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Hello Reader,

The image above is by Tracy Krauter from Splash Fabrics—she is one of our industry experts sharing their top ten tips in the current issue of UPPERCASE (#65 April-May-June) in the Surface Pattern Design Guide.

This issue is a must-have guide for artists curious about surface pattern design—it's a creative pursuit that encompasses art-making, illustration, design and entrepreneurship! There are 100 portfolios from new and seasoned designers, plus many experts sharing their tips. So much beauty, inspiration and wisdom is within these pages.

Please subscribe, renew or purchase a single copy of this issue to add it to your professional library.

Submit your surface pattern design work to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or in UPPERCASE magazine. There are also three current open calls for the next issue: Design your own dingbat, Jewellery & Adornments, and Attention to Detail.

Pattern Journal Submissions

I started my own fabric company—and now I design all the prints! by Tracy Krauter, Splash Fabrics

Raising three boys, I knew there had to be a better solution to everyday messes. When I couldn't find the perfect fabric—soft yet waterproof, durable yet sewable, fun designs in good colors—I knew I had to build my own fabric company. Today, our signature laminated cotton transforms ordinary items into spill-proof shields, creating beautiful, practical solutions that protect your tables and your bags’ contents, reduce your laundry, while adding a splash of joy to daily life. Designing fabric and creating winners is tricky. It's art, skill, and lots of trial and error. I have to follow my gut. I also had to build the company behind it to create demand for more designs. It's a combination of sewing, art, business, bull-headed determination and community. I couldn't have done it without all the twisty turns that came before. I'd love to tell you more. Instagram / Website​

Fish Patterns
by Erwin Ong

I am continually inspired by underwater creatures in my work—especially fish! I love the variety in shapes, lines, and patterns in their bodies; the variety in their behavior (being solitary, or traveling in schools); and how fish are a symbol of luck, prosperity, and abundance in different cultures around the world. Instagram / Website​

Echoes of Light: Patterns Reflecting Nature and Climate Through Visual Language by Gianluca Franzese

I am Gianluca Franzese, an Italian-born American artist based in San Francisco, specializing in surface pattern designs that incorporate precious metals like gold and silver leaf. My work elegantly combines geometric and organic patterns, deeply rooted in the traditional craftsmanship of metal leafing—a skill I inherited from my father, a skilled jeweler. These designs extend beyond mere decoration; they're meticulously crafted to engage viewers, evoke environmental consciousness, and foster interactions with light, adding depth and a dynamic perspective. My artistic practice blends traditional techniques with modern innovations to inspire through aesthetically pleasing yet profoundly meaningful patterns. As a passionate advocate for climate action, my patterns creatively address global warming issues. As a deaf artist, I employ visual language not only as a form of expression but as a vital means of communication and connection. Instagram / Website​

Patterns(areLife)
by Gabrielle Lasporte

The Patterns(areLife) series by Gabrielle Lasporte explores how patterns—both micro and macro—mirror the complexities of human life, encouraging introspection and recognition of repeating life cycles. This concept extends seamlessly into commercial surface design, where patterns do more than decorate; they evoke emotion, memory, and connection. Just as the series examines emotional liberation through visual storytelling, surface design has the power to shape experiences, offering comfort, nostalgia, or energy through its compositions. Whether on textiles, wallpapers, or product surfaces, patterns become a silent yet impactful language, granting people permission to feel and acknowledge their emotions. By blending artistic depth with functional design, Gabrielle’s work bridges fine art and commercial application, making emotional resonance an integral part of everyday life. Instagram / Website​