Mastering Timeless Themes in Surface Design: For The Love Of Design

Photo Credits for this collection found here.

For the love of design

In the dynamic world of surface design, chasing the latest trends is common, but true artistic endurance lies in mastering timeless motifs that offer a stable foundation for a portfolio to remain relevant across seasons and trends. Embracing classic themes alongside current trends that align with your personal creative flair is a strategy for lasting success in design, a topic that continues in this series.

As we continue our series on evergreen themes, this time we’re delving into the heart of what it means to create with love, exploring themes of romantic love, family bonds, friendships, and the personal passions that inspire us, all in the spirit of Valentine’s Day! 

As you explore the following inspiration boards, keep in mind how these universal experiences focus on the expressions of love and joy that connect us all.

So, as a sense of love fills the air - let’s get inspired by all the love we feel in our lives. In addition to the passion for romantic love, let’s take a look at the cherished bonds we share with family and friends, as well as the richness our favorite hobbies and interests add to our lives.

Photo Credits for this collection found here.

Evergreen Theme: Romantic Love – Relationships & Places

At the heart of February is the celebration of romantic love. Beyond the classic symbols of Valentine's Day – from chocolates to champagne, to roses – consider the journey of love from all perspectives, from the budding stages to the deep commitment of growing old together. Beyond Valentine's Day, there are numerous events to design for, including dating milestones, engagements, weddings, and anniversaries. Explore the products that extend beyond cards and party invites to wedding decor and mementos. Want to really stand out? You can find a unique take on these inspirations by diving into the romance of dreamy destinations and swoon-worthy historical art and architecture. This is a great category to incorporate the elegance and romanticism of Art Nouveau florals and Baroque architecture. Let those timeless vibes inspire you to create something uniquely, wonderfully you.

Think about embracing the spectrum of loving expressions, including all kinds of romantic relationships, to incorporate special sentiments in your work. Personalized elements like unique nicknames or phrases that couples share, such as "I love you the mostest” (spoiler alert: this is my husband and I’s coveted catchphrase), become motifs for creating deeply personal and resonant designs. This theme can translate into products such as engagement ring boxes, and anniversary photo albums, just to name a few. Check out my Pinterest account for some examples of the variety of products on the market that are a perfect fit for the Romantic Love theme. 

Photo Credits for this collection found here.

Evergreen Theme: Celebrating Family, Friendship & Pets

The love we share with our family, friends, and pets forms the fabric of our lives – no pun intended! The celebration of these particular relationships, from Birthdays to Mother's and Father's Day, and even the twist of Galentine’s Day, highlight the unique ways we express love for the different relationships we each hold dear. The inclusivity of design allows for customization and personalization, reflecting the unique nicknames and terms of endearment we use for family. Whether Grandma goes by Gigi or Gammy, the ability to customize in the print-on-demand space makes it easier to celebrate these special relationships in a very personal way.

Pets, too, are a significant focus, with designs tailored to a wide range of animal companions, recognizing the special place they hold in our hearts. It’s also important to note, that not all animals are created equal – when it comes to design interpretations, that is! Cat lovers, for one, tend to collect all things cat-related. Dog people, though? Well, if you are one, you know…only “my breed” specific designs apply. For a designer, this means creating a wide range of motifs that span from the loveable golden retriever silhouettes to the “on-trend” doodles and Frenchies. This would be a great category to include products such as custom family tree wall art, friendship bracelets with personalized charms, and pet portrait mugs. Check out my curated Pinterest boards, Celebrating Family & Friends and Pets for unique product ideas that celebrate these bonds. 

Photo Credits for this collection found here.

Evergreen Theme: Favorite Things – Hobbies & Interests

Our favorite hobbies and interests are a reflection of what we love doing most, offering endless inspiration for surface design, and can cover such a broad spectrum. From riding a bike to fishing, to crafts like sewing and quilting. The challenge here is to think beyond the literal, incorporating creative patterns and motifs that capture the essence of these activities without being bound by copyright constraints.

Case in point: currently, I am working on a project with a client who loves horses and all things equestrian. Her designs, however, are not all so literal. She's building a pattern collection using her love of horses as inspiration to create motifs that aren't obviously equestrian. So I encourage you to be creative and think out of the box. How can you create artwork for this theme that can be used in different ways from educational books on the subject, embroidery kits, biking clothing, and quilting patterns? This approach opens up a wide range of possibilities to incorporate personal passions into design work. Additionally, by considering the hobbies of people close to us – like the ones our parents or friends enjoy – we can specialize our designs to celebrate these shared interests of a larger community, offering a rich tapestry of themes that resonate on a personal level and stand the test of time in our portfolios. These hobbies can be represented in products like DIY craft kits, themed sportswear, or specialized gardening tools. Be sure to follow my Hobbies & Interests boards for more product inspiration based on this theme.

As we navigate the rich terrain of love in its many forms, I want you to envision your designs evolving and flowing with the calendar. This series aims to inspire surface designers to create works that resonate on a personal level, touching upon the universal themes of love, relationships, and the joys of life. Through exploring romantic places, celebrating relationships, and indulging in our favorite pastimes, we find endless inspiration for designs that speak to the heart. In mastering these timeless themes, I invite you to craft pieces that not only celebrate the moment but endure as expressions of love and passion in all their diversity.

For more insight into my designer brain, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, and let’s continue to stay inspired together!