Pattern Factory

Pattern Factory shines a light on unconventional contemporary patterns created by cutting edge illustrators and graphic designers and showing how these unique patterns are created, applied to products, and presented in stores. With full-color illustrations throughout, it showcases more than 100 images by artists and designers who create distinct and unique patterns and graphics. It features selected designers and artists who have shown originality in the range of their products as well as in their print designs, and brings an insight into their creative processes with interviews and photos of their working environments. The book will be a useful resource for artists, illustrators, fashion designers/enthusiasts, and graphic designers, and will attract textile and crafts lovers to an under-represented area of popular contemporary visual culture.

When we hear the word "pattern" in the design world, we often associate it with textiles. But this book is not just about textile design, it is about how patterns started to be recognised as art or graphic icons individually, especially in the last decade. This is partly to do with the recent trend towards commercial collaboration that occurs when artists are asked by brands to apply their artwork to various products such as bags, mineral water bottles, and cars. It also reflects how streetwear brands such as Supreme and Stussy have had a strong influence over teenagers and on subcultures such as the skate scene of the 90′s. Many of those who grew up with these influences now have disposable incomes that allow them to buy unique homeware products, clothes, designer toys and other limited edition, visually unique, products. But with these new designs comes a reappreciation of handmade items and craftmanship that can be seen in the way some of the most influential modern designers work using traditional methods. And consumers have responded positively to this sort of uncompromising and personalised style.

Ayako Terashima is a London/Tokyo-based editor, brand consultant, and coordinator. She specializes in work related to graphic art, fashion, and contemporary visual culture. She also co-runs Alakazam, a creative label based in London.