What are some best practices for choosing colors and shapes for patterns?

1 Know your purpose

The first step to choosing colors and shapes for your patterns is to know your purpose. What message or mood do you want to convey with your illustration? Who is your audience and what are their preferences? How will your pattern be used and where will it be displayed? These questions will help you narrow down your options and select the colors and shapes that suit your goal.

2 Use a color scheme

A color scheme is a set of colors that work well together and create a certain effect. There are different types of color schemes, such as monochromatic, analogous, complementary, triadic, and tetradic. You can use a color wheel or a tool like Adobe Color to find and generate color schemes for your patterns. A good color scheme will help you create contrast, harmony, and unity in your patterns.

3 Choose simple shapes

When it comes to shapes, less is more. Simple shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles, and polygons, are easier to arrange and repeat in a pattern than complex shapes, such as stars, flowers, or animals. Simple shapes also have a more abstract and versatile look, which can fit different styles and themes. You can use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape to create and edit shapes for your patterns.

4 Vary the size and orientation

One way to make your patterns more dynamic and interesting is to vary the size and orientation of your shapes. You can use different scales, rotations, flips, and distortions to create variations in your patterns. This will add movement, depth, and diversity to your patterns, and prevent them from looking boring or repetitive. You can also use different sizes and orientations to create focal points or emphasize certain elements in your patterns.

5 Follow a grid or a rule

A grid or a rule is a system or a guideline that helps you organize and align your shapes in a pattern. A grid is a set of horizontal and vertical lines that divide your space into equal sections. A rule is a formula or a pattern that determines how your shapes are placed and repeated. For example, you can use a rule like "one big shape, two small shapes, one big shape" to create a rhythm in your pattern. A grid or a rule will help you create consistency, order, and balance in your patterns.

6 Experiment and have fun

The last but not least best practice for choosing colors and shapes for patterns is to experiment and have fun. There is no right or wrong way to create patterns in vector illustration, as long as you follow some basic principles and use your creativity. You can try different combinations, styles, effects, and techniques to find what works best for you and your project. You can also look for inspiration from other artists, nature, or everyday objects. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and express yourself with your patterns.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?