Patterns! America’s favorite pastime GernaderJake Welcome Home T-shirt . We don’t think anyone could love patterns as much as our Patterns Design Challenge winner Laura O’Conner. We sat down with Laura to chat about her love for motifs, her creative process, and the things she draws inspiration from.

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The word “patterns” really grabbed my attention, as I had a few pattern designs up my sleeve that I thought could translate well into home decor products GernaderJake Welcome Home T-shirt . l’m really attracted to bright colors and any bold juxtaposition of shapes and repetition. I think I like making a good mix of both traditional doodles and pattern design. I’ve been really getting into textile design this year, so I love seeing my designs used on tactile products people can touch and interact with like a blanket, rug or cushion. The 3D aspect is so exciting and new for me, as I was previously focusing only on wall art and traditional art prints. I have to be in the right headspace to start designing, but it will usually begin with a fleeting idea that I’ve scribbled down, or a color palette I think works well and represents a mood. I love to be inspired by nature and tangible or abstract themes. For example “Calm” is heavily influenced by all the shapes and textures of sea life and the feeling of floating or swimming in an underwater world. “Piña Colada” was designed to evoke memories of sun, sand, and being surrounded by the fruity scent of a tropical cocktail.Right now, I am experimenting with 3D textiles and handmade creations. I hope to design a series of patterns that work as both an art print and something you can feel in your hand with corresponding textures.