Motif Evolution Sprint
Prompt:
A design sprint exploring how a single natural motif can evolve across multiple visual styles, demonstrating versatility, creativity, and product relevance.
I began by choosing my motif/theme. I chose bugs, after a chance encounter (the night before) with a cockroach that ran into our apartment, chased by our cat from our terrace. While the roach sparked the idea, I decided to focus on beetles instead, since they offer far more variety in color, pattern, and form. Starting with a realistic cockroach and beetle sketch, I reinterpreted the beetle in five distinct ways: Photorealistic, Stylized, Abstracted, Geometric/Deconstructed, and Whimsical/Illustrative.
Project
Concept Development Exercise
Year
07/20/2025
As you can see from the product renderings below, I leaned heavily into two main directions: my highly detailed realistic insect drawings (beetles and cockroaches) and my deconstructed/abstract beetles.
I developed a series of two realistic insect illustrations so far, with two more in progress to create more dynamic and varied pattern repeats. For the collage/cutout series, I incorporated a few floral elements from previous work to add visual rhythm, color balance, and versatility to the collection. In addition, I created a whimsical beetle scene, which I felt was most appropriate as an illustration for a children’s book, pairing it with a short rhyming verse to bring the scene to life.
Independent Pattern Designs
My new personal designs incorporate the 2025 trends of bright earthy colors to create a fresh and contemporary collection. Drawing inspiration from natural tones and organic elements, these patterns reflect a harmonious blend of sophistication and modernity. Utilizing rich, grounded hues, I aimed to capture the essence of serenity and elegance in each design.
In addition to these trends, I’ve created patterns using hand-drawn elements, including a playful pattern inspired by my cat, Noodle. This playful design, along with others, showcases my personal touch and creative approach to translating everyday inspirations into vibrant, dynamic patterns. This new work stands apart from my internship projects, highlighting my evolving artistic vision and dedication to staying ahead of design trends.
Project
Color Research 2025
Year
07/01/2024
