Shaping a Signature Style Through Precision and Play
In the world of pattern design, the idea of a “signature style” can feel both inspiring and elusive. We often think of artists whose visual language is unmistakable: Van Gogh’s swirling strokes, Degas’ dancers, Klimt’s gilded figures, Hokusai’s bold woodblock lines. Their styles have become shorthand for who they were and for the subjects that compelled them. Their marks are as distinct as fingerprints.
As I navigate my own creative path, I’ve noticed that I’m pulled in two directions, each with its own rationale, challenges, and appeal. And rather than narrowing me down, these contrasting impulses are shaping my understanding of the style I'm slowly building.
One direction is deeply planned and research-driven: my concept for a grand toile de jouy-style pattern that blends Shakespeare, swans, and Stratford’s theatres is an example of this. I know exactly what it requires next: more detailed figure studies, more narrative scenes, more precise drawings. Thanks to the year I spent drawing every day, my illustrative skills have grown, but still take effort. Developing these motifs means pushing myself, failing often, and finding the right balance between illustrative detail and suggestion. I have to keep the end goal of print production in mind as well.
A scenario in progress. So many elements make this a challenge!
The other direction is far more intuitive. After weeks of tightly focused work earlier this fall, I felt the onset of creative weariness. It was not a lack of ideas, but a just struggle to translate them. So I gave myself permission to loosen up. I picked up my markers and fineliners and began doodling free-form paisley shapes, filling them with whatever textures and marks emerged in the moment. Then, I deconstructed that drawing and rebuilt it into an unexpected series of stripes. The whole process felt refreshing, almost miraculous, and reminded me how much joy there is in simply making.
One of the patterns produced with my original paisley.
These two modes, structured storytelling and spontaneous exploration, may look different on the surface, but I’m beginning to see what they share: a love of dense detail and an invitation for the viewer to lean in, look closely, and discover something new.
As I continue my developing my practice, I’m letting both threads remain active. My signature style may not be a single look, but a sensibility that grows from working at both ends of the creative spectrum. And I’m happy to stay in that space of discovery a little longer to see what blooms.
2025: My Creative Year in Review
Here we are again with another year in the books. As I look back, 2025 leaned more toward marketing my patterns than generating dozens of new designs, but that hasn’t made it any less creative. Creativity, for me, stretches far beyond the studio; it shows up in the way I problem-solve, communicate, and steer this little business forward. With that in mind, here are a few highlights from the past twelve months.
Sharpening my creative skills
Even with a busier marketing schedule, I made a few meaningful leaps in my design practice. Field trips to gather my own photography references led to two detailed patterns: one inspired by the towers of St. Marys and another featuring the charismatic goats of Perth County. I also discovered that working with smaller, modular components of larger motifs gave me far more flexibility (and room for intricate detail).
The G.O.A.T. pattern?
Alongside this, I kept exploring my second creative direction: intuitive drawing that is later reconstructed into new patterns. It’s been a refreshing counterbalance to my more deliberate, structured work and continues to spark unexpected ideas. I even carved out some sketchbook time to begin early concepts for a new Stratford-based design for 2026.
Pivoting my approach
This year also marked a shift in how I share my work. I moved from a mostly digital approach to in-person outreach, and the change has been energizing. Armed with a robust product line of tea towels and cushion covers, I was able to easily step out from behind the computer and start visiting shops in St. Marys, Stratford, Blyth, Bayfield, Wortley Village, and Port Stanley.
Road trip to Blyth led to a new partnership!
This approach gave me more direct insight into what resonates with these local curators. I began partnerships with seven shops who have been successfully selling my towels ever since. The standout successes have been the Stratford Festival Shops and the Wild Hog on the edge of Stratford. I have also loved interacting with the shop owner at Penny’s of Blyth who is full of ideas for even bolder displays. These ongoing conversations have created a solid foundation to build on next year.
Moments of connection
The biggest surprise and delight of 2025 has been the variety of one-on-one connections I’ve made with customers and fellow entrepreneurs. I spoke to a local arts group in February sharing my evolution from a ceramic artist to a surface designer. I participated in ten different market days where I spoke with innumerable people interested in my work. Finally, I continued to meet and share insights with fellow designers both online and in person.
One summer market day.
Hearing people’s honest and immediate reactions to my designs has been a revelation. Their curiosity and enthusiasm continues to fuel new ideas and has introduced many more to the world of surface pattern design. I hope this remains a core part of my business moving forward.
Moving forward into the new year
Calling 2025 a whirlwind is an understatement. With so many challenges in the world, it has sometimes been difficult to stay focused. But I hold onto the belief that people need beauty and moments of joy in their harried lives, and I hope my creative work offers a bit of that.
In 2026, I plan to keep my senses open to new opportunities, expand to at least five additional retail partners, and finish my next collection—tentatively titled Animal Instincts (more on that soon).
Many thanks to all of you
One of the real gifts of this creative life is getting to share the journey. Thank you for reading, responding, and encouraging me along the way. Wishing you a restful, restorative holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you again in 2026.
A Little Christmas Gift
Here’s a downloadable pattern from my Paisley Parade Collection. It would be great as a digital background or even as an addition to your greeting cards! Many happy returns for the holiday! Click here to download your copy!
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