Dot Matrix Pattern Design
Introducing Dot Matrix
A deceptively simple design that appears to change into three dimensions as you look at it. For Dot Matrix I have chosen colour schemes that are either strong and vibrant or subtle and sophisticated.
Design Inspiration
During lockdown I created a series of roller printed designs, experimenting with simple grid patterns of circles. I found changing some of the circles created a rhythm, without an obvious pattern repeat.
Christo’s Mastaba sculpture on the Serpentine in 2018 is an extreme version of what I was thinking of.
Pattern Development
My first design was a simple 4×4 grid of circles with drop shadows. I found by combining the two spaced apart circles there was an odd ellipse shape left between them. Colouring this shape on 4 out of the 16 shapes created the pattern.
Pattern Repeat
I aim to have a pattern repeat that isn’t obvious. I chose one of the four dots on each row to be the one to colour. The only challenge was to experiment with where each of these appear in the pattern.
Colouring the Design
I chose to keep the two outside arcs remaining in simple white. So the only two elements to colour were the four target elements plus the background.
Final Colouring
Interestingly there were two distinctly successful colour pairings. Either very close colour, or totally opposite.
Naming The Pattern
Previous ideas include: Digital, Data, Matrix, Modem, Telex and Tick a Tape, but each had the wrong connotations, so Dot Matrix seemed the most appropriate. What do you think?
Buying My Designs
Products featuring my pattern designs are available to buy from my shops hosted by Spoonflower and Contrado. As well as fabrics by the metre, they can produce my designs in a range of home decor items including; tablecloths, bedding, cushions, wallpaper, cushions and wrapping paper / gift wrap.
