Pattern Surface Design: Y2K Happy Vibes Pop Print

Revisiting the early 2000s for my pattern design, Y2K Happy Vibes, was a thrilling exploration into a glittery bubblegum past. I was immediately reminded of babydoll t-shirts with big graphics, lots of pink lipgloss and the dawn of emojis. 

Prompted by the Spoonflower challenge to create a Y2K pop fashion pattern design for fabric, I came up with a series of decals that reminded me of the era. Starting with an expanding heart decal, it set the tone for the rest: a butterfly, a dragonfly and a daisy with an emoji-like happy face at the center. The symmetry and consistency of each decal was important in creating a cohesive design with the different decals. To finish off the design, I added abstract decals between the recognizable ones and then worked on narrowing down my color palette.

One of my favorite aspects of designing patterns is finding the perfect color combinations. In choosing the color palette, I combined contrasting colors of luscious pink and coral with icy blue and petal pink to capture some of the magic of the era. I tried out a few other palettes using mint green and lavender, but settled on this one as my favorite combination. 

When the fabric swatch of my Y2K Happy Vibes design arrived in the mail, I immediately felt happy looking at it and was glad the colors turned out exactly as I expected. The design repeats every nine inches making it a versatile size for fabrics whether for home decor or fashion. I see this as a print on a summer dress for Coachella or in a teen’s room on bedding, throw pillows or a wall hanging. Find this and my other originally illustrated pattern designs on my Spoonflower shop.

Pattern Surface Design: Retro Owl Floral for Pillows and Fabric

Since this is my first blog post, I wanted to write about my most recent illustration for fabric, my Retro Owl Floral. I would never have come up with this imagery if it wasn’t for the weekly Spoonflower challenge with its prompt to create a pillow design using imagery found on a throw pillow in a 1970s home. My first thoughts were ugly, drab, brown and green graphics, but when looking for ideas by reviewing photos I took at a vintage store, I found some marvelous graphic shapes with minimalist lines, and the dated colors I’ve seen in brighter updated hues in recent decor trends.

In creating my seventies throw pillow design, it reminded me of strolling through vintage shops and outdoor flea markets and the feeling of finding that perfect nostalgic item to add to an interesting room. At first, I worked with an abstract geometric design, but found myself deep diving into a clean symmetrical owl illustration. I had also experimented with symmetrical daisies which I ended up adding to the owl illustration to complete the composition. The design relied on the consistent use of basic shapes and clean outlines that were big elements in much of the trendy seventies fabrics. 

In choosing a color palette, I referred to a recent article I read on trending paints for home decor that showcased an updated seventies theme. The rusty browns were more orange and cheery and the greens had more cucumber than guacamole. Using my Pantone swatch book, I found the perfect swatches to create a retro mood with a fresh new outlook.

Overall, the quirky owl and daisies helped create an aspect of fun while working with aspects of nature which I always love. At eighteen inches, the big and bold tile design makes it ideal for throw pillows or fabrics for rooms or even fashion that want a sense of nostalgia and fun. It’s been pretty well received too with many Spoonflower members adding it as a favorite to their design libraries. Find this design and more on my Spoonflower shop.