Designing for Surface Decoration
Browse by Session
Browse by Subject
Specific Courses
Useful Information
Designing for Surface Decoration
Dominique L'Olive BA (Hons)
Surface decoration and pattern design is used in a wide range of products including textiles, ceramics and wrapping paper. This course will involve idea generation and initial design research through to finished artwork for a variety of different products. You can work on short projects set by the tutor or, if you prefer, a longer project or something self-directed if you already have an idea of what you wish to develop. You are encouraged to develop your own ideas as creatively as possible using a range of specific drawing and painting techniques as used by designers in the marketplace. Computers will not be used though the projects you complete will take into account how they may influence design work. Upon completion you will take away with you new practical hand drawing and painting skills and a portfolio of new ideas. This course is suitable for anyone who has some background in design and is interested in developing their skills in 2D and 3D form. Equally it could be a great place for you to refresh existing skills or make the transition from managing designers to yourself designing. Ultimately the course will support anyone who is full of creativity that they wish to explore with like-minded people. This course can be a follow-on from the Drawing and Painting for Textile Design course, or it can be taken independently.
Dominique L'Olive is a textile and surface pattern designer who works in a range of different markets. She teaches on the BA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins.
Alternative Dates and Times
Many of our courses are repeated throughout the year. If the above dates is not suitable for you,
or there are no dates showing for this session, then please choose an alternative session.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- A4 sketchbook
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Apron
- Palette
- Water jar
- Windsor & Newton Gouache Starter Pack
- Selection of painting brushes
Selection of coloured pencils - Selection of coloured felt tips
- HB pencil
- On this course you will be given a project brief to design a textile collection for a specific purpose.
In order to fulfil the brief in the time given it is essential that you conduct some preliminary visual research beforehand. So the most important part is to decide a theme which may be simple ie. flowers, fruit, or more abstract ie. time, space, movement, or an ethnic theme ie. Indian or African art, etc. Primarily the subject needs to be something that you find interesting. When you have decided upon your theme, gather together drawings, images from magazines or postcards, colours, small pieces of fabric, packaging etc - anything that you feel will inspire you and keep your interest during the course. These materials will be used to make a 'storyboard'' which will form the basis of your design collection.






