Sources of Design Inspiration In Textile Designing

Textile Designing is a very broad field which includes pattern making, yarn and fibre, weaving, knitting, embroidery, motifs, colours, visual merchandising and fashion trends. A designer plays a key role in textile designing as a Textile designer is responsible to design prints and patterns, creating colour palettes according to the properties of yarn and fibre, product development and trend research. To design a whole new product a textile designer often needs design inspiration but where does that inspiration come from? Let’s discuss the sources of Design inspiration in detail.

Traditional Sources

In textile print design there are many traditional sources of inspiration.Figurative Designs are based on the form of animals, birds, insects, sea life and the human body.Conventional Design is a category which encompasses various objects such as playing cards, bicycles, umbrellas, and fans.Scenic, consisting of outdoor settings, landscapes, plants, and florals, have long been used as reference sources in design.Geometric forms and textures such as animal skin and marbles are other sources of inspiration.

These traditional sources have been used for so long for design inspiration that would make it seem difficult to do anything new or innovative with them. But this is not the case. Many factors may influence the way a designer will interpret traditional reference sources such as technology and contemporary trends. Technology can influence designers as there are so many methods by which textiles are printed today that practically any design can be printed regardless of its complexity. Contemporary trends can also influence artistic direction to a great extent by seeing what competitors are showing in their trend displays, design blogs and trend websites. But perhaps the most important element in the innovative interpretation is the designer's style, this personalized interpretation develops in each designer over time, through training, observation, and practice with aesthetic and technical elements. 

New Sources

Virtually any object has the potential for development into a textile image. The most common objects are the things we see in our daily life. A designer can take inspiration from a cracked egg or some scattered paper clips. Even the crockery set can be a source of inspiration for the development of motifs. Images can be derived from the trash in the streets or practically any natural phenomenon like beautiful waves on the seas, rain or lightning. Architectural structures and furniture can also be used for inspiration. Our environment is filled with a multitude of visual references waiting to be developed into the design. Through awareness and observation, you will discover endless sources of design.

Moreover, the designing of a motif is not always motivated by a reference source. The catalyst for new ideas is sometimes the discovery of a new medium, technique or tool. The designer may create a whole range of interesting concepts based on the use of these alone. Once you have control of a new medium or can produce a new technique with fair consistency, it becomes part of your working vocabulary. But professional designer search constantly for new ways of developing images and designing prints and patterns. 

To create textile designs, you should never limit yourself to an established approach to designing. Rather, you should observe, learn, and avail yourself of a variety of creative avenues. It is important to realize, however, that expertise is not attained overnight. Just as the technique for each step is mastered in stages, artistic development is an ongoing process which continues the designer’s creative life. 

Exposure and Awareness

For most beginning designers, the best sources of stimulation for creative growth and development are provided by exposure and awareness. Visiting current exhibitions in museums and galleries provides exposure to the creative works of others. Reading books stimulates and enriches the mind and imagination. Travelling and experiencing different ways of life and cultures can also be extraordinarily enriching for an artist. Much can be gained by studying the design elements of ancient civilizations and cultures. These factors can inspire you to synthesize what you see into new creations. 

Visual awareness is another important concern. Be aware of your surroundings, notice every detail and more. It is interesting to note that different person looking at the same object often have different interpretations of what they see.The way an object looks can depend upon the visual awareness of each individual. When designing "mistakes" happen but there are times when "mistakes" are more exciting than the original intention. Allow yourself room to grow. Be flexible and open to experimentation.