top of page
  • Writer's pictureRachel Goodchild

Placement design vs. pattern repeat: understanding the key differences

Rachel Goodchild | Creating Pattern


Sample of a Placement Design © Rachel Goodchild
Sample of a Placement Design © Rachel Goodchild

Sample of a Pattern Repeat © Rachel Goodchild
Sample of a Pattern Repeat © Rachel Goodchild

Both placement design and pattern repeat are concepts within the realm of surface pattern design, but they involve different approaches to creating and applying designs. It's not unusual to be asked for both placement design and pattern repeat versions when working on a design project. This will allow for more scope when choosing which products to place the design/pattern onto. Here is a brief explanation of these two types of surface design.



Placement Design


Placement design involves creating a design where specific elements are intentionally placed in a non-repeating manner. Each placement is considered individually, and the design does not rely on a repetitive structure. The goal of placement design is often to create a unique and intentional arrangement of elements, allowing for more flexibility and creativity in the design process.


Placement designs are often used when a specific placement or arrangement of elements is crucial to the overall design concept. This approach is common in certain items of home interior, where the focus is on creating a visually striking composition rather than a repeated pattern. A placement design can also compliment a pattern repeat of the same imagery.





Pattern Repeat


Pattern repeat refers to the repetition of a design element or motif at regular intervals within a pattern, creating a seamless and continuous look when the pattern is applied to a surface. The primary purpose of a pattern repeat is to ensure that the design maintains its visual integrity when extended across a larger area, such as on fabrics, wallpapers, or other surfaces.



In summary, the key difference lies in the organization of design elements. Pattern repeat emphasizes the repetition of elements to create a seamless and continuous pattern, while placement design focuses on the intentional arrangement of elements without the need for repetition. The choice between the two depends on the desired aesthetic, the intended application, and the creative goals of the designer.



Bloom as a placement design © Rachel Goodchild
Bloom as a placement design © Rachel Goodchild
Bloom as a pattern Repeat © Rachel Goodchild
Bloom as a pattern Repeat © Rachel Goodchild
Porton Blue placement design © Rachel Goodchild
Porton Blue placement design © Rachel Goodchild
Porton Blue pattern repeat © Rachel Goodchild
Porton Blue pattern repeat © Rachel Goodchild
Winston Peach placement design © Rachel Goodchild
Winston Peach placement design © Rachel Goodchild

Winston Peach pattern repeat © Rachel Goodchild
Winston Peach pattern repeat © Rachel Goodchild
Diving Elsie placement design © Rachel Goodchild
Diving Elsie placement design © Rachel Goodchild
Diving Elsie pattern repeat © Rachel Goodchild
Diving Elsie pattern repeat © Rachel Goodchild

 

Rachel Goodchild | Design Blog

Creating Pattern for Textile, Product, Home & Packaging



Rachel is a member of ACID (Anti Copying In Design) & DACS (Design & Artists Copyright Society)​All copyright, design rights and other intellectual property rights in Rachel’s designs and products,

as well as images, text and design of this blog remain the property of Rachel Goodchild.

Any infringement of these rights will be vigorously pursued. ​Copyright Images © Rachel Goodchild 2023. All rights reserved.

 

Design Blog

bottom of page