover your visual preferences and build a daily creative routine. This module encourages self-reflection and play as you develop a foundation of ideas and imagery for your pattern collection.

Building & Preparing Pattern Elements

Transform your sketches and creative ideas into usable design assets. In this module, you’ll learn how to clean, organize, and prepare visual elements in Photoshop—whether hand-drawn or digital. You’ll also create original components that will serve as the building blocks of your final pattern.

Final Pattern Creation & Reflection

Bring your collection to life. This final module guides you through constructing a seamless repeat pattern and exporting a professional-quality tile for print or digital use. You’ll reflect on your creative growth and process, identifying both achievements and future directions as you complete your final project.