TED BAKER - pattern and illustration development

As we are wanting to create a range of products, including gift wrap, tags and envelopes, we wanted to make sure we had a range of patterns that we could work with that could then be applied to a number of different products.

I started off by repeating the illustrations to create a simple pattern, experimenting with colour and line.

Every time I completed a pattern or illustration, these were sent to my pattern via social networking so that we could discuss what was working and what wasn't. 

Fox

We originally decided that it might be quite nice just to use simple linear illustration, focusing on clean lines and a black and white colour scheme. However, I wanted to make sure I looked at other possibilities in case these worked better. 

I sent these two simple illustrations to my partner, both of which she really liked, however she noted that the colours used may possibly be too bright for the brand. The colours chosen were representative of the animals, yet I must agree that they perhaps do not reflect Ted Baker's current colour palette. 

These pattern experimentations were sent also. Steph stated that the fifth pattern stood out to her most as she found the simple outline to be effective and not too overpowering. She did note that the coloured patterns looked lovely, however she still felt them too bright. I still wanted to experiment with colour, however, so I will take Steph's feedback into consideration and make sure to use much more muted tones that are appropriate to our content.

Fox 2

Fox 3

Cat

I was sent over this cat from my partner, that reflected an English gentleman, adding humour and brand representation. This outcome was one of our favourites, and we felt that it best displayed the type of visuals we wanted to put out there. 

Colours were used that were much less garish and simplistic, making sure not to distract from what it actually is. The same idea was taken on board and the illustration was repeated to create a pattern.

After sending these ideas to my partner, she appeared enthused and we decided that the cat should definitely be developed upon, making sure that all illustrations used would be of a similar style. 

Acorns

As Steph is good at coming up with little characters, I wanted to make sure that other illustrations were included, that weren't just based on animals. We listed a number of possibilities that surrounded our theme. 

When colour was added to these illustrations, I was extremely pleased with the result as it complimented the style of the animals. It was decided that including other objects was definitely essential and that the colours chosen were effective and stand-out.

Hedgehog

Although on paper this drawing worked, when put into illustrator, it was quite difficult to create the 'spines' without it becoming too busy or looking a little bit messy. Unfortunately, we decided that this illustration didn't really look quite right because of this, and it was either to be re-done or scrapped.

Duck