How to use this Page

Sanna Annukka is a British designer with a heavy Finnish influence in her work. Having spent a lot of time with family in Finland growing up, she even calls it her spiritual home. It’s very fitting, then, that she has done quite a bit of work for Marimekko (surface design royalty). There is something so very charming and playful in each of her prints, that are unapologetically graphic and colorful. Her passion for pattern and decoration infuses her work with an energy that jumps out at those who take in her work. Sanna’s illustrations have appeared on tea towels, pillow cases, calendars, plates and tins.

Be sure to connect with Sanna on Twitter and Instagram.

Post written by Bryna Shields. Have questions about the world of surface design? Send me a tweet!

Eloise Renouf’s Etsy shop features lovely prints of graphic leaves, trees and creatures. Her work quickly demonstrates her passion for nature. Her elegant use of texture and color make work that is instantly recognizable as her own voice. One of the unique strengths in Renouf’s pieces is her ability to create pattern-centric compositions that stand alone successfully as prints.

Not only does she sell work through her Etsy shop, but she has collaborated with companies like Cloud9 Fabrics, Land of Nod, Uppercase Magazine and Target. Some people have even gone so far as to use her work for tattoos!

You can connect with Eloise via Etsy, Facebook and Instagram.

Post written by Bryna Shields.

Have questions about the world of surface design? Let me know via Twitter! I’d like to turn your questions into helpful blog posts for everyone.

Aitch is a Romanian illustrator whose work often features botanicals and animals. She finds inspiration in travels, folklore and childhood memories. Her intricate patterns are mesmerizing and keep the viewer exploring. Her work has appeared as wallpaper, playing cards, packaging, ceramics and window decorations, adding her own playful and sophisticated voice to items we often overlook.

One of the other things that sets her work apart is that she uses patterns in unusual contexts, as evidenced in her figurative/portrait pieces, where patterns appear on the skin of her characters.

You can connect with Aitch via Behance or Facebook!

Written by Bryna Shields.

Livy Long is an illustrator at Hallmark Cards. Her work fuses handmade elements with a refined & clean design approach. The subject matters of her work ranges from animals and characters to hand lettered quotes and botanical details. Her use of limited, but bright color palettes add to her unique style.








Connect with Livy on Instagram or Tumblr.

Post written by Bryna Shields.

Enemies Yay is the collaborative work of Laura Blythman and Pete Cromer – both of whom also create incredible colorful work of their own.  Utilizing paper cuts adorned with neon color palettes and patterns, this collaborative collection packs a real punch. With equal parts playfulness and detail, it’s hard not to spend hours looking at each piece, there always seems to be more to discover in their work, which often features quirky characters and lush florals. Their work is a testament to the magic that can happen when you collaborate, and it’s exciting to see what will become of the duo next! Be sure to check out their instagram where they share news and sales of their prints!

Post written by Bryna Shields.

Herbert Green is an alias for the work of illustrator/designer/maker Rachael Cocker. Her colorful patterns often feature fruits and florals, and are created using handmade methods, including paper cutting and collage. According to an interview with Grafik, Cocker is inspired by the “wonderful in the ordinary”. A varied interest in creative pursuits such as knitting, printed fabric, drawing, collage and ceramics keeps Cocker’s creations fresh and exciting. It is clear she really enjoys the process of discovery as she applies her ideas to all these media.

You can connect with Rachael on her tumblr page, or via twitter.

Written by Bryna Shields.

A generalization is a claim of the form: (1) All A’s are B’s. A generalization about generalizations is thus a claim of the form: (2) All generalizations are B. Some generalizations about generalizations are true. For example: (3) All generalizations are generalizations. And some generalizations about generalizations are false. For example: (4) All generalizations are false. In order to see that (4) is false, we could just note that (3) is a counterexample to (4).

The post The paradox of generalizations about generalizations appeared first on OUPblog.

Sarah Andreacchio is an illustrator living in France. Her playful patterns are packed with florals and happy critters in cheerful colorways. In all of her pieces there is an energy and rhythm that keeps a captive audience while eliciting a happy mood. Her work has appeared on journals, cards, silk scarves and even dimensional object such as rings, little sculptures and pendants.

Be sure to follow along with Sarah’s creative adventures on her blog, or add some of her cheery prints to your art collection by visiting her shop.

Written by Bryna Shields.

by Michael Arndt (Chronicle Books, 2014)

This book won me over when I saw it last year, and it’s one that is fun to peek into again and again. And how is that the case with something so simple, but so sophisticated? So spare, but so complex? That’s the best truth of design.

Here’s what’s happening. Each spread shows an animal and its sound. And each animal is mostly made up of the letters of that sound.

It’s a fun puzzle to unlock. The portraits are bold and saturated in color, often different than we’d see them in the wild.

But here they are, wild anyway.

I do love an animal book that goes beyond the usual suspects, don’t you? A mosquito! Not my favorite friend by any means, but he looks good and menacing here.

This small volume is a perfect primer on both typography and onomatopoeia.

And it’s got killer endpapers.

A portion of  proceeds from Cat Says Meow goes to support animal rescue organizations, including the ones from where Michael’s dog (Clooney!) and cat (Aiden!) were rescued.

And for more type fun, play this kerning game and see how your eye stacks up to a designer’s. Or this one on letter forms, which is a bezier curve bonanza.

Would you like a signed copy? And these one of a kind bookmarks and vinyl stickers! You do, yes. Leave a comment here or share this post on Twitter before midnight on March 8st, PST. Good luck!

All images are © 2014 Michael Arndt. Thanks to the artist for sharing them (and an awesome giveaway!) here. And be sure to check out his Instagram if you love all things type, animal, and lovely. It’s a great one!

Rhianna Ellington’s patterns adorn products ranging from pouches, to scarves, to clothing and phone cases. Her use of color adds a playfulness and sense of whimsy to each piece she creates. Often featuring botanicals, her work evokes an eternal summery feeling that makes me want to throw on one of her scarves in the midst of this wintery cold weather.

Be sure to take a look at her instagram for more pattern playfulness, and her website here.

Post written by Bryna Shields.

Nate Williams’ website is abundant with whimsical illustrations full of playful characters, beautiful patterns, textures and unique color palettes. His work has appeared on a variety products ranging from coffee packaging, pillow cases, tote bags and children’s books. Despite the wide range of products and applications, Williams’ work always remains fresh and instantly recognizable. His strong sense of playfulness distinguishes Williams as an inimitable, one-of-a-kind artist.

Be sure to take a look at his work here, and follow along on his instagram here.

Written by Bryna Shields.

Laura Slater is a pattern and textile designer based in West Yorkshire, where she runs her own studio. Her work is largely inspired by Danish design and is a superb combination of shape and texture which unite to create intriguing abstract interpretations of nature. Laura hand prints each piece in her collection onto lampshades, pillow covers, dish towels, aprons and paper products. Laura’s work is a true testament to the idea that simple shapes, textures and a limited color palette can make some truly impactful imagery.

You can check out Laura’s work on her website, or follow along with her process and inspiration on twitter. She recently posted this video about her process; it’s a really interesting peek into her world and inspiration!

Written by Bryna Shields.