Artist Pattern Repeat Instructions
For Vector Designs:
- Design Creation: Vector designs can be created at any size because they can be scaled up or down without losing quality. Start by creating your design in a vector graphics editor, such as Adobe Illustrator.
- Pattern Repeat Size: Although vector designs are scalable, it's essential to plan the repeat size based on the final application. Consider creating your design in a square format to simplify the repeat process.
- Scalability: Design with scalability in mind, knowing that the pattern can be adjusted to various sizes depending on the wallpaper scale.
For Hand-Drawn or Painted Designs:
- Initial Artwork Size: Create your initial artwork larger than the intended final print size to ensure quality when scanned. A good rule of thumb is to create designs at 38" square, as this provides a high-quality base for scanning and can be scaled up or down for the final print.
- Keeping a Square Ratio: Maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio for your designs. This ratio simplifies the creation of repeat patterns and ensures consistency across different wallpaper rolls.
- Sizing Increments: Design your artwork in increments of 19" (e.g., 19"x19", 38"x38", 57"x57", 76"x76") to allow for flexible scaling options while maintaining quality. The reason we go by 19" increments is because our wallpaper panels are 19" wide. These sizes are suggested to ensure that when the design is scanned, it retains high fidelity for large-scale prints, like murals which may be a minimum of 60" wide.
General Instructions for Creating Repeat Patterns:
- Design within a Square Frame: Regardless of the method (vector or hand-drawn), create your design within a square frame. This simplifies creating seamless repeats.
- Plan for the Repeat: Consider how elements at the edges of your design will match up with elements on the opposite edges when the pattern is repeated. Design elements that extend beyond the edge should be matched on the opposite side to ensure a seamless continuation.
- Test the Repeat: Before finalizing, digitally replicate your design tile next to itself in all directions (up, down, left, right) to ensure the pattern repeats seamlessly. Adjust as necessary.
- Scanning Quality: For hand-drawn or painted designs, scan your artwork at a high resolution (at least 300 DPI) to capture all the details. This is crucial for maintaining quality when the design is enlarged for wallpaper printing.
- Final Adjustments: Make any necessary color corrections or adjustments to your scanned image using photo editing software to ensure the final pattern looks as intended.
Finalizing and Printing:
- Vector Designs: Once satisfied with the design and repeat pattern, save your work in a format suitable for professional printing.
- Hand-Drawn/Painted Designs: After scanning and making adjustments, save your final design in a high-quality format recommended by your printer.