Introduction to Surface Pattern

Unleash Your Creativity with Surface Pattern Design! 
Discover the art of making every day surfaces extraordinary in our 8-week Introduction to Surface Pattern course. From expressive mark-making and playful prints using block, stencil, and digital designs, you’ll explore a variety of techniques to create unique, eye-catching patterns. 

Learn how to turn your designs into decorative wrapping paper, cushions, canvas bags, and more, culminating in a professional digital file ready to bring your creations to life. Perfect for aspiring designers, craft enthusiasts, or anyone looking to unleash their artistic flair, this course combines hands-on experimentation with digital skills to help you transform ideas into stunning, tangible products.

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Week 1: Mark Making – Exploring Movement 

Introduction to mark-making as a fundamental tool in surface pattern design whilst experimenting with different drawing tools and techniques, you will create a range of designs on paper that could be used as decorative wrapping paper

Week 2: Motifs – Exploring Vegetable Prints 

Introduction to using motifs and creating repeatable patterns exploring texture, shape and colour using natural materials. 

Week 3: Stencil, Block & Press Printing 

Introduction to different printing techniques including stencil printing, foliage press prints, rubber and foam block prints to create interesting, printed designs onto tote bag 

Week 4: Combining Print Techniques & Design Development 

Learn how to Integrate mark-making, motifs, and printing techniques to create unique designs. 

Week 5: Introduction to traditional methods of creating repeating patterns – 

Explore rhythm, alignment, and visual balance to create interesting, repeated patterns and understand principles of repeat patterns: block, mirrored, half-drop. 

Week 6: Bringing Your Design into Digital 

Translate your hand-made designs into digital formats. 

Introduction to software tools (Photoshop/Illustrator). Import sketches, motifs, and prints digitally. Learn basic editing: cropping, scaling, layering, colour adjustment. 

Week 7: Digital Repeat Patterns & Design Development 

You will learn how to develop a seamless digital repeat patterns through combining motifs, marks, and prints digitally to create unique designs. 

Week 8: Final Design & Product Application 

You will develop digital patterns for real-world application. 

Produce print-ready digital repeat patterns onto a product sample (cushions,

If you meet the entry requirements for this course, please use the Register my Interest or Enrol button or contact Part-time Admissions at 01743 653333 to organise enrolment. If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring Part-time Admissions on 01743 653333, use our live chat facility, or email parttimecourses@scg.ac.uk